WIF India offers Cannes scholarships for women producers starting March 11, 2026

WIF India is offering new scholarships for women producers to attend the Cannes Film Festival 2026. This program aims to give emerging talent more chances to connect with global film experts.
By Newsroom | Film, India |

New Scholarship Program Targets Emerging Talent, Building on Past Initiatives

Women in Film India (WIF India), an organization spearheaded by Oscar-winning producer Guneet Monga Kapoor, has announced a new scholarship aimed at bolstering the presence of Indian women producers at international film markets. This initiative, launched on March 11, 2026, in collaboration with the impACT Lab at Cannes' Marché du Film, offers selected candidates an opportunity to engage in online workshops and network with industry professionals during the festival in May 2026.

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The scholarship is specifically designed for Indian women who have produced at least two short films and are currently developing their first feature film. The application deadline is set for March 17, 2026. This program seeks to provide ''accessible and immersive platforms to accelerate their careers and deepen their understanding of global co-production systems, creative strategies, and film messaging.''. Two candidates will be chosen to participate in the film market at the Cannes Film Festival 2026.

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Bridging the Exposure Gap

According to Rabia Chopra, programming and development head at WIF India, the scholarship aims to address a critical gap: "For many women producers in India, meaningful engagement with the international co-production ecosystem can be limited." The impACT Lab partnership is highlighted as a means to "bring together mentorship, access, and global industry exposure." The program emphasizes developing films sustainably and navigating a complex global landscape.

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A Pattern of Support

This scholarship is not an isolated effort. In May 2025, WIF India made its global debut at the Cannes Film Festival, launching its inaugural fellowship program. This earlier initiative selected three mid-career producers – actor and producer Tillotama Shome, studio executive and producer Rucha Pathak, and independent producer Dimpy Agarwal – granting them access to the Producers Network at the Marché du Film.

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"With WIF India, we’re putting real structure behind the idea of equality – mentorship, access, and leadership pathways," stated Guneet Monga Kapoor, founder of WIF India, at the time of the 2025 launch. She further emphasized that the debut was "just the beginning of a long term commitment in investing in women not just for today, but for the future of the Indian entertainment industry."

Regional and Wider Impact

Beyond the main fellowship recipients in 2025, WIF India also provided a special accreditation grant to Shefali Bhushan, a producer from the Marathi film industry, whose film was being showcased at the Cannes Film Market. The organization also launched its official website, www.womeninfilmindia.org, signifying a structured approach to its operations. Participants in these programs are also encouraged to share their acquired knowledge within the broader WIF India community, aiming for a 'multiplier effect' of the program's influence. The broader goal, as articulated by Kirsten Schaffer, CEO of Women in Film LA, is to provide women with "equal opportunities to govern and produce in film and television."

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Genesis of WIF India

Women in Film India was established as a chapter of the global Women in Film network, with its official debut coinciding with the 2025 Cannes Film Festival. The organization positions itself as a structure aimed at achieving equality through mentorship, access, and leadership development for women in the Indian film and television sector. The latest scholarship represents an expansion of this commitment, focusing on emerging producers at an earlier stage of their careers.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What is the new scholarship program from WIF India for Cannes 2026?
WIF India announced a new scholarship on March 11, 2026, to help Indian women producers attend the Cannes Film Festival in May 2026. It includes online workshops and chances to meet industry people.
Q: Who can apply for the WIF India Cannes scholarship?
The scholarship is for Indian women producers who have made at least two short films and are now working on their first feature film. The application deadline is March 17, 2026.
Q: Why is WIF India offering this scholarship for Cannes 2026?
The program wants to help women producers get better access to international film markets and learn more about global co-production and film strategies. It aims to give them more chances to grow their careers.
Q: How is this scholarship different from WIF India's past programs?
This new scholarship focuses on emerging producers who are earlier in their careers. In May 2025, WIF India had a fellowship for mid-career producers, giving them access to the Cannes Producers Network.
Q: What is the main goal of WIF India's work?
WIF India aims to create equality in the film industry by offering mentorship, access, and leadership chances for women. They want to invest in women for the future of the Indian entertainment business.