Nature inFocus’ Emerging Filmmaker Grant (India)

They are looking for fresh perspectives and filmmakers who are interested in conservation storytelling.

These short films should shine a light on conservation measures to communicate the message to a larger audience. Visually compelling narratives that build awareness and encourage action will be the focus of this grant.

Topics

• Climate change mitigation
  • Spotlight on initiatives or individuals that work to reduce the impacts of the ongoing climate crisis.
  • From shining a light on a water conservation initiative or a government adopting life-saving heat action plans or a farmer cultivating climate-resilient crops, they are looking to share stories of hope and persistence in this era of climate change. While several narratives out there have delved into the complexities of the changing world, it’s time to focus on the solutions and ways to combat the issue.
• Community-based conservation and reforestation
  • Spotlight on community action for conservation and collective rewilding efforts.
  • Tell them a powerful story of community action. They are looking for stories where people unite and communities come together for a singular cause – whether it is to protect a species, rewild a patch of land or preserve a local water body. Show them that communities can make a difference and that collective action is the only way forward.

Funding Information

• Grant Amount: INR 4.5 Lakhs each.

Stages

• The funds will be allocated in three stages as outlined below:
  • Story Development- 1L
    • Team Nature inFocus will help the grantees build their stories and outline their films.
  • Field Expenses and Shoot- 2.5L
    • Team Nature inFocus will provide guidance and feedback on technical aspects. Feedback on footage will also be shared in a timely manner.
  • Final Edit- 1L
    • Team Nature inFocus will provide feedback during the post-production phase, ensuring timely quality output.
    • The films will be promoted on the Nature inFocus portal as well as social media channels. The films will also be showcased at the Nature inFocus Festival.

Eligibility Criteria

• The grant will be open to emerging filmmakers from India only. Candidates should provide proof of prior experience in making natural history and conservation films.
• The applicant should not have more than five years of paid experience in filmmaking.
• The applicant should not have a Producer/Director/Executive Producer credit in a broadcast film.
• Only citizens of India can apply and the films should showcase stories from the country.
• Indian citizens residing in other countries can apply as long as the film features stories from India.
• The grant is open to films in their ideation stage and also films already in progress.
• Films in progress must be self-funded and not have any external financial support to be eligible for the grant.
• All applicants must provide a brief concept note/presentation of their proposed film along with their application.
• For ongoing films, the applicants must provide footage of work in progress. Both, unedited and edited footage are admissible.
• Once shortlisted, applicants must present their pitch to the jury members through a virtual session. The three grant winners will be notified via email.

Terms

• Nature inFocus and the Funders will be the producers for these films.
• The producers should be mentioned in the end credits.
• Filmmakers must obtain requisite permissions from local authorities or forest departments. Nature inFocus will not provide any assistance in the same.
• The grantee can submit the film for awards and film festivals, with Nature inFocus and the Funders mentioned as the producers.
• The complete footage (used and unused) will belong to Nature inFocus and the Thakurdas Badrinarain Foundation Society for a period of three years.

For more information, visit Nature inFocus.