The Tasveer Film Fund, North America’s leading grant and mentorship initiative dedicated to supporting South Asian storytellers, has opened applications for its seventh edition, according to a statement issued by Netflix on June 25.

The fund, which was launched in 2020 and expanded through a partnership with Netflix in 2021, aims to address the lack of funding, mentorship and professional access available to mid-level North American filmmakers creating stories from South Asian perspectives.

Applications for the latest edition are now open, with four selected projects set to receive USD 35,000 each in production support, along with industry mentorship and access to Tasveer’s network of producers, executives and creative leaders.

Selected finalists will also participate in a live competitive pitch forum, where they will present their projects before a panel of industry professionals. The initiative is designed to strengthen production readiness, accelerate project development and create networking opportunities with decision-makers across the entertainment industry.

Completed films will premiere within Tasveer’s Oscar-qualifying festival ecosystem, providing filmmakers with festival exposure and potential distribution opportunities.

Established in 2020, the Tasveer Film Fund is North America’s premier grant and mentorship programme focused on stories from South Asian perspectives. The initiative supports emerging filmmakers through production grants, professional mentorship and industry access, helping them transform original short film ideas into completed projects while building pathways to careers in the global film industry. Since partnering with Netflix in 2021, the programme has expanded its reach and scale.

According to the Netflix statement, the fund has supported 19 filmmakers and projects since its inception, providing production grants, mentorship and opportunities to create strong directorial samples that can attract industry recognition and future development opportunities.

“The program has become a proven launchpad for emerging South Asian voices, with alumni going on to earn festival selections, awards, fellowships, and development deals with major studios and platforms,” said Rita Meher, Executive Director of Tasveer, along with Uzma Khan and Anushree Shukla, Co-Film Fund Managers.

The statement also noted that several alumni have returned to the programme as mentors and jurors, helping strengthen the ecosystem for the next generation of filmmakers.

Interest in the programme continues to grow, with applications increasing by 67 percent between 2024 and 2025, reflecting rising demand for platforms that champion authentic South Asian stories and provide meaningful pathways into the film industry.

Applications for the seventh edition are currently open through FilmFreeway.