Filmmaker and producer Sonya V. Kapoor, along with collaborator Amrita Mendonza, has announced the launch of the M5 Entertainment Global Film Fund, marking its debut with the fund’s first-ever award at the NFDC’s WAVES Film Bazaar to be held concurrently with the India International Film Festival (IFFI) that kicks off in Goa today.

The initiative, unveiled in Los Angeles, is aimed at championing unique filmmaking voices from India and around the world, according to a UNI report.

The newly introduced fund is tailored to support and elevate emerging talent, offering not just financial backing but also industry guidance to help selected films gain international visibility. The inaugural M5 Entertainment Global Film Fund award will be presented during the closing ceremony of the IFFI’s WAVES Film Bazaar, recognising a project that stands out for its artistic strength and global relevance.

Speaking about the initiative, Kapoor said the fund was created to spotlight filmmakers whose stories deserve wider international attention. She emphasised that the award reflects a personal commitment to championing creators with strong artistic perspectives and ensuring their work reaches the audiences it merits.

Mendonza echoed this sentiment, noting that their focus is on filmmakers who exhibit originality and exceptional promise. The award, she said, marks the beginning of a long-term effort to nurture creative talent ready to rise on the global stage.

Through this collaboration, M5 Entertainment aims to boost international artistic exchange and create more opportunities for filmmakers seeking global recognition.

10 Restored Classics To Be Showcased: Rekha’s iconic ‘Umrao Jaan’, Guru Dutt’s timeless ‘Pyaasa’, and Ritwik Ghatak’s ‘Subarnarekha’ are among the 10 meticulously restored classics set to be showcased at the 55th IFFI, which is being held in Goa.

According to a PTI report, Prasad — a global leader in film restoration, preservation and post-production — has collaborated with NFDC-NFAI on a major restoration initiative. The effort aims to revive landmark works that represent some of the most powerful creative voices in Indian cinema, bringing them back to the big screen in enhanced form for a new generation of viewers.

As part of the line-up, two of Muzaffar Ali’s celebrated films, ‘Umrao Jaan’ and ‘Gaman’, will be screened on November 21 and 22, respectively. Both films have undergone detailed restoration to preserve their visual and musical essence. Kalpana Lajmi’s ‘Rudaali’, starring Dimple Kapadia in one of her most acclaimed performances, will also be featured in its restored version on November 22.

The classics section has long been a favourite at IFFI, and the inclusion of these newly restored titles is expected to draw strong interest from cinephiles, students of cinema and admirers of India’s rich film heritage.