Rotterdam script fund backs two Indian films

The Hubert Bals Fund (HBF) of the International Film Festival of Rotterdam (IFFR) has, for the first time ever, selected two Indian films for script and project development.

These two projects Dominic Sangma's sophomore feature "Rapture" and Payal Kapadia's feature film debut "All We Imagine As Light" are among 12 upcoming works by both new talents and established names that will receive 9,000 euros each in HBF's spring round of funding.

Fay Breeman, HBF manager, said, "This year's selection shows HBF's strong commitment to supporting new talent." In an informal chat during the 72nd Cannes Film Festival, she made special mentions of "the striking originality" of the projects.

The HBF's Script and Project Development scheme is divided into two sections: Bright Future for feature films by debutant or second-time filmmakers and Voices for films by directors more advanced in their careers. Both the selected Indian projects are part of the former category.

Film and Television Institute of India (FTII) alumna Payal Kapadia, whose short film "Afternoon Clouds" was in the Cannes Cinefondation competition in 2017, said: "I am very happy that my project has been selected for the Hubert Bals Fund. We now have the initial support that is the first step towards making the film."
Film producer Samir Sarkar of Magic Hour Films, said: "Festivals like IFFR invest in talent. They not only give you development funding but also look to provide further funds. They hold your hand and take you through the whole journey."