LGBTQIA+ stories told by queer filmmakers not only make cinema more inclusive, but also give us authentic films rooted in lived-in experiences. A major challenge facing independent queer filmmakers in India, however, is financing. Recognising the gap in Indian cinema, the Yellowstone International Film Festival (YiFF) is set to launch the KSF Queer Grant, sponsored by Keshav Suri Foundation and Lotus Visual Productions, early next month.

As part of the initiative, two filmmakers will be selected every year, each receiving USD 10,000 in production funding, alongside a nine-month programme of industry mentorship, end-to-end creative and production support. Tushar Tyagi, founder, YiFF, said, “This grant will open many doors for queer storytellers across India. [We’ll accept] applications for the grant from January 20 and the submission deadline is April 20. The winners will be announced by May-end.”