NFDC Selects Six Projects for 17th Edition of Screenwriters’ Lab

Mumbai: The National Film Development Corporation (NFDC) has announced the selection of six diverse projects for the 17th edition of its Screenwriters’ Lab, aimed at nurturing and promoting original voices in Indian cinema. This year, more than 150 applications were submitted from 21 states, showcasing the country’s rich storytelling landscape.

The selected screenwriters, who hail from diverse backgrounds in ad films, short films, novels, documentaries, and feature films, have crafted scripts in a wide array of languages, including Hindi, Urdu, Pahadi, Punjabi, Assamese, Malayalam, Konyak, English, and Maithili.

“We believe that a well-written script is the foundation of a compelling story, engaging characters, and meaningful dialogue. Our goal is to train writers to develop their unique stories and successfully pitch them to domestic and international producers and investors at Film Bazaar 2024,” said the NFDC Film Bazaar team.

The three-part intensive Screenwriters’ Lab provides selected participants the opportunity to work closely with noted mentors from India and abroad. Over the course of five months, they will fine-tune their screenplays through personalized sessions with acclaimed script experts. The projects will ultimately be pitched to producers and investors, positioning them for success in both domestic and international markets.

Selected Projects for Screenwriters’ Lab 2024:

1. Hawa Mithai (Candy Floss) by Anuritta K Jha
   (Languages: Maithili & Hindi)
   A heart-warming tale of a 6-year-old boy, Tundu, and his friend Bullu, who embark on a fantastical journey inspired by Lord Hanuman’s legend to win back Tundu’s mother’s love.
2. I’ll Smile in September by Aakash Chhabra
   (Languages: Hindi, Urdu, Pahadi & Punjabi)
   After losing his front teeth and the love of his life, a young brass band player from Old Delhi seeks to find his smile again.
3. Kalaa Kaali (The Art of the Dark) by Anam Danish
   (Languages: English & Hindi)
   Siblings investigate a family death and uncover a generational curse involving black magic, setting out to end it.
4. Konyak by Uddhav Ghosh
   (Languages: Konyak Naga, Hindi & English)
   A young warrior in Nagaland battles betrayal and an ancient feud between headhunting tribes to protect his community.
5. Mangal – The Holy Beast by Triparna Maiti
   (Languages: Assamese, Malayalam & Hindi)
   The journey of Mangal, an elephant taken as a calf and revered as a deity, who ultimately breaks free from the chains of captivity.
6. Piyush Ki Toh…Nikal Padi (To Pee or Not to Pee) by Piyush Srivastava
   (Language: Hindi)
   A 32-year-old man faces a comedic nightmare at his in-laws’ home when he’s left without adult diapers, forcing him on a heartwarming quest to maintain his dignity.

The NFDC Screenwriters’ Lab 2024 promises to showcase a unique blend of stories that capture the diversity of India’s regions and cultures. As these projects move toward potential production, they highlight the importance of strong storytelling and the NFDC’s role in shaping the future of Indian cinema.