Academy Award-winning producer Guneet Monga Kapoor is taking her advocacy for women in Indian cinema to the Toronto International Film Festival, where an Indian government-backed program will showcase projects with female creatives in key roles.
The #WIFIndiaAtTIFF campaign represents a collaboration between Women in Film India, the Indian Ministry of Information and Broadcasting’s WAVES Bazaar, and the National Film Development Corporation of India. Six film projects will be selected for the September festival, with each represented by two team members.
This marks the first occasion that female Indian filmmakers will collectively represent the country’s diverse cinematic output at TIFF, following WIF India’s debut at Cannes in May.
The program supports Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s broader policy objectives around female empowerment, according to organizers.
Ministry of Information and Broadcasting Secretary Sanjay Jaju said: “Indian cinema is one of our strongest cultural ambassadors on a global stage, and it is essential that the world sees it in all its diversity. Women have been at the heart of our storytelling tradition. This initiative with Women in Film India is aimed at identifying talent, providing access, and ensuring our women filmmakers can compete and collaborate on equal footing with the best in the world in a structured and sustainable manner.”
“This is not just a delegation, it’s a declaration: Indian women in film are owning the global stage,” added Monga Kapoor. “Our stories have been making a deep impact internationally, year after year. I’m proud to bring WIF to TIFF, the champion of emerging voices, as part of a one-of-a-kind program crafted with the support of the Ministry of Information & Broadcasting, Government of India.”
The delegation will be coordinated with U.S. creative strategy firm Product of Culture, which previously worked with WIF India at Cannes.
“Our collaboration with Women in Film India for TIFF 2025 is part of a long-term vision that goes beyond a single festival – it’s about building momentum to spotlight Indian filmmakers, expand distribution opportunities, and secure global recognition for their work,” said Archana Misra Jain, CEO of Product of Culture.
The selection window is now open with an expert jury of industry professionals evaluating submissions. Winners will be revealed after Aug. 20, with the TIFF delegation traveling to Toronto in September.
Each of the six chosen projects will send two representatives – one female filmmaker plus an additional team member – creating a 12-person cohort. The program covers festival accreditation, travel expenses, and accommodation for a five-day conference experience.
Beyond basic festival access, participants will receive mentorship opportunities and introductions to international co-producers, festival programmers, and sales representatives.
“We are seeking passionate film projects led by women of Indian origin,” Monga Kapoor added. “Selected filmmakers will get to shape their projects through immersive incubation and receive unprecedented exposure to TIFF’s coveted programming. This is a bold and necessary step towards greater exposure and representation of women in cinema and storytelling.”
Eligible teams must include at least one woman and demonstrate previous filmmaking experience through released work across any format – theatrical films, shorts, series, or digital platform content.
Applicants need WIF India membership and registration with the government’s WAVES portal. The submission package requires multiple components including pitch materials, biographical information, work samples, and legal documentation.
Projects may be submitted at any development phase. Those still in pre-production must provide proof of script registration with the Screen Writers Association, while completed films require producer authorization.
The initiative welcomes filmmakers working across India’s multiple languages and regional industries.