WIF India Announces Maiden All-Women Delegation to Toronto International Film Festival

By: WE staff | Thursday, 4 September 2025

• Women in Film (WIF) India, together with the Ministry of Information & Broadcasting (I&B), announced the first all-female delegation to the Toronto International Film Festival (TIFF)
• The festival will take place from September 4 to September 9, 2025
• Six women filmmakers were selected from among 23 shortlisted projects

Women in Film (WIF) India, with the patronage of the Ministry of Information & Broadcasting (I&B), has launched the nation's first six-member women delegation to the Toronto International Film Festival (TIFF), starting September 4 and ending September 9.

Out of 23 shortlisted projects, six directors were chosen: Arshaly Jose (A Dandelion's Dream), Deepa Bhatia (Rabbit Hole), Katyayani Kumar (Sons of The River), Madhumita Sundararaman (The Guest House), Paromita Dhar (Ulta), and Pramati Anand (A Late Autumn Dream).

The program, organized by the National Film Development Corporation (NFDC) and supported by Waves Bazaar, the flagship global markets platform of the Ministry, seeks to bring into limelight Indian women filmmakers at a powerful international platform.

The shortlisted projects were selected via a countrywide competition that received more than 200 submissions in a matter of one week from states such as Uttar Pradesh, Sikkim, Meghalaya, Manipur, Karnataka, Maharashtra, Delhi, West Bengal, and Chandigarh.

The initiative provides international exposure, mentorship, networking, and pitching and deal-making training. It aims to enhance representation and forge opportunities for Indian women filmmakers to participate in global co-productions, funding, and distribution.

WIF India will execute the programme in association with U.S.-based Product of Culture, with ongoing mentorship assistance from WIF India, WIF Los Angeles, Academy Award-winner Guneet Monga Kapoor, and members of Jury.

This program, part of global women's network Women in Film & Television International (WIFTI), launched at the 77th Cannes Film Festival, continues WIF's long-time commitment, since its founding in 1973, to advancing gender balance within the screen industries.