Academy Award-winning producer Guneet Monga Kapoor is making her mark on Cannes by launching a new initiative that spotlights three rising women producers from India, part of her newly established Women in Film India (WIF India) chapter.
The organization, officially debuting this month under Monga Kapoor’s leadership, has selected acclaimed actor and emerging producer Tillotama Shome (Berlinale selection “Shadowbox”), veteran studio executive and creative producer Rucha Pathak, and independent producer Dimpy Agarwal, known for socially conscious storytelling, as the inaugural recipients of its prestigious fellowship program.
“With WIF India, we’re putting real structure behind the idea of equality – mentorship, access, and leadership pathways,” said Monga Kapoor, founder of WIF India. “This launch is just the beginning of a long term commitment in investing in women not just for today, but for the future of the Indian entertainment industry.”
The Women in Film India Fellowship: Cannes Producers Edition gives these mid-career producers access to the Producers Network at the Cannes Film Market. Each producer brings a distinct creative perspective to the international marketplace, collectively representing the diversity and ambition of India’s evolving film landscape.
In addition to the three main fellows, WIF India has awarded a special accreditation grant to Shefali Bhushan, an outstanding woman producer from the Marathi-language film industry, further expanding the organization’s support for regional voices.
Backed by Women In Film Los Angeles (WIF LA) and Women in Film and Television International (WIFTI), the India chapter joins a global coalition of over 50 chapters across six continents working to advance gender equity in entertainment. This launch represents a significant milestone for India’s creative community and builds on decades of international advocacy for representation in media.
“Our partnership with Women in Film, India marks an important step toward building a strong, interconnected community that supports women across all aspects of the screen industries,” said Kirsten Schaffer, CEO of Women in Film. “This fellowship is a key part of the solution to ensuring that women have equal opportunity to create high quality film and television.”
Beyond gaining insight into international co-production and financing landscapes, fellowship recipients will receive mentorship and networking opportunities on a global scale. Participants are also tasked with sharing their knowledge with the broader WIF India community, creating a multiplier effect that extends the program’s impact beyond the festival itself.
