NFDC Screenwriters’ Lab 2024: Showcasing Six Exciting New Scripts

The NFDC Screenwriters’ Lab (Features) 2024 has unveiled its six selected projects, highlighting a diverse array of voices from across India. This year’s edition received over 150 submissions from 21 states, showcasing a rich tapestry of languages and genres.

Hawa Mithai by Anuritta K Jha (Maithili & Hindi) - A heartwarming tale of a young boy's magical quest to regain his mother's love.

I’ll Smile in September by Aakash Chhabra (Hindi, Urdu, Pahadi & Punjabi) - A young brass band player’s journey to find his smile after a brutal altercation.

Kalaa Kaali (The Art Of The Dark) by Anam Danish (English & Hindi) - Siblings uncover and confront a generational curse using their family’s black magic tradition.

Konyak by Uddhav Ghosh (Konyak Naga, Hindi & English) - A young warrior's struggle to protect his tribe amidst a deadly feud in Nagaland.

Mangal - The Holy Beast by Triparna Maiti (Assamese, Malayalam & Hindi) - The journey of an elephant from captivity to becoming a revered deity, seeking freedom.

Piyush Ki Toh...Nikal Padi (To Pee or Not To Pee) by Piyush Srivastava (Hindi) - A comedic tale of a man’s mishap during his first visit to his in-laws due to a missing pack of adult diapers.

The lab's three-part program will include a five-month intensive workshop with expert mentors Marten Rabarts (New Zealand), Claire Dobbin (Australia), and Ritesh Shah (India). The participants will refine their scripts and pitch them at Film Bazaar 2024, connecting with producers and investors.

NFDC's initiative continues to foster new talent and original storytelling, building on a legacy of successful projects like The Lunchbox and Lipstick Under My Burkha.