When South Asian Stories Get the Spotlight: A Big Moment for Storytellers

Four South Asian filmmakers are about to experience a life-changing moment. The Tasveer Film Fund has partnered with Netflix once again to award $35,000 grants to emerging and mid-level creators in the US and Canada – and this time, it’s bigger than ever. The grants support stories that have been waiting to be told, from perspectives that mainstream North American cinema rarely showcases.

In October, nine finalists will stand before industry professionals at the newly reopened Tasveer Film Center in Seattle. Live pitching brings out the nerves and excitement as filmmakers share their most personal projects. They’ll have minutes to convince a jury that their story deserves to exist, that their vision of South Asian experience needs to reach audiences who’ve been hungry for exactly these kinds of authentic narratives.

When Recognition Changes Everything

‘I’m so honoured that Tasveer recognised my story, and they recognised the Sale and recognised me as a filmmaker,’ says Meera Joshi, winner of the 2024 Tasveer Film Fund and writer-director of The Sale. ‘The kind of responses that I got to my film pitch were so moving and has carried me through the whole production process.’

That’s the power of being seen. For South Asian women filmmakers, who have historically been cast in limited roles both on screen and behind the camera, moments like Joshi’s represent something profound. Major film festivals have been working to include more women’s voices, and Tasveer’s commitment shows how this validation matters for creators who need their perspectives recognised.

Building a Home for South Asian Storytellers

Tasveer has been nurturing this community for over two decades, but their recent achievements have been remarkable. The Seattle-based organisation runs the world’s only Oscar-qualifying South Asian film festival – a distinction that transforms careers overnight. When a short film wins the festival’s Best Short Film award, it becomes eligible for Oscar consideration, offering filmmakers a pathway to the industry’s highest honours.

The Film Fund, now in its sixth year, has already supported 15 filmmakers since launching in 2020. Many of these creators have gone on to find success in the industry, their careers boosted by the combination of financial support, mentorship and the visibility that comes with Tasveer’s platform. This approach mirrors how community-driven film funding supports independent filmmakers outside traditional studio systems.

‘The Tasveer Film Fund is more than just financial support – it’s a powerful movement to elevate South Asian stories globally,’ explains Rita Meher, Executive Director of Tasveer, alongside Anushree Shukla, Associate Director of Tasveer Film Market.

Stories Worth Discovering

These aren’t films about distant lands or exotic ‘otherness’. They’re intimate explorations of family dynamics, love, ambition and identity that happen to be told through South Asian experiences. The beauty lies in how universal themes are filtered through specific cultural lenses, creating stories that feel both deeply personal and widely relatable.

For audiences who love discovering fresh perspectives in cinema, these emerging creative voices represent the future of storytelling. You might catch one of these funded films at film festivals across North America or streaming online. They’re the kind of shorts that stick with you, offering glimpses into experiences that mainstream cinema has overlooked for far too long.

The Path Forward

Submissions for this year’s fund remain open through 5 August 2025, with finalists announced ahead of the October pitch event. The live pitch format creates something special – a sense of community among creators and visibility with key film industry figures who can open doors to future opportunities.

Nine filmmakers will experience the adrenaline of presenting their passion projects to decision-makers. Four will walk away with funding to bring their visions to life. All will gain something invaluable: recognition from a community that understands the importance of their voices.

A Cinema Worth Celebrating

The real celebration isn’t just about the funding – it’s about what happens next. More people get to see themselves reflected on screen, or discover perspectives they’d never encountered before. It’s the joy of stumbling across a short film that makes you think differently about family, identity or what it means to belong.

Whether you’re South Asian yourself or simply someone who appreciates authentic storytelling, these films represent something worth supporting. Check out the Tasveer Film Festival when it returns, keep an eye out for shorts by emerging South Asian creators, and celebrate these stories from wherever you are. These voices have been waiting their turn, and now they’re getting the recognition they deserve.