Oscar-winning producer Guneet Monga Kapoor has unveiled her latest initiative — Women in Film India (WIF India) — on the global stage with a powerful debut at the Cannes Film Festival. Marking its launch, the organization announced the Women in Film India Fellowship: Cannes Producers Edition, a new program designed to elevate mid-career Indian women producers by providing unparalleled access to international film networks.
“This launch is just the beginning of a long-term commitment to investing in women — not just for today, but for the future of the Indian entertainment industry,” said Kapoor. “With WIF India, we’re putting real structure behind the idea of equality — through mentorship, access, and leadership pathways.”
Supported by Women in Film Los Angeles (WIF LA), WIF India becomes part of a global coalition of over 50 chapters across six continents working collectively to advance gender equity in the film and television industries.
As part of its debut initiative, WIF India has selected three accomplished producers to receive fellowships granting them access to the Producers Network at the Marché du Film at Cannes:
- Tillotama Shome, an acclaimed actor making her producing debut with the Bengali film Baksho Bondi (Shadowbox)
- Rucha Pathak, veteran studio executive and producer known for Paan Singh Tomar, Neerja, Barfi, and Madgaon Express
- Dimpy Agarwal, an independent producer with a focus on socially conscious storytelling, known for Chashma, Umeed, and Monica O My Darling
Additionally, WIF India has awarded an Accreditation Grant to Shefali Bhushan, a standout producer from the Marathi film industry whose film Sthal is being showcased at the Cannes Film Market.
Kirsten Schaffer, CEO of Women in Film LA, praised the partnership: “Our collaboration with Women in Film India marks a vital step toward building a global, interconnected community of support for women across the screen industries. This fellowship is a key part of the solution in ensuring that women have equal opportunities to create high-quality film and television.”
WIF India is governed by a prominent Board of Directors representing the full spectrum of India’s film and media ecosystem, including:
Siddharth Roy Kapur, Karan Johar, Faye D’Souza, Anupama Chopra, Tahira Kashyap, Gauri Shinde, Nikhil Advani, Jyoti Deshpande, Gayatri Yadav, Aparna Purohit, Varun Grover, Kanika Dhillon, Vani Tripathi, Miriam Joseph, Ekta Kapoor, Twinkle Khanna, and Guneet Monga Kapoor.
This historic launch at Cannes positions WIF India as a transformative force in global cinema — championing equity, access, and excellence for women in film.