Academy Award-winning producer Guneet Monga Kapoor is making waves at Cannes with the launch of a new initiative that highlights three emerging women producers from India, as part of her newly formed Women in Film India (WIF India) chapter.

Under Monga Kapoor’s leadership, the organization is officially debuting this month and has chosen acclaimed actor and up-and-coming producer Tillotama Shome (known for the Berlinale selection “Shadowbox”), seasoned studio executive and creative producer Rucha Pathak, and independent producer Dimpy Agarwal, recognized for her socially conscious storytelling, as the first recipients of its prestigious fellowship program.

“With WIF India, we’re establishing a solid framework for equality—mentorship, access, and leadership pathways,” stated Monga Kapoor, the founder of WIF India. “This launch is merely the beginning of our long-term commitment to 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 provides these mid-career producers with access to the Producers Network at the Cannes Film Market. Each producer brings a unique creative perspective to the international marketplace, collectively showcasing the diversity and ambition of India’s evolving film landscape.

In addition to the three main fellows, WIF India has granted a special accreditation grant to Shefali Bhushan, an exceptional woman producer from the Marathi-language film industry, further enhancing the organization’s support for regional voices.

Supported 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 dedicated to advancing gender equity in entertainment. This launch signifies a major milestone for India’s creative community and builds on decades of international advocacy for representation in media.

“Our partnership with Women in Film, India represents a crucial step toward fostering a robust, interconnected community that supports women across all facets of the screen industries,” remarked Kirsten Schaffer, CEO of Women in Film. “This fellowship is a vital part of the solution to ensuring that women have equal opportunities to create high-quality film and television.”

Beyond gaining insights into international co-production and financing landscapes, fellowship recipients will benefit from mentorship and networking opportunities on a global scale. Participants are also encouraged to share their knowledge with the broader WIF India community, creating a multiplier effect that extends the program’s impact well beyond the festival itself.