In a move that is expected to give a big fillip to independent filmmaking by cash-strapped but talented young directors from Asia and the Arab world, Osian’s on Wednesday announced the setting up of a film fund that would provide grants worth up to 25,000 dollars for project development.

To be called “The Film Fund : Osian’s Originating Development” — FOOD in short — the fund would provide grants to 20-25 shortlisted young filmmakers in the first year of its launch itself, said Osian’s Cinematic Pvt Ltd chairman Neville Tuli while announcing the fund.

“The main objective (of setting up the fund) is to allow young filmmakers from India, Asia and the Arab world a new support and platform from which they can articulate their creative vision with greater fearlessness,”Tuli said.
Grants ranging from 10,000 to 25,000 dollars would be given for all pre-production expenses, including that required for formulating a final script/screenplay, casting, location reconnaissance, he said.
Osian’s will provide its in-house expertise to the filmmakers to help develop the project and make the necessary presentations to financiers and producers.

The filmmakers would be selected by Osian’s “scouts” and presented to the “selectors” before the FOOD Board of Directors does the final selection, Mr Tuli said.