Film Ink, a Unique Grant for Books on Indian Cinema

Mumbai: Film Companion and A Suitable Agency announce—Film Ink, a unique writing grant to support and encourage original, well-researched books focusing on inspiring lives and prominent moments in Indian cinematic history.

Film Ink grant is aimed to foster a community of writers who will chronicle aesthetic quality and the diversity of Indian cinema. Two talented writers with compelling book ideas, will receive a grant of 2.5 Lakh each along with publishing support.

Film Ink is envisioned to create a library of work that will document the journeys of luminaries of Indian cinema and uncover various cultural moments — some well-known, some hidden from the public eye.

In India, cinema isn’t just an art form. It is part of the very ethos of Indian lifestyle—shaping our experience of emotion, and creating a mode of communication across a diverse country of varying languages and cultures. Film Ink is a unique initiative to document some of the great stories surrounding films and artists who shape Indian culture through cinema.

Our eminent jury comprises award-winning writer Balaji Vittal, author and journalist Deepanajana Pal, film critic and journalist Uday Bhatia.

According to Anupama Chopra, Founder, Film-Companion, “Writing my first book Sholay: The Making of a Classic, was a pivotal moment in my career. And now, I’m delighted to present Film Ink, which will enable more writers and more books that will delve into Indian cinema and hopefully inspire a new generation of artists, critics and commentators.  I’m grateful to A Suitable Agency for helping to make this happen.”

According to Hemali Sodhi, Founder, A Suitable Agency “Indian Cinema is an integral part of our everyday lives, and is full of incredibly dedicated and passionate individuals who make some of these stories come alive. With FilmInk, we aim to support talented writers who can chronicle the lives and the craft of some of the luminaries, and showcase some of the most iconic moments of Indian cinema.

At A Suitable Agency, we are always looking for extraordinary voices and stories and I’m thrilled by this opportunity to collaborate with Film Companion to create FilmInk—a unique grant dedicated to writing on cinema in India.”

Eligible for Indian citizens (and residents) above 18 years, Film Ink invites original book proposals in English, from writers on any theme or personality related to Indian Cinema. Once completed, the books will be supported by A Suitable Agency in their journey to get published.

Applicants will be expected to submit a detailed original proposal based on Indian film culture, with a clear outline of which moment/artist from the Indian industry they will be interested in documenting. After a careful perusal of all applications, six shortlisted candidates will present their proposal to the jury, and finally two writers will be selected to receive the grant.

Entries open: 15th June 2023

Last date of submission: 15th August 2023

Registration link: filmink.in