Malayali filmmaker Kunjila Mascillamani on entering the TIFF Directors’ Lab for ‘Guptam’ and struggles of female indie filmmakers
Malayali filmmaker Kunjila Mascillamani has been selected for the TIFF Directors’ Lab for her upcoming film 'Guptam'. The project, which explores the struggles of a single mother in Kerala, has gained international attention and support from prominent industry figures.
Why it matters
The recognition highlights the growing global visibility of independent Indian cinema and the specific challenges faced by female filmmakers in the region.
Anticipations have been running high for Kunjila Mascillamani’s Guptam (The Last of Them Plagues) since ace filmmaker Payal Kapadia came on board for the film in November 2024, when it was featured at the Film Bazaar Co-Production Market, by the National Film Development Corporation of India, a platform that offers financial and artistic support for independent filmmakers. She joined a talented lineup of collaborators — Malayalam film director Jeo Baby, and actress Kani Kusruti, who headlined Payal’s award-winning film, All We Imagine as Light .
The article is a neutral profile piece focusing on artistic achievement and industry news.
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