The QueerFrames Screenwriting Lab is a one-of-its-kind creative incubator for emerging and early career queer storytellers in South Asia.

Launched in 2023 by The Queer Muslim Project with support from the Netflix Fund for Creative Equity, the Lab celebrates and nurtures queer talent behind the camera, equipping them with the tools, resources, and networks to tell stories that drive meaningful change.

Why QueerFrames?

India’s $61B screen industry reflects South Asia’s creative boom – yet queer storytellers remain excluded, facing systemic barriers to funding and mentorship. With increasing global recognition and expanding audiences, investing in queer South Asian cinema is both timely and strategic.

Now in its third year, the QueerFrames Screenwriting Lab is redefining queer storytelling in film and TV. Rooted in community, collaboration, and world-building, it champions intersectional South Asian narratives that centre joy and reflect the depth of queer life – beyond stereotypes.

The Lab connects emerging writer-directors with top industry mentors, offering guidance on craft, storytelling, and navigating careers in film to amplify bold new voices globally.

Applications for 2025 are now open.

Industry Leaders

Nida Manzoor, Director

Nida Manzoor, Director

Neeraj Ghaywan, Director

Neeraj Ghaywan, Director

Richa Chadha, Actor-Producer

Richa Chadha, Actor-Producer

Fawzia Mirza, Writer-Director

Fawzia Mirza, Writer-Director

Saim Sadiq, Writer-Director

Saim Sadiq, Writer-Director

Shuchi Talati, Writer-Director

Shuchi Talati, Writer-Director

Roshan Sethi, Writer-Director

Roshan Sethi, Writer-Director

Andria Wilson Mirza, Producer

Andria Wilson Mirza, Producer

Gazal Dhaliwal, Writer

Gazal Dhaliwal, Writer

Onir, Writer-Director

Onir, Writer-Director

Highlights

EUROPEAN FILM MARKET

The Lab’s TEDDY Talk and EFM 2025 presence amplified investment in queer filmmakers and connected Fellows to global networks.

2024 COHORT LAUNCH

Together with the French Institute, the Lab premiered Girls Will Be Girls and hosted an industry mixer announcing the 2024 QueerFrames cohort.

BFI FLARE

The Lab hosted a Global South queer cinema event at BFI FLARE 2024, uniting 100+ filmmakers and industry leaders to discuss funding, audiences, and talent development.

MASTERCLASSES

Hollywood’s Michael Lehmann and France’s Claire Chassagne led masterclasses on directing and international co-productions.

Our Partners