A significant milestone has been achieved in independent filmmaking with the announcement of 'Kakthet' as the inaugural winner of the Vishal Bhardwaj and Shaunak Sen-mentored co-production fund. This film, set against the stunning backdrop of Ladakh, delves into a unique narrative focusing on a remote school's struggle for survival through the unlikely efforts of one underperforming student. The selection process, which reviewed nearly 400 diverse entries, underscores a growing recognition of the need to support and amplify regional stories and emerging cinematic talents in South Asia. This initiative is poised to be a crucial platform for independent filmmakers, fostering a more inclusive and vibrant film landscape.
Details of the Award-Winning Film and Its Journey
On October 28, 2026, the Humans of Cinema and Safarnaama Pictures co-production fund officially declared Stenzin Tankyong's debut feature film, 'Kakthet' (meaning 'Idiot'), as its first recipient. This Ladakhi-language project was awarded INR 40 lakh ($42,000) following a comprehensive evaluation process that sifted through close to 400 submissions.
The film's narrative centers on a government school in the high-altitude region of Ladakh and the community it serves. Both are inextricably linked to the academic fate of a reluctant tenth-grade student who has never succeeded in exams. The teachers face the formidable challenge of ensuring this student's success, believing it to be the only way to safeguard the school's future.
Stenzin Tankyong, the director, has dedicated eight years to cinema, bringing the unique stories, breathtaking landscapes, and rich culture of Ladakh to global audiences. His previous short films, 'Sekool' (2019) and 'Last Days of Summer' (2023), have garnered international acclaim, being screened at prestigious festivals such as the International Film Festival Rotterdam, the Clermont-Ferrand International Short Film Festival, and the Dharamshala International Film Festival.
'Kakthet' is being produced by Ritu Sarin and Rajesh Thanickan, with French co-producers La Belle Affaire Productions also on board. Ritu Sarin, a filmmaker and producer with over 30 years of experience, is also the co-founder of White Crane Films and the Dharamshala International Film Festival. Rajesh Thanickan's impressive credits include Neeraj Ghaywan's 'Homebound,' executive produced by Martin Scorsese, which premiered at Cannes in 2025; 'Santosh,' a Cannes 2024 premiere; and 'Our Share of Sand,' which received the Audience Award at the 2026 Venice International Film Festival's International Critics' Week.
The project had already garnered significant international attention prior to this fund selection. In 2025, it secured the Co-Production Features Grant at WAVES Film Bazaar, and in 2026, it was chosen as one of 30 projects for the Asian Project Market, held in conjunction with the Busan International Film Festival.
The co-production fund was established by Harshit Bansal, founder of Humans of Cinema, and Nazim Momin, a U.S.-based engineer and producer who founded Safarnaama Pictures. Esteemed filmmakers Vishal Bhardwaj and Shaunak Sen serve as mentors for the initiative, with Sen also taking on the role of executive producer for 'Kakthet.' The distinguished jury included actor Imran Khan, filmmaker Arati Kadav, 'All That Breathes' producer Aman Mann, and festival director Aseem Chhabra.
Harshit Bansal expressed his delight and surprise at the high caliber of submissions, reaffirming the urgent need for such initiatives in South Asia. He commended Stenzin Tankyong as an exciting new filmmaker with a distinctive voice, highlighting the fund's role as an ally in his cinematic journey. Vishal Bhardwaj emphasized the importance of creating opportunities for voices from outside the mainstream, expressing his anticipation for Tankyong's vision to materialize. Shaunak Sen praised the 'Kakthet' script for its ability to mobilize lightness, absurdity, and humor to depict the subtle sorrows in Ladakhi lives, commending its curious and sensitive approach. Arati Kadav applauded the tireless efforts of the Humans of Cinema and Safarnaama team, as well as the fearlessness and fierceness displayed by all applying filmmakers.
Stenzin Tankyong voiced his gratitude, noting the particular significance of receiving support from within India for a film deeply rooted in Ladakhi culture and language. He believes such initiatives are vital for independent filmmakers, enabling stories that might otherwise struggle to find a platform to reach wider audiences. The screenplay is currently in its fourth draft. In July 2026, the team completed a three-week reconnaissance mission across the Changthang region and Leh, focusing on location scouting, production planning, and gathering visual and auditory material for a proof-of-concept teaser. With the principal cast, crew, and shooting locations now secured, the team is actively pursuing additional financing and forging co-production partnerships across Asia, Australia, and Europe.
This initiative represents a pivotal moment for independent cinema, particularly in regions often overlooked by mainstream productions. It underscores the immense talent and diverse narratives present within India and the broader South Asian landscape. By providing crucial financial and mentorship support, the Humans of Cinema and Safarnaama Pictures co-production fund, with the guidance of veterans like Vishal Bhardwaj and Shaunak Sen, is not just funding a film; it is investing in the future of storytelling, ensuring that unique cultural experiences and human struggles from remote corners of the world find their deserved place on the global stage. This success of 'Kakthet' will undoubtedly inspire many more aspiring filmmakers to pursue their artistic visions, enriching the cinematic world with a kaleidoscope of unheard voices and untold tales.