Congratulations to Neeraj Ghaywan – he is one of the four filmmakers (and the only Indian) who has been recognised at the Sundance Institute Mahindra Global Filmmaking Awards as an emerging independent filmmaker. At a private ceremony in Park City, Utah, Neeraj won for his screenplay Fly Away Solo, and, as part of his reward, will receive the following benefits: a $10,000 cash reward, attendance at the Sundance Film Festival for targeted industry and creative meetings, year-round mentoring from Institute staff and creative advisors, eligibility to participate in a Sundance Institute Lab, and ongoing creative and strategic support from Sundance Institute’s Feature Film Program.
Previously, Neeraj has directed two short films, including a segment of Anurag Kashyap‘s Shorts. He has also been the assistant director for Gangs of Wasseypur and the upcoming Ugly. Now, this award means that he will receive help from the institute (which is partnered with Mahindra for this award) to turn the screenplay of Fly Away Solo into a film.
Along with Neeraj, the following people have received the same award: Hong Khaou from Vietnam for Monsoon, Tobias Lindholm from Denmark for A War, and Ashlee Page from Australia for Archive.
Robert Redford, Sundance Institute President and Founder, says:
“Sundance Institute shares with Mahindra Group a joint global commitment to nurturing new artists. India is one of the most extraordinary cultures in the world, with the support of Anand Mahindra and his group, Sundance Institute screenwriters’ lab can support the next generation of their storytellers.”
The screenwriters’ lab, which began in 2011, brings together eight Indian screenwriters from across the world to develop their work with the help of international screenwriters.
Here’s congratulating Neeraj on his award, as well as wishing him all the best for the making of Fly Away Solo!