Walkers & Co. Enables Emerging Indian Filmmakers with The Walkers Project

 Walkers & Co. Enables Emerging Indian Filmmakers with The Walkers Project

The Walkers Project, in collaboration with Film Companion, mentors two dynamic young Indian filmmakers and paves the way for them to create “Keep Walking” films.

 

Mumbai, May 13th, 2024: Walkers & Co, in collaboration with Film Companion, announces the launch of The Walkers Project, a purpose-driven initiative aimed at enabling two promising Indian filmmakers with bold and unique voices. By spotlighting talent that embodies the spirit of progress and inclusion, this program is committed to fostering a culture of meaningful storytelling and creative excellence.

 

“Our goal with The Walkers Project is to empower emerging filmmakers to tell stories that inspire people to keep walking and push boundaries for a more inclusive and progressive society, while enabling diverse voices from India," said Ruchira Jaitly, Chief Marketing Officer, Diageo India. "We believe in the power of cinema to drive conversations, challenge norms, and shape the future, and this program is one step in our commitment to supporting the next generation of exceptional storytellers."

 

The Walkers Project involved a rigorous selection process involving film critics, curators, and industry experts, led by renowned figures Anupama Chopra and Deepti DCunha. This led to Ambiecka Pandit and Akshay Parvatkar emerging as the Walkers, chosen for their distinct voices, conviction, and potential to create impactful cinema. The selection process was followed by intense mentoring sessions and workshops, preparing the filmmakers for the Cannes Film Festival 2024, where the biggest business of films happens in the world. The mentoring sessions were led by Oscar-winning producer Guneet Monga, along with Anu Rangachari, Jerome Paillard and Christian Jeune from the Cannes Film Festival. The aim of the program is to provide invaluable and once-in-a-lifetime exposure and networking opportunities to the young filmmakers. Upon returning from the film festival, the young filmmakers will also be making a fictional film each on the theme of “Keep Walking”.

 

"I am thrilled to be part of The Walkers Project and work closely with Ambiecka and Akshay," said Guneet Monga, Oscar-winning producer and mentor. "This program is about more than just attending Cannes or creating short films; it's about empowering filmmakers to amplify their voices, advocate for change, and shape the future of cinema."

Anupama Chopra, the renowned film critic and Founder, Film Companion, said, “One of my big joys is enabling new filmmakers. With this partnership between Film Companion and Walkers & Co., I hope we can empower the two selected filmmakers to tell stories that matter. I am really excited to see the films Ambiecka and Akshay make under this programme and how they use their learnings from the Cannes Film Festival to ‘Keep Walking’ and to bring to life films that inspire progress.”

 

Ambiecka Pandit, an independent writer-director, brings a fresh perspective and relentless optimism to her craft, aiming to parcel emotional, intellectual, and spiritual impulses of communities through her storytelling. Akshay Parvatkar, a scriptwriter/director, challenges societal norms and preconceived assumptions with his empathetic narratives, pushing boundaries and fostering meaningful dialogue.

Speaking on program, Akshay Parvatkar said, “The Walkers Project promises to give me the chance to bring my stories to life on a bigger stage. I’ve always hoped to tell stories that I feel need to be heard, and through this once in a lifetime opportunity, I wish to collaborate with visionaries who have the power to reach a larger audience. I’m grateful for the mentors’ belief in my vision and for the opportunity to Keep Walking towards my dreams and try to inspire change one step at a time.”

 

Ambiecka Pandit, while talking about the program, mentioned: “The Walkers Project is an incredible opportunity to partake in a cause much larger than oneself. To be able to participate and contribute with my film to an initiative I feel strongly about is prize enough, but the project also gifts us the opportunity to Keep Walking and experience the largest film festival in the world. Cannes is the Mecca of film festivals, and being able to witness it firsthand will definitely be a defining experience for a young filmmaker like me. It will help see the best of art and commerce come together and understand deeper how the ecosystem of world cinema works. An ecosystem I wish to belong to.”

 

The Walkers Project embodies the collective efforts of Walkers & Co, Film Companion, industry experts, and the selected filmmakers to champion talent, drive progress, and bring meaningful stories to audiences worldwide. In its truest sense, it is the coming together of collaboration and co-creation for enabling the community.

 

 

ABOUT THE PROGRAM:

The Walkers Project encompasses:

•              Bespoke workshops led by seasoned film festival veterans, designed to equip filmmakers with the acumen to navigate the intricate festival landscape while fostering their craft to new heights of bold expression.

•              A coveted pass to the Marche du Film at the Cannes Film Festival, unlocking access to illuminating panels, exclusive screenings, and networking galas, alongside entry into Cinando, an esteemed digital hub for film industry trailblazers.

•              Tailored guidance sessions curated by Guneet Monga, providing invaluable feedback and mentorship across all phases of filmmaking, from conceptualization and script refinement to the intricacies of practical production, thereby empowering filmmakers as culture shapers and boundary pushers.

 

ABOUT WALKERS & CO

Walkers & Co. is a platform that celebrates those driven by self-belief, their identity and with it, the interlinked idea of progress, both for themselves and the world. Such people are defined by their walk: the milestones, the journey, the resilience, the fluidity, and the learning & growth that comes with it. They are not a lone ranger – in fact, the platform recognises those who collaborate and work with partners, co-conspirators & ecosystems, thereby making a start, taking an action now, and enjoying being a story in progress, whether it is in the space of creativity, inclusion and diversity or sustainability.

 

ABOUT DIAGEO INDIA

Diageo India is the country’s leading beverage alcohol company and a subsidiary of global leader Diageo PLC. The company manufactures, sells, and distributes an outstanding portfolio of premium brands such as Johnnie Walker, Black Dog, Black & White, VAT 69, Antiquity, Signature, The Singleton, Royal Challenge, McDowell’s No1, Smirnoff, Ketel One, Tanqueray and Captain Morgan. Headquartered in Bengaluru, our wide footprint is supported by a committed team of over 3145 employees, 47 manufacturing facilities across states and union territories in India, a strong distribution network and a state-of-the-art Technical Centre. Incorporated in India as United Spirits Limited (USL), the company is listed on both the National Stock Exchange (NSE) and Bombay Stock Exchange (BSE) in India. For more information about Diageo India, our people, our brands, and our performance, visit us at www.diageoindia.com. Visit Diageo’s global responsible drinking resource, http://www.DRINKiQ.com, for information, initiatives, and ways to share best practices.

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