Ever tried making an environmental film in India?

It often begins with a single camera, no crew, and a budget that barely covers a cup of chai. Filmmakers stretch their personal savings, take on freelance work, and still push out films that are urgent, honest, and often exceptional. The passion is undeniable. The resources? Far too scarce.

We’re changing that.


Over the last two years, we’ve run a small but mighty film fund producing documentaries.
Now, with Mercedes-Benz Research and Development India’s support and in collaboration with Green Stories and Tulsea, we are offering the biggest fund for environmental filmmakers in India.

HOW IT WORKS

MENTORSHIP AND PITCH LAB

Applications are open for the first phase of the ALT EFF Film Fund, and we’re teaming up with Green Stories Asia’s first mentoring and pitching lab for nonfiction storytellers working on wildlife and the environment.

Green Stories 2025 will be held in Goa from November 6th to 11th.
16 projects will be selected to join a week of hands-on mentorship with some of the best mentors in the business: directors, producers, and cinematographers from India, Singapore, the US, UK, South Africa, and Europe. View The Mentors Here

The first four days will focus on deepening visual and narrative development, followed by two days of pitches and business meetings. Through the week, you’ll sharpen your idea, build your pitch, and get feedback from mentors who’ve done it all before. The lab ends with a pitch to a panel of decision-makers from ALT EFF, MBRDI, and other partners.
Selected projects  will receive the co-production fund.

We’re looking for strong ideas, stories rooted in environmental themes, and filmmakers who know how to bring it all to the screen.

Apply between June 1 and July 31.

PRODUCTION SUPPORT

Once selected, each film will move forward on a custom production timeline—typically 3 to 4 months of development, up to 40 days of filming over the year, and 4 to 6 months of post. (Timelines may vary depending on the nature and needs of the project.)

Throughout the process, Green Stories and ALT EFF will remain in close touch with each filmmaker. Mentors will offer creative guidance, help navigate challenges, and be available for regular check-ins. Whether it’s a story block or a logistical challenge, we’re here to help you keep going.

PREMIERE AND DISTRIBUTION

The completed films will have their premiere at the ALT EFF festival, followed by a tailored global festival strategy.  

But it doesn’t stop there!
You’ll get advisory support from Tulsea to help shape your distribution and sales strategy. Tulsea is a renowned strategic media and content management company that represents India's leading writers, directors, actors, producers, and production companies.

With Tulsea, we’ll place your film where it matters, in front of the right audiences and platforms.

WHO CAN APPLY?

If you are an Indian filmmaker with a compelling environmental or impact story, we want to hear from you.

What matters is your clarity of thought, commitment to the craft, and the urgency with which you want to tell your story.

Tap the link below to head to the Green Stories page for full details on eligibility and how to apply.
Greenstories Page.

Key Dates
Applications Open: June 1, 2025
Submissions Close: July 31, 2025

What You Get:
Co-production fund support including funding, mentorship, and distribution guidance.

 FAQs

  • One project will receive the entire ₹40 lakh co-production fund. This is the biggest single fund for an environmental film in India right now.

  • You must apply through our partner, Green Stories.
    They will shortlist 16 projects from across Asia to attend a week-long lab in Goa (6–11 Nov 2025). Here, you’ll receive deep-dive mentorship.
    The first four days will focus on deepening visual and narrative development, followed by two days of pitches and business meetings. Through the week, you’ll sharpen your idea, build your pitch, and get feedback from mentors. The lab ends with a pitch to a jury. Through that pitch, the ALT EFF fund will be allocated to 1 project. By being selected for Greenstories, your project will also be pitched in front of other funds and has the potential to be awarded grants from other grantmakers and funds at the Greenstories event.

  • Indian filmmakers, including OCI holders, across all experience levels and genres.

  • Yes to feature length films, yes to shorts, yes animation. If your project is selected for Greenstories, it will also be pitched to a wider group of funders, giving you the chance to receive grants from other supporters present at the event.

  • You will need a proof of concept to apply. You can apply by submitting a project pitch and a short trailer from your project. Your application is not eligible if not supported with a trailer of 2-3 minutes.

  • Wholeheartedly yes!

  • Selection in Green Stories gives you access to mentorship and several potential grantmakers. However, the ALT EFF Fund will only be awarded to Indian filmmakers, whereas the Green Stories eligibility includes filmmakers from across South Asia.

  • 2025 APPLICATION TIMELINE

    • 01 June 2025                   Call for applications opens

    • 28 June 2025                   Call for applications webinar

    • 31 July 2025                     Call for applications closes

    • 15 September 2025         Shortlisted applications will be announced

    • 6–11 November 2025       Green Stories Event in Goa

  • Yes 100%. This is a massive opportunity for your project where the mentorship, feedback, and the pitch happens. If selected, you must be present in Goa from 6th to 11th November 2025.

SUPPORTED BY

Mercedes-Benz Research and Development India (MBRDI) is the largest R&D centre for Mercedes-Benz Group AG outside of Germany, supporting the development of technologies like connected, autonomous, and electric. In their commitment to a more sustainable future of mobility, they aim to spur climate-positive conversations.

COLLABORATORS

Mentoring and pitching lab for wildlife and environment documentaries from Asia.

A strategic media and content management company that represents India's leading writers, directors, actors, producers, and production companies.

Have Questions?
Ask Pakhi everything ranging from eligibility to deadlines.

Got More Questions?
Write to us at: info@alteff.in