Ever tried making an environmental film in India?
For Indian filmmakers it means navigating production with minimal resources - one camera, no crew, and a budget that barely covers a cup of chai. 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 with Mongabay India mentoring and producing six short documentaries that have reached policy rooms, local communities and national media.
Now, with Mercedes-Benz Research and Development India (MBRDI)’s support, Green Stories’ mentorship, and distribution guidance from Tulsea, we are scaling up. The future of environmental cinema is being written, and we are building the scaffolding.
HOW IT WORKS
MENTORSHIP AND PITCH LAB
Applications open on June 1
Submissions close on July 31
ALT EFF and Green Stories will shortlist projects based on:
Strength of concept, relevance to pressing environmental themes, and the cinematic potential.
Selected filmmakers will enter the Green Stories Lab, led by India’s top storytelling mentors. Over the course of the lab, participants will research and refine their pitch deck with the help of mentors. These mentors include award-winning directors, cinematographers and producers from India, the USA, UK, South Korea and Europe.
More details here.
The lab will culminate in a pitch event to a jury comprising representatives from ALT EFF, MBRDI, and other aligned partners. The selected projects will receive the co-production grant.
PRODUCTION SUPPORT
Once selected, a custom production timeline will be drawn up.
Typical stages:
Development: 3–4 months
Filming: 30–90 days across 6–18 months
Post-production: 4–6 months
These timelines may vary depending on story, access, climate, seasons, and subject matter.
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.
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!
We’ll work with Tulsea to build out a powerful distribution and sales strategy.
This is where the story leaves the screen and enters the world.
WHO CAN APPLY?
If you are an Indian filmmaker with a compelling environmental or impact story, we want to hear from you. It doesn’t matter if you’re based in a city or a village, working solo or with a crew, making your first film or your fifth.
What matters is your clarity of thought, commitment to the craft, and the urgency with which you want to tell your story.
Detailed eligibility info available on the Greenstories Page.
Key Dates
Applications Open: June 1, 2025
Submissions Close: July 31, 2025
What You Get:
Co-production grant support including funding, mentorship, and distribution guidance.
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?
Write to us at: info@alteff.in