Mumbai Mantra`s new initiative to aid 100 scriptwriters

Mumbai: Writer Anjum Rajabali has joined hands with Mumbai Mantra to mentor aspiring screenwriters through its new initiative Cinerise 100 Storytellers. The programme is a detailed step-by-step process of nurturing, which will have 8 defined stages of creative intervention. The programme invites applications from enthusiastic and determined Indian screenwriters from any part of the world. "Indian screenwriting is in an exciting phase right now, and poised to take a leap to another level. Young aspirants are coming up with very promising work. By giving a much-needed boost to their efforts, this programme will help create an eco-system where all kinds of cinemas can co-exist," Rajabali, who is the Convener of the programme, said in a statement. Selected screenwriters will be mentored by renowned writers and directors from across the world. A 2-day screenwriting workshops will be conducted in major cities across the county. It will be followed by a 5-day residential lab for 12-15 selected writers at a resort destination. The programme will finally culminate with a Pitch Event, a rare opportunity for screenwriters to pitch their stories to potential producers, financiers, distributors, film festival programmers and curators. "Our mission at Mumbai Mantra is to provide a springboard for writers which will help them take their scripts to the screen. India is a land of stories and we would like to provide a platform to these stories so that they can travel and cut across barriers," Rohit Khattar, Chairman, Mumbai Mantra said. The last date for aspiring writers to submit their entries is August 30.