Humsafar Trust Launches DHANAQ Film Grant for Queer and Trans Filmmakers in Mumbai

The Humsafar Trust has officially launched the DHANAQ film grant in Mumbai, marking the occasion by announcing the very first recipient of the award on July 12, 2026. This new initiative is designed to empower queer and trans filmmakers, enabling them to bring authentic, community-led stories to the screen.

The film grant is being supported under the TRANScend initiative. It also receives key backing from the corporate social responsibility (CSR) initiative of Publicis Sapient India, which has partnered in the effort to foster inclusive cinema.

According to the organizers, the newly announced winner is the first in what is expected to be a long line of future recipients for the DHANAQ grant. The program aims to create a sustainable pathway for marginalized filmmakers to share their lived experiences and perspectives.

Through the collaboration between The Humsafar Trust, Publicis Sapient India, and the TRANScend initiative, the grant seeks to support the development of authentic moving pictures. The partners hope to elevate community-led narratives and provide queer and trans filmmakers with the tools needed to showcase their work.