By admin 
In a significant development for independent cinema and regional storytelling in India, Stenzin Tankyong’s poignant debut feature, "Kakthet" (Idiot), has been awarded the inaugural INR40 lakh ($42,000) feature film co-production fund. This prestigious award, established by the collaborative efforts of Humans of Cinema and Safarnaama Pictures, marks a crucial step in bringing Tankyong’s vision, rooted in the remote and breathtaking high-altitude region of Ladakh, to the forefront of the global cinematic landscape. The Ladakhi-language project emerged victorious from a competitive pool of nearly 400 submissions, a testament to its compelling narrative and artistic merit, following an exhaustive screening and evaluation process that underscores the fund’s commitment to identifying exceptional talent and impactful stories.
"Kakthet" delves into the precarious future of a government school and the close-knit community it serves, a future intrinsically linked to the fate of a single, reluctant 10th-grade student. This student, who has never achieved a passing grade, becomes the unlikely focal point of a desperate endeavor by his teachers. They face the monumental task of attempting the seemingly impossible: saving the school by reaching and potentially "saving" the one student who appears most determined not to be saved. This narrative premise immediately signals a film that explores themes of education, societal responsibility, individual struggle against adversity, and the profound impact of a single life on an entire community, all set against the unique and often challenging backdrop of Ladakh.
Stenzin Tankyong, the driving force behind "Kakthet," is not new to illuminating Ladakh’s rich tapestry of stories, landscapes, and culture for international audiences. For the past eight years, he has dedicated his filmmaking career to this mission. His previous short films, "Sekool" (2019) and "Last Days of Summer" (2023), have garnered critical acclaim and screened at esteemed international festivals. These include the International Film Festival Rotterdam, the Clermont-Ferrand International Short Film Festival, and the Dharamshala International Film Festival, solidifying Tankyong’s reputation as a filmmaker with a distinct voice and a keen eye for capturing the essence of his homeland. The selection of "Kakthet" for this significant co-production fund represents a pivotal moment in his trajectory, allowing him to transition from acclaimed shorts to a feature-length debut that promises to further elevate Ladakhi cinema.
The production of "Kakthet" is spearheaded by experienced producers Ritu Sarin and Rajesh Thanickan, who bring a wealth of knowledge and industry connections to the project. They are further supported by French co-producers La Belle Affaire Productions, underscoring the international scope and ambition of the film. Ritu Sarin, a filmmaker and producer with a career spanning over three decades, is a formidable figure in Indian cinema. Her co-founding of both White Crane Films and the Dharamshala International Film Festival demonstrates her deep commitment to nurturing cinematic talent and fostering cultural exchange. Rajesh Thanickan’s impressive production credits include notable films that have garnered international recognition. His portfolio boasts Neeraj Ghaywan’s "Homebound," a film executive produced by the legendary Martin Scorsese and premiered at Cannes in 2025; "Santosh," which also made its debut at the Cannes Film Festival in 2024; and "Our Share of Sand," a film that premiered at the 2026 Venice International Film Festival’s International Critics’ Week, where it was honored with the Audience Award. This caliber of production expertise surrounding "Kakthet" signals a project that is not only artistically ambitious but also professionally robust.
The recognition for "Kakthet" extends beyond this inaugural co-production fund. The project had already garnered significant attention from the international film industry prior to this award. It previously secured the Co-Production Features Grant at the WAVES Film Bazaar in 2025, a testament to its strong market potential and artistic promise. Furthermore, "Kakthet" was selected as one of 30 projects to participate in the prestigious 2026 Asian Project Market, an integral part of the Busan International Film Festival, renowned for connecting filmmakers with potential investors and co-producers from across Asia and beyond. These prior accolades highlight a consistent and growing industry confidence in Tankyong’s vision and the compelling nature of "Kakthet."
The Humans of Cinema and Safarnaama Pictures Co-Production Fund was established with the clear objective of empowering emerging filmmakers and supporting stories that might otherwise face challenges in securing financing. The fund is the brainchild of Harshit Bansal, founder of Humans of Cinema, and Nazim Momin, founder of Safarnaama Pictures and a U.S.-based engineer and producer. Their joint initiative reflects a shared passion for discovering and nurturing new voices in filmmaking. Adding further weight and guidance to the fund’s endeavor are esteemed filmmakers Vishal Bhardwaj and Shaunak Sen, who are attached as mentors. Shaunak Sen, acclaimed for his documentary "All That Breathes," will also serve as an executive producer for "Kakthet," indicating his direct involvement and belief in the project’s potential. The jury responsible for selecting the winning film comprised a distinguished panel of industry professionals: actor Imran Khan, filmmaker Arati Kadav, "All That Breathes" producer Aman Mann, and festival director Aseem Chhabra. Their collective expertise ensured a thorough and discerning evaluation of the submitted projects.
Harshit Bansal, founder of Humans of Cinema, expressed his enthusiasm and the challenging yet rewarding nature of the selection process. "The past few months working on this fund have been both unbelievably challenging and incredibly rewarding," Bansal stated. "We were pleasantly surprised by the sheer number of brilliant projects we received from across the country, and we’re even more convinced how desperately initiatives like these are needed in South Asia right now. It was definitely a testing process, but we couldn’t be happier with the result. Stenzin is an exciting new filmmaker with a distinct voice, and we’re excited to be an ally in his journey of making his debut feature." His words underscore the fund’s mission to identify and champion unique cinematic perspectives.
Filmmaker Vishal Bhardwaj, a renowned figure in Indian cinema, echoed this sentiment, highlighting the importance of supporting diverse narratives. "Stories like ‘Kakthet’ remind us why it is important to create opportunities for voices that emerge from outside the mainstream. I’m glad to be associated with this initiative and look forward to seeing Stenzin Tankyong bring his vision to life," Bhardwaj remarked. His endorsement signifies the artistic merit and cultural relevance of "Kakthet" within the broader Indian film landscape.
Shaunak Sen, lending his executive producer role and mentorship to the project, offered a detailed appreciation of the script’s nuances. "The ‘Kakthet’ script mobilizes lightness, absurdity and humor to tell the story of a slow lamentation underwriting several lives in Ladakh," Sen observed. "The story of Singay and the motley group of students and teachers always stays curious and sensitive, while never lapsing into judgement. I look forward to supporting the team in realizing this project." Sen’s insightful commentary points to the film’s ability to tackle serious themes with a delicate touch, promising a nuanced and emotionally resonant cinematic experience.
Arati Kadav, a member of the jury, lauded the dedication of the fund organizers and the quality of submissions. "I want to congratulate the Humans of Cinema and Safarnaama team who have worked tirelessly to create this fund. I was amazed at the passion, rigor and love they’ve put in selecting the winner," Kadav said. "I want to congratulate the winning film and above all, I want to applaud all the filmmakers who applied. So many stories represented fearlessness and fierceness, and I was really inspired by them." Her words highlight the profound impact of such initiatives in encouraging and recognizing the courage and creativity of filmmakers across India.
Stenzin Tankyong, reflecting on the significance of this award, articulated the profound impact it will have on filmmakers from regional backgrounds. "I’m delighted that ‘Kakthet’ has been selected for the inaugural HoC x Safarnaama Pictures Co-Production Fund," Tankyong expressed. "For independent filmmakers in India, finding support for stories rooted in our own regions, languages and lived experiences can be challenging. The fact that this support comes from within our own country makes this recognition especially meaningful for us. For a film in Ladakhi, grounded in the culture and realities of Ladakh, this support offers real encouragement to tell a story that might otherwise struggle to reach the screen and a wider audience. Initiatives like this create valuable opportunities for newer voices in independent cinema, bringing the diverse cultures and experiences of our country to wider audiences. I’m glad Kakthet (Idiot) is part of this first edition, and I thank HoC, Safarnaama Pictures, the jury and mentors for helping us take the film forward." Tankyong’s statement powerfully articulates the critical need for such funds in democratizing access to filmmaking and in celebrating linguistic and cultural diversity within Indian cinema.
The screenplay for "Kakthet" is currently in its fourth draft, indicating a rigorous and iterative development process. The production team has already undertaken significant pre-production activities. In July 2026, they completed an extensive three-week recce across the remote Changthang region and Leh. This crucial location scouting mission was instrumental in identifying ideal shooting locations, finalizing production planning, and capturing essential visual and sonic material for a proof-of-concept teaser. This proactive approach demonstrates the team’s commitment to thorough preparation and their dedication to authentically portraying the Ladakhi landscape. With principal cast, crew, and shooting locations now secured, the focus of the "Kakthet" team shifts towards securing additional financing and forging vital co-production relationships. They are actively seeking partnerships across Asia, Australia, and Europe, aiming to further enhance the film’s international reach and production value. This strategic approach to co-production signals a clear ambition to position "Kakthet" as a globally relevant and compelling cinematic work, rooted in the specific cultural context of Ladakh. The success of "Kakthet" at this inaugural co-production fund is not merely a personal triumph for Stenzin Tankyong but a significant victory for regional cinema, promising to inspire a new generation of filmmakers to share their unique stories from the heartlands of India.
