QUANTUM Film Commission 2026 | Open Call

We invite filmmakers to share completed works in any language, format, or genre that explore the theme of our ongoing exhibition-season, QUANTUM.

About the Programme

The commission takes its cue from QUANTUM, Science Gallery Bengaluru’s ongoing exhibition-season. Quantum physics emerged from attempts to understand light and matter, overturning some of the most basic assumptions about how the world works. A century later, its ideas continue to shape research and technology, while also spilling into cinema, literature, and popular imagination.

There are experiments that changed the course of physics, thought experiments involving cats in boxes, particles that seem to communicate across impossible distances, and technologies that promise to transform computing and communication. There are also parallel universes, time loops, teleportation, and countless other stories that have grown around quantum ideas.

We invite filmmakers to propose an original short film that responds to this territory in their own way.

The selected filmmaker will receive a commission to develop and produce the work, along with mentorship and guidance during the development process. The completed film will premiere at the QUANTUM Film Festival.

SELECTION CRITERIA

Proposals will be shortlisted based on the following criteria:

  • Pertinence to the subject

  • Creative engagement with film form and narrative structure

  • Clarity of perspective and argument

  • The filmmaker’s past work and artistic approach

  • Depth of research and methodological clarity

  • Budgetary feasibility

TIMELINE

Call opens: 20 September 2026

Call closes: 20 October 2026

Shortlist: 15 November 2026

Premiere: 24 April 2027

Allocation of Funds

The shortlisted filmmaker will be provided with a commissioning grant of ₹12 lakh. The funds will be allocated in three stages:

  • Story development: 25 percent (₹3 lakh)

  • Field shooting: 25 percent (₹3 lakh)

  • Final cut and postproduction: 50 percent (₹6 lakh)

Criteria

  1. The commission will be open to emerging filmmakers from India only. Candidates should provide proof of prior experience in making films.

  2. Only citizens of India can apply and the films should showcase stories from the country.

  3. The commission is open to films in their ideation stage and also films already in progress.

  4. Films in progress must be self-funded and not have any external financial support to be eligible.

  5. All applicants must provide a brief concept note of their proposed film along with their application.

  6. For ongoing films, the applicants must provide footage of work in progress. Both, unedited and edited footage are admissible.

  7. Once shortlisted, applicants must present their pitch to the jury members.

For queries regarding the open call, please drop us an email at programmes@bengaluru.sciencegallery.com.

SUBMIT HERE
Thuvaja Gopalakrishnan