OUR MISSION
Rickshaw Film Foundation is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization uplifting South Asian voices and stories within the entertainment industry through artist development, community mobilization, and accessible collaboration — unifying authentic storytellers while nurturing our rich cultural perspectives.
WHY “RICKSHAW”?
A “rickshaw” or “auto-rickshaw” is a motorized, three-wheeled vehicle used to transport passengers. Rickshaws are widely used across South Asian countries, transcending the barriers of wealth, religion, and race, to provide transportation for all people.
Inspired by the humble rickshaw, Rickshaw Film Foundation is the vehicle that transports cultural perspectives and creatives to a new place - breaking down barriers to entry through the development, promotion, and patronage of South Asian American art and artists.
WHO WE ARE
Rickshaw Film Foundation is a collective of passionate filmmakers, creatives, and storytellers. As industry professionals ourselves, we are committed to building an equitable future for South Asian voices and stories in Film/TV.
OUR ROOTS
We began our careers in the film industry with the dream to tell stories that were defined by our unique perspectives and rooted in our South Asian heritage. But as we looked around, we saw a gap: too few South Asian artists in the spotlight, too few opportunities for funding, and too few stories that reflected the depth and diversity of our community.
Rather than wait for change, we decided to create it. In December 2020, that vision to create space, opportunity, accessibility, and an equitable future for South Asian creatives led to the genesis of Rickshaw Film Foundation.