The Shorts Program

  • The Shorts Program returns for Cycle 6! TSP is Rickshaw Film Foundation’s first execution-oriented program, dedicated to equipping teams with the skills and knowledge they need to take their short films from script to actualization. We will equip teams with strategies and tools under the guidance of experienced industry advisors who specialize in the nuances of development, pre-production, production, post-production, and distribution.

    This program is primarily geared toward teams consisting of a Director/Producer/Writer who have started working on a short film script they are hoping to put into production. Throughout the program, these teams will work with their peers and advisors to prepare them for every step of the filmmaking process. Are you ready to bring your ideas to life?

    ***Please note that Rickshaw will not be providing financial resources for selected projects.***

    Applications are now closed.

  • All project teams looking for guidance through the execution of their short films are encouraged to apply. All applicants from each team must be available for a 1.5 hour weekly virtual meeting over the 12 week period.

    While we do not require any prior filmmaking experience, we do expect a deep passion for storytelling, personal accountability, and a strong work ethic from each of our applicant teams.

  • Applications open: July 29th, 2024

    Applications close: August 9th, 2024

    Selections announced: September 2, 2024

    Program start date: Week of September 9th, 2024

    Program end date: Week of December 2nd, 2024

    12 week workshop; 1 meeting per week, 1.5 hours in length.

  • All projects developed in The Shorts Program must be short films.

FAQs

  • You do not have to be South Asian or of South Asian descent to apply, but your application must show a willingness to uplift South Asian stories. If you’re for the mission of uplifting South Asian art, then you belong in the room.

  • The Shorts Program is built to aide in the execution of short films. For those seeking to work on a feature or pilot, please consider applying with a proof-of-concept short that you would like to execute.

  • You do not need to live in the US to apply, but if selected, you must be available for the weekly meetings. Please keep this in mind when providing weekly availability in your application.

  • Yes, you may still apply again for Cycle 5, but please understand that your application will be objectively reviewed as with all other applicants. No preference or special treatment will be given to participants from past Cycles.

 

Meet the Team

 
 

Kalyan Sura

Room Lead

A Writer, Director, Producer, and VFX Supervisor, Kalyan Sura is a versatile storyteller who creates live-action and animation narratives highlighting underrepresented communities. After a decade in VFX, contributing to critically and commercially acclaimed Hollywood blockbusters like ‘HOW TO TRAIN YOUR DRAGON 2’ and ‘POKÉMON: DETECTIVE PIKACHU,’ Kalyansuccessfully transitioned into Writing & Directing personal stories across science-fiction, fantasy, dramedy, and animation.

Kalyan’s award-winning sci-fi short film 'THE LIE GAME' became the first short with an all-South-Asian cast to be distributed by DUST – YouTube’s premiere sci-fi channel. His sci-fi feature script 'MEMORY LANES' was a finalist (top 0.1%) in the ‘Netflix x Impact Female Thriller Contest,’ while his animation pilot 'JACKIE & JILAL' won ‘ISA's TV Pilot Pitch Challenge 2023.’ Kalyan’s Netflix-backed coming-of-age immigrant dramedy 'DOS BROS FORCE' screened at over 50 film festivals, earning 15 awards.

An alumnus of USC’s School of Cinematic Arts, Kalyan is a distinguished member of both the Visual Effects Society and the Screenwriting Association of India. With extensive experience working in India and America, Kalyan is committed to unifying Hollywood's technical prowess with his Indian roots to create stories that resonate globally.

  • Bishal Dutta, Advisor

    It Lives Inside, Triads, Inferno

  • Jhanvi Motla, Advisor

    Mirage, At The Gates

  • Mallika Dhaliwal, Advisor

    Echoes, The Henna Artist, The Shape of A Girl

  • Roshan Sethi, Advisor

    A Nice Indian Boy, World’s Best, 7 Days, The Resident