The Times of India Film Awards (TOIFA) is making a significant move toward gender equality in Indian cinema by introducing a dedicated Women in Cinema category. This initiative comes at a crucial time when statistics reveal stark gender disparities in the country's film industry.
Addressing the Gender Imbalance
Academy Award-winning producer Guneet Monga Kapoor, who serves on the TOIFA Advisory Council, highlighted the urgent need for such initiatives. She revealed that of the 2,500 films produced annually in India, less than 3% are directed by women. These alarming statistics underscore why dedicated recognition and support for women in cinema are essential.
The TOIFA awards, presented by M3M India and powered by Panbahar Crystal with special partner Vzy India, will honor outstanding work across both OTT and theatrical platforms. The new Women in Cinema category aims to celebrate extraordinary women who have transformed Indian cinema through their vision, influence, and social responsibility.
Three Prestigious Honors
The Women in Cinema category features three distinct awards designed to recognize different aspects of female contribution to filmmaking. The TOIFA Visionary Woman of the Year Award will acknowledge women whose innovative ideas and groundbreaking work have expanded the global reach of Indian cinema.
The TOIFA Powerful Voice in Cinema Award will recognize women whose storytelling challenges social norms and sparks meaningful conversations. Meanwhile, the TOIFA Champions of Change Award will celebrate women who drive real transformation and advocate for equality, empowerment, and dignity through their work and public voice.
Building Resilience Through Mentorship
Drawing from her extensive experience as an independent filmmaker, Guneet Monga Kapoor emphasized the importance of resilience in the industry. "For an independent filmmaker, resilience is very important, and awards only help on the way," she shared. The producer behind acclaimed films like The Elephant Whisperers and The Lunchbox believes awards provide crucial validation that reinforces filmmakers' chosen paths.
Guneet stressed that meaningful change requires more than just recognition—it demands consistent and sustainable opportunity creation. She highlighted the work being done through Women in Film India, including their Resilience Workshop Programme with six online sessions and scholarships that enable women to attend international events like the Cannes Film Festival.
The most significant shift needed, according to Guneet, is large-scale mentorship led by platforms and studios. "A lot of women creators need to be mentored. People learn the craft of filmmaking on set, but it is the guidance around pitching, budgeting and approaching actors that often feels overwhelming," she explained.
Guneet believes that building a robust mentorship ecosystem could dramatically improve industry statistics and allow more women to direct and tell stories. She concludes that such development would ultimately bring greater empathy into the world through diverse storytelling perspectives.
