Co-Curious launches Diaspora Story Lab to elevate South Asian screenwriting voices

Co-Curious, supported by the Centre for Australia-India Relations (CAIR), Screen NSW and SBS, has announced the Diaspora Story Lab – a six-month program to support six early to mid-career screenwriters of South Asian heritage.

The announcement:

Co-Curious has today announced the Diaspora Story Lab, supported by the Centre for Australia-India Relations (CAIR), Screen NSW and SBS, to offer six early to mid-career screenwriters the opportunity to join a tailored six-month development program. Made possible thanks to CAIR’s Maitri Grant and Screen NSW, the initiative will allow selected writers to join a cohort of peers, collaborators and mentors from Australia’s South Asian diaspora communities to build skills, create networks and elevate new Australian voices.

Selected as one of 34 recipients of this year’s Maitri (meaning friendship) Grants, Fellowships and Scholarships, Co-Curious set out to design a program which would develop a pipeline of people and television projects from Australia’s South Asian diaspora communities. The initiative will offer successful applicants the opportunity to immerse themselves in collaborative practice within a writers’ room, guided by Mithila Gupta, writer and executive producer; Christopher Kam, story producer and creative EP; and Sheila Jayadev, producer.

Participants will be supported to develop their story concept into a polished pitch document for an original television series aimed at Australian and international audiences. They will gain hands-on experience and develop their verbal pitching skills throughout the program. At the close of the program, they will put this into practice by pitching to a panel of industry leaders, including Nakul Legha, Head of Scripted at SBS. They will also be provided with professional development opportunities including a tailored pitching session led by former HBO Executive, Pia Chikiamco.

Eligible screenwriters of South Asian heritage (Afghanistan, Bangladesh, Bhutan, India, Pakistan, Nepal, Sri Lanka, the Maldives), are invited to submit applications which include their pitch for an original television series idea, a writing sample and a personal statement to Co-Curious’ website. Submissions are welcome through to Monday 20 October. Applications will be evaluated by industry experts on overall quality and the strength and originality of the idea, with successful applicants notified by Monday 17 November.

All participating writers will retain ownership of their original concepts. Where writers contribute to other participants’ projects, intellectual property rights will rest with the originating writer of that project.

Foreign Minister, Penny Wong said: “Australia and India’s relationship is closer and more important than ever. We are deepening cooperation across priority sectors that are vital to both nations’ futures, including in defence, trade, education, and technology. The Maitri Grants, Scholarships and Fellowships are a symbol of this, and I congratulate the worthy recipients whose contributions will bring our countries’ strong links to life.”

Centre for Australia India Relations chair, Swati Dave said: “I congratulate all 34 recipients of the 2024-2025 Maitri Grants, Scholarships and Fellowships program. Their work will help deepen engagement between Australia and India across business, arts, culture, and community. Expanding our relationship with India in these fields is more important than ever as we look to increase productivity and secure our prosperity.”

Co-Curious board member, Mithila Gupta said: “Us South Asians have a rich history of storytelling… We write with passion and watch with even more. Our stories are global and hold so many layers – yet are grossly under explored in the Western landscape. I’m hoping this lab can help change that in Australia. It’s time we all came together with generosity and optimism… We’re certainly stronger that way!”

Nakul Legha, head of scripted, SBS said: “SBS is proud to support Co-Curious’ Diaspora Story Lab and help nurture more South Asian voices and stories on our screens. It reflects our commitment to telling authentic stories that speak to the richness of contemporary Australia. I can’t wait to see the powerful, original stories that will emerge from this one-of-a-kind initiative.”

Kyas Hepworth, head of Screen NSW said: “When stories resonate locally, they travel globally and Screen NSW is dedicated to championing and elevating voices from our key priority areas, including storytellers from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds. I am thrilled we are supporting Co-Curious’ Diaspora Story Lab, which will provide valuable professional development and career escalation opportunities for South Asian writers, ensuring a pipeline of authentic screen content for audiences.”

Submissions should include the following:

• One-two-page concept outline for your project, including series synopsis, characters, genre, tone and theme
• 10-page writing sample from the project you are applying with or another project (ideally similar genre)
• One-page personal statement or a simple piece to camera (up to 3 minutes) which speaks to your interests and influences, your experience, the shows you love and why this Lab is right for you
• One-page CV or biography

Submissions are now open. For more information or to apply visit www.co-curious.com or on socials @cocurious.

Source: Nixco