Come home to Humsafar!

RFP- HST-TLG-FIL001
Request for Proposals (RFP) for production of Short Film (fiction) on Experiences of Intersectionally Marginalized Transgender persons

 

General Area of work	Creation of one Short Film (fiction)
Project Period	60 days (June 1st 2026 - July 31st 2026)
Deliverable Due	August 1st 2026

 

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE:
The Humsafar Trust, India's first Community-Based Organisation for LGBTQ+ people, was founded in 1994 and has been working on LGBTQ+ health and well-being for more than 30 years. The Trust started by welcoming lesbians and gays to its programs on Fridays at its drop-in centre. Numerous workshops on HIV/AIDS and LGBTQ+ rights were held at the drop-in centre, and it soon became evident that the trust would need to work hard to protect the community's health and human rights. 
The HIV interventions of The Humsafar Trust are supported by National AIDS Control Organization (NACO) and Mumbai District AIDS Control Society (MDACS), to provide health services to Men who have sex with Men and Transgender communities every year through Public Health Care delivery systems and its In-house clinics.
To strengthen our advocacy efforts, we aim to develop a short fiction film that explores transgender lives through the lens of intersectionality—particularly caste, class, and geography. The film will seek to build empathy without resorting to narratives of pity or exploitation. Instead, it will present nuanced, self-aware storytelling that acknowledges challenges without centring them as the sole defining feature of trans lives.

The intention is to move beyond portrayals that either sensationalize or glorify struggle, and instead offer a more balanced, human narrative—one that reflects everyday realities, relationships, and moments of agency. By doing so, the film will gently shift the focus toward what society, allies, and institutions can do better. Ultimately, the film is envisioned as a conversation starter—encouraging audiences to engage with questions of acceptance, responsibility, and empathy in a more meaningful and reflective way.

 

THE OBJECTIVE OF THE ACTIVITY:

In India, awareness and understanding of the LGBTQ+ community are gradually expanding. However, this progress remains slow and uneven, often resulting in unwelcoming environments for LGBTQ+ individuals in everyday spaces—from homes to workplaces. A persistent lack of empathy within broader society continues to limit opportunities for queer and especially transgender individuals, restricting their access to fundamental rights such as education, employment, and meaningful relationships.

These challenges become even more complex for individuals with intersectional transgender identities. When gender identity intersects with caste, class, disability, religion, region, and other structural marginalisations, it further deepens vulnerability and exclusion.

Addressing these layered inequities requires a focused effort to build empathy and foster inclusivity within society. The Humsafar Trust has been actively working toward this through workshops on queer intersectionality and grassroots initiatives across India. This project builds on those efforts by promoting understanding, acceptance, and support—not only within society at large but also within the queer community itself. By centring authentic and diverse narratives, the initiative aims to contribute to a more inclusive and empathetic social environment for transgender individuals.

 

PROPOSED WORK:
The project proposes the production of a short fiction film centred on experiences of Intersectionally marginalized Transgender persons. The film will serve as an advocacy tool to foster empathy, awareness, and acceptance for transgender communities in India.

 

OBJECTIVES:

The primary goal of this project is to create a film that nurtures inclusivity and empathy toward transgender communities in India. By presenting authentic and nuanced stories, the film aims to highlight often-unseen lived experiences and encourage meaningful conversations around acceptance, inclusion, and the realities of intersectional marginalisation.

THE SCOPE OF WORK FOR THE CONSULTANT / AGENCY WOULD BE AS FOLLOWS:

1. Concept Development & Scriptwriting 
   • The Consultant / Agency will develop a script for the Short Film (fiction) on the identified theme and will be responsible for its execution. This should be original and not directly derived from any popular content or copyrighted material.
2. Pre-Production Planning 
   • The Consultant / Agency will outline a detailed plan for pre-production activities, including but not limited to casting, location scouting, script development, and logistical arrangements. 
3. Production Execution 
   • The Consultant / Agency will execute the filming phase according to the approved plan, ensuring sensitivity, respect, and authenticity in capturing the stories of Transgender individuals and their experiences.
4. Deliverables
   • The Consultant / Agency will be responsible for the implementation and production of the short film (fiction) on the agreed-upon theme, the duration of which shall not exceed 20 minutes.
   • The Consultant / Agency will provide a press kit inclusive of promotional materials such as the director’s bio, behind-the-scenes stills, publicity stills, and short promo and film posters.
   • The Consultant / Agency is expected to work on English subtitles for the film and share the final product in two versions: with subtitles and without subtitles with The Humsafar Trust. 
   • The Consultant / Agency also has to submit an unmixed track version of the short film, with dialogues and M&E on separate tracks accompanied by an original or non-copyrighted score
   • The Consultant / Agency shall submit Hi-Res colour-corrected film and shall have clear stereo sound. This shall be accompanied by an original or non-copyrighted score.
5. Reporting & Approval 
   • The Consultant / Agency is expected to provide regular updates and seek inputs on all creative choices as a part of the project, including scripting, casting, locations, crew etc....
   • The Consultant / Agency will be responsible for submitting the final product(s) within specified deadlines. 
6. Acknowledgment & Ownership 
   • The Consultant / Agency is expected to acknowledge the support of The Humsafar Trust and CSR Support by Publicis Sapient India.
   • All the produced materials will be under the ownership and purview of The Humsafar Trust, and the Consultant / Agency shall not share/publish them with any third parties. 
   • The Intellectual property rights (IPR) and final creative call rests with The Humsafar Trust. 

BUDGET:
The Consultant / Agency will receive a fixed amount of Rs. 3,60,000 (Rupees Three Lakh and Sixty Thousand Only), inclusive of taxes. provided after the successful completion of the selection process. This budget should encompass all potential and significant costs associated with all stages of production. 

• Please note that the amount would be inclusive of taxes and other government fees
• So, if you as an organization or production house collect GST, the amount shall be broken down into the budget with GST included. No additional charges will be paid, except for the above specified amount.

Following the analysis, we would engage in a discussion with the shortlisted candidates. This discussion aims to ensure that an effective film is made within the proposed budget. 

The discussed amount will be paid in 3 instalments: 

• 50% shall be given with submission of the final draft of the script. (Subject to approval of the final script).
• 20% at the submission of the first cut of the film, post approval.
• 30% upon successful completion of the finally approved film.

After the project, the film shall be disseminated as per the discretion of The Humsafar Trust and the donor organization, the distribution of the film would be The Humsafar Trust’s Responsibility. 
However, we may seek the Consultant / Agency’s support in submission to various festivals and competitions. 

EVALUATION OF THE TECHNICAL PROPOSAL:

• A detailed Introduction of the submitter along with a pitch deck and timeline of implementation. The Pitch Deck or lookbook shall detail out the project with plot details, genre, visuals, the applicant shall also include their previous projects in the deck for reference. 
• 15–20-page screenplay. Screenplays should be written in standard spec screenplay format, set in 12-point Courier font and submitted in the PDF file format.
• A Financial budget break up.
• Last 1-2 years and ongoing assignment/project details with results that are relevant/semi relevant to the proposed assignment. 
• Detailed CV/Profile of the Consultant / Agency/individual along with references of clients with projects concluded in a similar capacity. The applicant must mention their Name, Postal Address, Email Address and Telephone Number. Applicants must also submit the CV of Key crew members who may already be part of their team.

The mentioned documents should be submitted over email in a pdf format “Document  name/ your entity name or your name”. Please mention in the subject line RFP- HST-TLG-FIL001

Upon receipt of the applications, our designated representative will conduct a comprehensive analysis to ensure alignment with our expectations and project scope. After the submission, we would engage in a discussion with the shortlisted candidates. 

SELECTION CRITERIA:

• Applications will be reviewed and scored on the basis of the submitted Screenplay, Pitch Deck, timeline of implementation and financial break up.   
• Working experience in the field of media creation with / for LGBTQ+ community will be an advantage.
• Sound knowledge of the Transgender communities and their challenges will be considered as an asset. 

CLOSING DATE FOR SUBMISSION OF THE PROPOSAL:
The application must be submitted along with all supportive documents on or before 15.05.2026 by 11:59 PM on procurement@humsafar.org  

For any doubts or queries feel free to reach out to Ravendra Kewlani at ravendra@humsafar.org