1497 Mentors Lab Unveils Finalists For Third Annual Features Lab
16.08.2023 - 16:17
/ deadline.com
1497 has revealed the finalists of its third annual Features Lab. See their bios below.
The lab is designed to elevate and develop screenplays by writers of South Asian descent, while providing career support. It aims to empower writers in the South Asian diaspora to write whatever stories they feel compelled to tell, unbounded by genre, cultural content, geographic location, or any other stereotypical expectation.
Established in 2020 by Adeel Ahmed, Lipica Shah, and Kamran Khan, 1497 has been steadfast in its commitment to championing and empowering South Asian talent, countering their historical marginalization and year preceding colonization in what is now recognized as South Asia.
Sponsored by Final Draft, the 2023 Features Lab will guide three Mentees through a comprehensive, multi-tiered journey during a five-day retreat in Malibu. This transformative process will begin with working with Sundance filmmaker and seasoned script consultant Adrienne Weiss, to bolster the refinement of their feature film scripts.
In addition, each Mentee will be assigned a pod of Mentors, fostering a dynamic exchange of perspectives and insights to sculpt their career pathways. As previously disclosed, this year’s Mentors include Mira Nair (Mirabai Films), Geeta Malik (India Sweets and Spices) and Minhal Baig (Hala), along with industry experts including Kishori Rajan (Viva Maude), Raj Raghavan (ColorCreative), Rabia Sultana (Sultana Films), Priya Satiani (Entertainment 360), Uzma Hasan (Little House Productions), Mohammed Ali (Authentic Talent & Lit) and 1497 Features Lab Alumni Sofian Khan, Kaushik Sampath, and Iesh Thapar.
“We’re so thrilled that our Lab continues to be a testament to the incredibly rich stories created by South