Debut Director (Director with 1 or 2 Movies/TV Series)

A lawyer by qualification, Ambiecka worked at a top tier law firm before pursuing filmmaking. She is a promising writer-director who started her journey in cinema by working as a writer and director's assistant to National Award Winning filmmaker - Bhavna Talwar on a feature film biopic based on Guru Dutt. She has also assisted renowned ad-filmmakers like Prasoon Pandey, Ayappa, Ashim Ahluwalia, Suresh Triveni, and Shimit Amin and worked on a number of commercials for big brands like Bluestar, Flipkart, Disney+ Hotstar, MAMI, Ambuja Cement, Coca Cola, MTV, Parle, Amazon among others. Ambiecka's debut short - Custody was well appreciated at various film festivals and bagged the Best Short Fiction Award at the 67th National Awards, and German Star of India Award, Short Fiction at the Indian Film Festival of Stuttgart in 2021. Her latest short - Under The Waters, is about a pubescent boy who finds himself drawn to his sexual assaulter. The film is produced by Vikramaditya Motwane, Shiladitya Bora, and Suresh Triveni and was shortlisted by Cannes Critics Week and appreciated by Toronto International Film Festival. Ambiecka is currently working on a series with Andolan Films and continues to develop several other original ideas of her own.

Born in Delhi and having roots in Kerala, Rohin Raveendran Nair is an independent writer-director based out of Mumbai. After finishing his specialization in cinematography from FTII, Pune in 2016, Rohin has so far directed three short films and was an episodic director on the Netflix series, BLACK WARRANT- produced by Applause Entertainment and Andolan Films. Previously, Rohin also served as the 2nd unit director and 2nd unit dop on both seasons of the popular Netflix series, SACRED GAMES, directed by Vikramaditya Motwane & Anurag Kashyap.

Rohin's short film, THE BOOTH (2019), produced by Vikramaditya Motwane (Andolan Films) screened at such festivals as the Oscar-qualifying, POFF Shorts (2019) and won Best Short Film award at Kashish Mumbai International Queer Film Festival as well as Signs Film Festival (Kerala). THE BOOTH is currently streaming on MUBI.

In 2022, the screenplay of the Hindi horror feature, SMART CITY, co-written by Rohin won the prestigious script development fund of the Busan International Film Festival (BIFF). Rohin is attached as the director on the project and it's currently in development with Andolan Films attached as the producer.

In early 2024, Rohin wrapped directing responsibilities on BLACK WARRANT- a fiction series produced by Applause Entertainment and Andolan Films with the filmmakers, Vikramaditya Motwane and Satyanshu Singh serving as the showrunners. Rohin directed episode three from this 7-part series. The show is currently streaming on Netflix.

Satyanshu is a National Award-winning filmmaker, writer and professor of cinema. His debut feature film, Chintu Ka Birthday, released in 2020 on ZEE5 to widely positive reception by critics and audiences alike. He started his professional journey by writing poems for Vikramaditya Motwane's Udaan, produced by Anurag Kashyap. Satyanshu has also written lyrics for Amit V. Masurkar's Sulemani Keeda and Vinod Chopra Films' Ferrari Ki Sawaari. His directorial debut was a Kashmiri short film Tamaash, which won several awards at different film festivals, including a National Award. In addition to writing and directing, Satyanshu has conducted screenwriting courses at Anupam Kher's 'Actor Prepares' as well as workshops across India. Satyanshu has designed and mentored both seasons of AIB's 'First Draft' screenwriter residency programme. During the COVID-19 pandemic, he launched a fundraising initiative by conducting online lectures on cinema. Satyanshu has also been a creative consultant with Sony LIV across several projects. He is currently working on the recently announced third season of AIB's 'First Draft' programme. Most recently, Satyanshu co-directed the Sony LIV series Jehanabad - Of Love & War, which was well received by both critics and audiences alike. He is also developing a series for Vikramaditya Motwane, and is simultaneously developing his original series and feature ideas. He is also consulting on several projects across formats.

Arkesh Ajay is known for Black Warrant (2025), A Window of Their Own (2014) and Mississippi Requiem (2018).

Nipun Dharmadhikari is an Indian film-maker, writer and actor. He has won a National Award for 'Dhappa', his debut as a film-maker. Though he primarily works in Marathi, his mother tongue, Nipun also writes and directs in Hindi. He is also a renowned theatre practitioner and directs and acts in plays in Marathi and in English.

Renuka Shahane, also known by her married name Renuka Neekhra, is a Maharashtrian actress working in the Indian film industry and in television, best known as the presenter of Doordarshan TV show Surabhi (1993-2001).

Shahane started her career with the Marathi film Hach Sunbaicha Bhau and has done many Marathi Films. She then worked in the popular TV show, Surabhi. Renuka was among the top lead actresses of Indian television in 90's besides Kitu Gidwani, Mandira Bedi,Shefali Chhaya and Pallavi Joshi.

She became popular after her role in Hum Aapke Hain Koun..!, a 1994 blockbuster film. She released her first Marathi film as a director called Rita. Adapted from her mother Shanta Gokhale's novel, Rita Welingkar, Renuka plays the pivotal role of a friend, guide and philosopher of Rita, the protagonist. 'Rita' had Jackie Shroff, Pallavi Joshi, Suhasini Mulay and Mohan Agashe in the cast. She also acted in a Telugu movie money which is produced by Ram Gopal Varma which was a big hit.

Sandeep A. Varma is known for The Disguise (2019), Manjunath (2014) and Ishqyapa (2023).

Sarmad Khan was born on 18 October 1976 in Dubai, United Arab Emirates. Sarmad is a writer and director, known for My Name Is Khan (2010), Pasha (2020) and The Wife (2021).

Seema Pahwa was born on 10 February 1962 in New Delhi, India. She is an actress and director, known for Seeking True Love (2017), Ramprasad Ki Tehrvi (2019) and Shubh Mangal Savdhan (2017).

Shubhashish Bhutiani is known for Hotel Salvation (2016), Kush (2013) and The Star (2012).

Stanley D'Costa is known for PK (2014), Sanju (2018) and Dhoom (2004).

Suraj Joshi is popular Indian Film Director. Known for his predominantly popular theatrical action feature film Flight (2021), Suraj has played a crucial role in shaping the visual storytelling landscape through his unique perspective and creative choices

In his early career, Suraj started off as the winner from the city of Bangalore at India's Best Cinestars Ki Khoj (2004) in 2004 and was a popular figure on Indian television for the following weeks with a fan following, thanks to his dancing skills. He went on to be one of the finalists in the 'Best Dancer' category on the TV show aired on Zee TV over 8 months in many countries

Having a strong TV foundation in Mumbai, Suraj worked on 2010's multi-starrer Bollywood film Dulha Mil Gaya (2010), (starring Shah Rukh Khan, Sushmita Sen & Fardeen Khan) in the capacity of a 'Senior Production Executive', overseeing pre-production, principal filming, post-production and theatrical distribution & release across India and worldwide

Once having understood the business of cinema and content, Suraj pursued his creative and entrepreneurial journey of being Producer and Director in the advertising and corporate industry working with top-tier brands within and outside the country

Some of his work includes product films for clients like Nissan NISSAN Terrano (2014) NISSAN Evalia (2014), TATA Motors, Mahindra & Mahindra Mahindra I 36D Di I Puddling Master I Product Demo (2019) Mahindra I JIVO 365 I Vineyard Special I Product Demo (2019) Mahindra Jivo 245 Di I 4wd Tractor I Product Demo (2017) Mahindra I 245 Di I Orchard I Product Demo (2015), Skoda, Ford Ford Ecosport I Promo (2015), Toyota Toyota India I Urban Cruiser Hyryder I Promo (2022), Toyota India I Urban Cruiser Hyryder I Off-Roading Promo (2022) Royal Enfield, Volvo Volvo I Training Modules (2019), Hyundai, Citroen Citroen I C5 Aircross SUV I Promo (2022), Future Generali, Kotak Mahindra Bank KOTAK Presidium I Candid AV (2014), Axis Bank, Punjab Grill Punjab Grill I Tandoori Pomfret (2018), Thyssenkrupp, Fine Organics, Maestercoin Maester Coin I Explainer (2016), PayLo POS PayLo POS I Explainer (2016), Volkswagen, Bharat Benz, Chevrolet, Future Generali Insurance, Tropicana Essentials, SMS Financial Services, Electronics Devices, Legrand, HUL, Micromax, Palava, Panasonic, Alstone Industries, Kwality Pharma, Protherm Engineering, AP Cranes, Northern Aromatics Ltd., A.G. Industries, along with studios and channels like Viacom18 VIACOM18 I Chakachak Mumbai I CSR Initiative Film (2016) VIACOM18 I Evolve I Aftermovie (2016) Daughters of Mother India I Award Entry I AV (2016) VIACOM18 I Get Angry I Award Entry AV (2016) , VH1, Nickelodeon, Amazon Prime Video, etc.,

Digital & TV Commercials: foodpanda I Bachelor Party I TVC (2015) foodpanda | Fried Rice I TVC (2015) Kotak Securities Digital Film (2023) Link locks I TVC I Ft. Salman Khan (2021) Mahindra Truck #Gadar2 (2023) MAHINDRA TRACTORS I Yuvo I Digital Commercial (2016) foodpanda I BOGO Month I TVC (2015) foodpanda I CricBites I TVC (2015) printvenue.com (2016)

He has also worked as an Editor for Out to Roam I Travel Vlogs (2023), Tour the Earth I World Travel Destinations (2023), Qafas (2023) (Short Film), Senior news Journalist (Afrida Rahman Ali: Mirror Now) and Papercup Technologies (London)

Suraj has also contributed to the Maharashtra United Nations Association (MUNA) - A division of UN, by working with clinical psychology students involving portrayal of old age mental health issues at their UN day programme

More recently, he is known as a Director for India's first aerial action feature film Flight (2021) which released theatrically across India on 2nd April 2021. Flight (2021) has received widespread recognition and praise from both critics and audiences alike. Flight (2021) is available on Amazon Prime video in India and Apple TV Worldwide

Over the past 15 years, his work is a testament to cinematic prowess as Suraj continues to bring stories to life through his artistic vision

Taranveer Singh is an Indian screenwriter & film director known for the quirky romantic comedy, 'Tuesdays & Fridays', streaming worldwide on Netflix. After finishing his graduation from Symbiosis College (Pune) in Marketing & Advertising, he enrolled in Subhash Ghai's Whistling Woods International to pursue a 2 year Diploma in Film making. He specialized in Film Editing at the prestigious film school. On completion of his course he immediately got the offer to work as the Director's Assistant on Excel Entertainment's 'Karthik Calling Karthik' followed in quick succession by Abbas Tyrewala's 'Jhootha Hi Sahi' and Dharma Production's 'Yeh Jawaani Hai Deewani'. He has also written dialogue for the Hindi language dubbed version of 'The Angry Birds Movie' and 'The Angry Birds Movie 2' for Sony Pictures India. His directorial debut, 'Tuesdays & Fridays' was collectively produced by industry stalwarts, Sanjay Leela Bhansali (Bhansali Productions) and Bhushan Kumar (T-Series)

Tushar Hiranandani was born on 13 July 1975 in Mumbai, Maharashtra, India. He is a writer and director, known for Atithi Tum Kab Jaoge? (2010), The Villain (2014) and Saand Ki Aankh (2019).

Varun V. Sharma is known for Bharat (2019), Sultan (2016) and Tiger Zinda Hai (2017).

Vishwesh Krishnamoorthy is known for 99 Songs (2019), Bring on the Night (2012) and The Untitled Kartik Krishnan Project (2010).

Mridul Toolsidas is known for Nachom-ia Kumpasar (2015), Missed Call (2005) and Toolsidas Junior (2022).

Tushar Jalota is known for Dasvi (2022), Barfi! (2012) and Padmaavat (2018).

Raj Singh Chaudhary was born on 23 July 1975 in Meerut, Uttar Pradesh, India. He is an actor and writer, known for Thar (2022), Gulaal (2009) and Shaadisthan (2021).

Sudarshan Gamare is known for Haemolymph (2022) and Saavat (2019).

Kapil Verma is known for Bang Bang (2014), Koi... Mil Gaya (2003) and Ra.One (2011).

Prashant Johari is known for Odd Couple (2019), Betelgeuse (2024) and Namaste Nestama (2020).

Kamal Pandey is known for Na Aana Iss Des Laado (2009), Ruk Jana Nahin (2011) and Jahaan Chaar Yaar (2022).

M. Gani is known for Matto Ki Saikil (2020) and Gubbare (2021).

Manish Mundra is a producer, filmmaker and the founder of Drishyam Films. After a chance interaction with Rajat Kapoor on Twitter in 2013, he agreed to finance Ankhon Dekhi (2014). The film went on to win three Filmfare Awards and three Screen Awards. Since then, there has been no looking back for the corporate leader-turned-film producer. His Drishyam Films is a global motion-picture studio that has produced international award-winning films such as Masaan (2015), Umrika (2015), Waiting (2015), Dhanak (2016), Newton (2017), Rukh (2017), and Kadvi Hawa (2017). Newton won the National Award for Best Hindi Film, and was also selected as India's official entry to the Academy Awards in 2018. Fêted as one of Variety magazine's Top 10 Producers to Watch Out For in 2017, Manish is currently working on his directorial debut project, a yet-to-be titled social drama feature film inspired by true events and set in Uttar Pradesh, India.