The 16th edition of NFDC Screenwriters’ Lab has selected eight projects encompassing various genres and themes, including magic realism, fantasy, horror/thriller, women’s empowerment, cross-border politics, LGTBQ+ issues, and mental illness. These screenwriters, also experienced filmmakers in various formats, have penned their scripts in multiple languages. The intensive three-part workshop is an annual initiative aimed at nurturing emerging and established screenwriters, guided by acclaimed script experts from around the world. This year’s mentors include Marten Rabarts, Claire Dobbin, Bikas Mishra, and Ketki Pandit. The selected projects promise a diverse range of compelling narratives and voices in Indian cinema. Past projects from the NFDC Screenwriters’ Lab have yielded award-winning films like “Lunchbox,” “Lipstick Under My Burkha,” and “A Death in the Gunj.”