Short Summary
We are The Chicago Kasam, a South Asian nonprofit aiming to foster creativity and community within the South Asian diaspora. In collaboration with Raninj Entertainment, led by filmmaker and producer Rahul Dhiman, we are thrilled to introduce the Kasam Film Fund. This initiative is designed to support emerging, underrepresented South Asian filmmakers in the U.S, by empowering them with the resources to turn their screenplay into a professional festival-worthy short film.
What We Need & What You Get
We're seeking to raise $10,000 for the Kasam Film Fund to provide grants to emerging South Asian filmmakers to produce short films. This funding will cover costs such as equipment, locations, production crew, editing, and more to ensure these filmmakers have everything they need to create their vision. We’re committed to transparency — every dollar raised will directly support production costs and storytelling efforts.
By contributing to this campaign, you'll not only be supporting diverse storytelling, but you'll also receive exclusive perks:
$25 - Social Media Shoutout: A personal shoutout on our social media to acknowledge your support.
$50 - Be in the Credits!: Your name will appear in the film’s credits as a special thank you.
$100 - Private Link to the Film: Get early access to watch the film online before its official release.
$1,000 - Associate Producer Credit: Receive an Associate Producer credit in the film, exclusive updates from the set, and an invitation to a private online screening with the team.
$2,000 - Executive Producer Credit: Join the project as an Executive Producer, with all perks from the previous tier plus VIP access to the premiere, a signed poster from the cast and crew, and exclusive behind-the-scenes content.
If we don’t reach our full goal, all funds raised will still go towards supporting the selected filmmakers. Our priority is to ensure these stories are told, even if on a smaller scale.
The Impact
Your contribution goes beyond simply funding a film. It helps create opportunities for emerging South Asian filmmakers to tell their stories and make a mark in the creative world.
The Chicago Kasam is one of the most prominent South Asian non-profits in the U.S. In it's first year running, The Chicago Kasam launched Chicago's first ever South Asian Festival Showcase, empowering dancers, filmmakers, entrepreneurs, and musicians with a platform to showcase their talents.
Raninj Entertainment's mantra is "Crafting Universal Stories, Rooted in a South Asian Heartbeat". Raninj Entertainment has successfully produced South Asian TV shows like Upside Brown (now streaming on Amazon & Tubi), music videos, and short films that have screened at festivals across the nation.
This collaboration between The Chicago Kasam and Raninj Entertainment looks to combine their respective expertises in community impact and production expertise to ensure that every dollar raised goes towards making a beautiful film that has an impact on the South Asian community.
Timeline
October 4, 2024 - Fundraising Begins
December 4, 2024 - Fundraising Ends
December 4, 2024 - Submissions for Screenplays Opens
February 1, 2025 - Submissions for Screenplays Close
March 1, 2025 - Selections for Winning Screenplay/Filmmaker Wins
March - May, 2025 - Pre-Production
May - June, 2025 - Production
July - September, 2025 - Post-Production
Other Ways You Can Help
If you’re unable to contribute financially, you can still make a huge impact! Share our campaign with your friends, family, and social media networks to help spread the word. Every share brings us closer to making these incredible films a reality, and together, we can elevate South Asian storytelling to new heights.
