Ladakhi Debut 'Kakthet' Wins Inaugural Indian Co-Production Fund
Stenzin Tankyong's Ladakhi-language feature was picked from nearly 400 entries and receives INR40 lakh ($42,000).
Stenzin Tankyong's debut feature 'Kakthet' (Idiot) has won the inaugural co-production fund launched by Humans of Cinema and Safarnaama Pictures, according to Variety. The Ladakhi-language project was selected from nearly 400 entries and carries a prize of INR40 lakh ($42,000).
The film is set in Ladakh and centres on a government school, its community and a reluctant grade 10 student who has never passed an exam. 'Kakthet' is produced by Ritu Sarin and Rajesh Thanickan, with French co-producers La Belle Affaire Productions.
Shaunak Sen, whose documentary 'All That Breathes' was nominated for an Oscar, is attached to the winning project as executive producer. The jury comprised Imran Khan, Arati Kadav, Aman Mann and Aseem Chhabra.
Earlier recognition for the project
Tankyong's short films 'Sekool' (2019) and 'Last Days of Summer' (2023) screened at festivals including International Film Festival Rotterdam, Clermont-Ferrand International Short Film Festival and Dharamshala International Film Festival. The project won the Co-Production Features Grant at WAVES Film Bazaar in 2025 and was chosen as one of 30 projects for the 2026 Asian Project Market held alongside the Busan International Film Festival.
Thanickan's credits include 'Homebound', which premiered at Cannes in 2025, 'Santosh', which premiered at Cannes in 2024, and 'Our Share of Sand', which won the Audience Award at the 2026 Venice International Film Festival's International Critics' Week.
Quick answers
What is the prize for the Humans of Cinema and Safarnaama Pictures fund?
The co-production fund is worth INR40 lakh ($42,000) and was awarded to Stenzin Tankyong's 'Kakthet' in its inaugural edition.
What is 'Kakthet' about?
The Ladakhi-language film is set in Ladakh and centres on a government school, its community and a reluctant grade 10 student who has never passed an exam.
Who is producing 'Kakthet'?
Ritu Sarin and Rajesh Thanickan are producing, with French co-producers La Belle Affaire Productions. Shaunak Sen is executive producer.