Undercurrent Lab to return in 2025, announces Richa Chadha
The Undercurrent Lab is set to make a comeback in 2025, with actors Richa Chadha and Ali Fazal expanding their initiative to introduce a new department in filmmaking. This move aims to create more opportunities for women aspiring to establish themselves in the film industry.
Following the success of its first edition, which trained 10 women in cinema lighting, the Undercurrent Lab is gearing up for a broader focus in its second edition. Richa Chadha announced the return of the initiative, emphasizing its continued commitment to empowering women in technical aspects of filmmaking.
The inaugural workshop, held last year, featured a hands-on training program, selecting talented women through a rigorous interview process. Participants were trained in the art of cinema lighting under the mentorship of experienced gaffers and cinematographers, gaining practical experience by working as trainees on active film sets.
Two of the participants from the first edition secured prestigious positions on the nearly all-women crew of Girls Will Be Girls, Richa Chadha and Ali Fazal’s debut production, which premiered at the 2024 Sundance Film Festival.
Speaking about the initiative, Richa Chadha expressed her enthusiasm: "The success of the first edition of Undercurrent Lab has been nothing short of inspiring. We witnessed incredible talent and passion as these women not only learned the technical intricacies of lighting but also embraced the creative spirit of cinema."
She further highlighted the impact of the program: "Their achievements – especially with some joining the nearly all-women crew of Girls Will Be Girls – affirm our commitment to nurturing female talent in every facet of filmmaking."
Looking ahead to the 2025 edition, Richa revealed ambitious plans for expansion, saying: "With Undercurrent Lab 2025, Ali and I are taking a bold step forward. We are introducing a new department that will offer comprehensive training in various aspects of film production, ensuring that more women get the chance to break into this competitive industry."
She highlighted the initiative’s broader vision, saying: "This is about creating opportunities, building confidence, and providing a platform for aspiring women professionals to thrive. I am incredibly excited about this next chapter, and I believe it will be a catalyst for more inclusive and innovative storytelling in cinema."
With the Undercurrent Lab 2025 on the horizon, Chadha and Fazal continue their efforts to bridge the gender gap in technical filmmaking, offering a platform for aspiring women professionals to gain industry-relevant skills and hands-on experience.