NFAI encourages research and other academic activities related to cinema, especially in the field of Indian films and its history.

This fellowship carries a monthly allowance of 5,000/- for a period of one year. In addition, a contingency allowance of 25,000/- will be paid towards travel, secretarial assistance, stationery etc. The project should be based on original research and could be on any topic or aspect of Indian cinema - its history, aesthetics, sociology or economics.

Completed Research Fellowship Projects

Monographs

The scope of monographs includes biographical information on pioneering Indian film personalities with a comprehensive annotated filmography, a resume of previous published material relating to the artiste, a bibliography and around 20-25 illustrations including some working stills.

Those awarded a monograph project are entitled to an allowance of 30,000/- as consolidated fee. The project should be completed within six months of acceptance of the proposal.

Completed Monographs Projects

Audio-Visual History Projects

The project should be on any living pioneering film personality & the interview should reveal details of his / her career and highlight the personality's special contribution to Indian cinema, memorable information about contemporaries and associates, working conditions prevailing during the period etc. A transcription of the interview should be submitted to NFAI along with the audio and video files in DVDs. A letter of consent from the film personality to be interviewed should invariably be attached to the application.

Each project carries an allowance of 1,000/- per hour of recorded time of interview with a maximum limit of 10,000/- for each film personality. First class rail fare (if the project involves outstation journey) and other incidentals such as recorder hiring charges etc. will be reimbursed.

Completed Audio - Visual History Projects