From the sidelines
to the spotlight.
Reclaiming our space.
Reshaping our stories.
We are a nonprofit dedicated to supporting and uplifting talent of South Asian descent to challenge their historical exclusion from and underrepresentation in the American film and television industry.
1497 was the last year that the area now known as South Asia (consisting of Afghanistan, Bangladesh, Bhutan, India, Maldives, Nepal, Pakistan, and Sri Lanka) was free from colonization.
Since then, South Asian stories and how they have been defined have long been sidelined in American film and television. 1497 exists to change that.
Our name signifies the year before colonization rewrote our story - now, we’re here to flip the script.
“Authentic South Asian voices are rare... I’m delighted that the team at 1497 are going strong.”
Gurinder Chadha
Bend It Like Beckham, Bride and Prejudice
Bold ideas start with bold voices.
We’re here to back them up.
1497 actively pushes back against the American film and television industry's history of exclusion and underrepresentation of South Asians.
As a 501(c)3 nonprofit, we champion authentic, diverse South Asian talent, creating pathways for emerging artists to re-define the future of storytelling. We're constantly expanding our efforts, striving to scale our impact and provide even more meaningful opportunities.
All funds raised go towards sustaining our impact programs and initiatives, including:
Community Events
Research
Consulting & Training
1497 is a registered 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization and your donation is tax-deductible to the fullest extent allowed by law.
The 1497 Features Lab
Through its core pillars of Script Development, Mentorship, and Industry Connection - delivered via a Retreat, Pitch Day, and supplementary professional development - the 1497 Features Lab is dedicated to elevating and developing screenplays by South Asian writers who will champion 1497's goal of changing representation in the American entertainment market.
