Director Payal Sethi Presented Film Project Babak
The director introduced the project at the Asian Project Market during the Busan International Film Festival.
Updated on Oct. 9, 2026 in Film — General
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Director Payal Sethi showcased her film project, Babak, at the Asian Project Market in Busan this month. The project is currently in the treatment stage as the production team seeks international co-production partners.
Why it matters
The story was inspired by reports of Afghan refugees in Germany being moved from shelters to accommodate Ukrainian refugees. This project highlights the complex humanitarian challenges faced by refugees in Europe through the eyes of an eight-year-old child named Viktor.
The project secured an Asian Cinema Fund Screenplay Grant in July 2026 and was previously developed at B3 HessenLab. It also participated in the EFM Fiction Toolbox to refine its current treatment stage status.
The players
Payal Sethi
She is the director and writer behind the film project Babak.
Busan International Film Festival
This is a major film festival that hosts the Asian Project Market for international industry professionals.
The details
Payal Sethi is currently writing the first draft of the screenplay while the production team pursues German public funding. The film focuses on the experiences of an eight-year-old protagonist named Viktor in Germany.
Timeline
July 2026: Project received an Asian Cinema Fund Screenplay Grant.
October 2026: Project presented at the Asian Project Market in Busan.
Industry Dynamics
The film follows the standard industry pattern of utilizing global forums like the Asian Project Market to secure financing for independent features. These markets remain critical for filmmakers navigating the shift toward international co-productions in a crowded film landscape.
While the project is currently in early development, audiences can expect future updates on its production progress and eventual theatrical release. Viewers interested in independent international cinema should monitor future festival lineups for updates on its availability.
The takeaway
Filmmakers often spend years in the development and grant-seeking phase before principal photography begins. This project exemplifies the long-term planning required to bring nuanced socio-political narratives to the screen.
Further reading
Learn more about the latest developments in global cinema at Film — General.
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