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Working at the intersection of film and culture, we are an award-winning trans-led film production company with a primary focus on creating and curating narratives that are brown, queer and women-led. Based in Mumbai (India), we are a small team of dedicated and bold creatives looking to the future of filmmaking, with cultural awareness and integrity, and above all, a love for the medium of film.
Founded in 2019 by Asawari Jagushte and Varsha Panikar, Star Hopper was born out of the need to create a film culture, a space, a new digital landscape for filmmakers, technicians and talent from South Asian LGBTQIA++ and underrepresented communities to thrive and flourish. We believe in the power and magic of storytelling and serve to tell inspiring and impact driven stories from an intersectional and cross-cultural lens.
culture. craft. authenticity.
mission.
Well, we consider ourselves explorers hopping through the cosmos, dreaming up tomorrows, and searching for meaning, for the unknown, for anything new, really! For us, space is inherently queer, counter-cultural, and the ultimate reminder that we don’t know much about anything. It goes beyond all human comprehension and cannot be confined to pre-existing notions. Knowing that we, perhaps, hold the power to rearrange and rewrite everything we know to build better futures lends a certain comfort and freedom.
Will we ever inhabit such a space?
We don’t know. But we can hope, and we can surely try.
So that’s what we do.
As a trans and queer owned business, we're passionately committed to nurturing an empowering space for 2SLGBTQIA+ individuals, women and under-served voices to share their unique stories.
services.
At Star Hopper, we specialise in creating impactful narratives that push boundaries of storytelling and visual aesthetics. Our dedication has been recognized at the prestigious Spikes Asia Awards, where we received Silver and Bronze accolades and were the sole contender from India for the Spike Glass nomination. We recently won Gold in The Drum Awards for Marketing APAC’s Disruption, Social Purpose, Charity or Not for Profit, and Grand Prix categories with Disney Star India’s Words of Pride. Additionally, Words Of Pride secured a Merit at the 2024 One Show, Silver and Bronze at the Spikes Asia Awards, and the Zee Equality Award (Purple Elephant) at the 2024 Kyoorius Creative Awards, highlighting our commitment to impactful and innovative storytelling. Our film "Bodies of Desire" was one of the #FiveFilmsForFreedom 2021, winning the Best International Short Special Jury Award at the RIO Festival De Cinema LGBTQIA+ 2021. It appeared in over 60 prestigious film festivals such as Outfest LA and Berlin Commercials, and found a home on platforms including Nowness Asia, MTV, and Directors Notes.
From documentaries to music videos, branded content to experimental works, our team adds authenticity, quality writing, and craft to every project. With our finger on the pulse of changing global politics and technology, we collaborate with culture-forward labels, brands, agencies, clients, and various arts, culture, and social organisations both in and outside of India. We aim to work with partners who share our commitment to equitable authorship, authenticity, and meaningful cultural engagement.
Our works have found a home on platforms like Nowness Asia, Nowness, Directors Notes, Disney+Star, Disney+Hotstar. We have created award-winning works that have travelled over many film festivals, screenings, and events around the world. These collaborations reflect our commitment to crafting stories that transcend boundaries and amplify diverse voices. We add value to every stage of the production process, from concept to delivery, and believe we can make every idea better, together.
Our commitment to interdisciplinary collaboration is vividly demonstrated by our extensive partnerships with artists and organisations worldwide. Leveraging innovative C3 technologies such as open-source platforms, AI, AR, and VR we are dedicated to redefining traditional artistic norms and innovative storytelling techniques, reinforcing our role as pioneers in the evolution of visual narrative.
In addition to our film work, we proactively promote diversity and inclusivity in the industry through various workshops and programmes. These include storybuilding, theatre, and gaming-based mental health workshops, film crew sensitisation, and gender and diversity sensitisation both on and off-set. As a trans and minority-owned business, we understand the importance of inclusivity. Our mission extends beyond film to fostering equity and inclusiveness in the corporate realm, exemplified by our DEI workshop module, "Dear Utopia."
Film Development
Creative Producing
Screenplay
Promotional Video Production
Curation
Film Production
Co-Production
Copywriting
Film Based workshops
Casting
Content Development
Script Consultaion
Post Production & Animation
Inter-disciplinary Collaboration
Gender & Diversity Sensitisation for other Film Productions
team.
culture | craft | authenticity
At Star Hopper, we are a small yet bold ensemble of multifaceted professionals hailing from diverse backgrounds. What unites us is a collective passion for the art of storytelling. With a wealth of experience spanning over a decade, we have honed our craft across various genres – from documentaries to music videos, and from branded content to compelling narrative films.
Our commitment extends beyond the final product – we deeply care about the impact we create, both during the filmmaking process and when our works reach audiences worldwide.
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contact.
We invite you to reach out to us at starhopper.in@gmail.com for all intents and purposes. We're always on the lookout for talented individuals to join our team on a freelance basis, regardless of your location around the world. If you're a filmmaker, technician, please don't hesitate to get in touch. Share your resume, showreel, a brief bio, and and line or two about why you'd like to work with us. For performer, artist or talent, write to us at starhoppercasting@gmail.com. We particularly encourage BIPOC GSM, Queer, Trans, GNC, and Women filmmakers and artists to apply.
As much as we love suprises, please do not send us unsolicited and unregistered scripts. If you want to discuss your project, send in a brief creative pitch and we can start there. Our team is committed to responding promptly to most, if not all, inquiries. If your matter requires urgent attention, please indicate so in your communication. We eagerly look forward to the opportunity of connecting with you and exploring potential avenues for collaboration.
disclaimer.
On this. website we have used the terms 'LGBTQIA++', 'Queer' and 'Trans' as shorthand for a wide range of gender and sexual identities. Everyone is welcome, and we strive to foster an inclusive environment where no one feels excluded.
confidentiality note.
The information provided in this document/webpage and any attachments, including creative ideas, artwork, scripts, or videos ("Information"), is strictly confidential and proprietary to Star Hopper. You acknowledge that the Information is shared with you solely for exploring potential business opportunities and does not grant any rights to you. You agree not to copy, reproduce, modify, or distribute the Information without obtaining prior written consent from Star Hopper. Any use of the Information for your benefit requires proper acknowledgment and authorization from Star Hopper, both monetarily and otherwise.
contact.
© star hopper