Mumbai: The Public Service Broadcasting Trust (PSBT) has appointed veteran filmmaker Aparna Sanyal as its new Director, marking her second stint with the organisation. Sanyal, who has spent over 25 years in media and filmmaking, previously served as Executive Director of Doc_Commune, an affiliate organisation, for more than four years.
Sanyal announced the development on LinkedIn, adding that she will continue her role as Managing Trustee of IAWRT – Chapter India for another year, while also steering her mental health initiative, The Red Door.
Since its inception in 2000, PSBT has built a formidable reputation, producing over 700 independent documentaries and winning more than 350 awards, including nearly 50 National Film Awards. Sanyal said she is focused on leading PSBT into a new phase that nurtures emerging talent and strengthens collaborations with documentary filmmakers.
Reflecting on her journey, Sanyal wrote, “When I passed out of film school in 2002, all I dreamt of was making a film for PSBT one day. It seems quite unbelievable that the same small town girl is today heading this august institution that has changed the story of documentary filmmaking in India.”
She highlighted PSBT’s commitment to creating opportunities for women and first-time filmmakers, and noted upcoming partnerships with the French Institute in India and Arthshila Art Spaces, along with more collaborations in the pipeline.
Sanyal also acknowledged the support of Rajiv Mehrotra, Managing Trustee of PSBT, whose vision has shaped the organisation over the past 25 years. Mehrotra had also launched the PSBT Online Film Challenge, aimed at encouraging new voices in documentary cinema.
With Sanyal at the helm, PSBT aims to expand its engagement with storytellers and continue its legacy of supporting independent, socially relevant filmmaking.
