The 19th edition of the Mumbai International Film Festival (MIFF) is set to take place from June 15 to 21, showcasing a diverse array of films from around globe. This year's festival will feature 1,459 entries from 47 countries, including 144 films in the competition section—52 international and 92 national submissions. The non-competition segment will present 202 films, with 106 international titles and 96 national films,collectively offering over 83 hours of screenings.
Prakash Magdum, managing director of the National Film Development Corporation (NFDC),announced these details at a press conference. He emphasized MIFF's growth into a prominent platform for non-feature cinema,attracting filmmakers,producers, and audiences worldwide. The festival will include 24 curated segments,such as "Mosaic," "Best of Fest," and "Oscar Winners," along with a special tribute to filmmaker David Attenborough, featuring screenings of two of his films.
Swati Mhase Patil, managing director of the Maharashtra Film,Stage and Cultural Development Corporation,highlighted festival's role in promoting Marathi cinema. She stated that the initiative aims to elevate Marathi storytelling and culture on an international stage. The festival will also present the prestigious V. Shantaram Lifetime Achievement Award,coinciding with the 125th birth anniversary of the legendary filmmaker.
The opening films include animated feature "Good Luck to You All" from Canada,the short fiction "Agapito" from the Philippines, and the documentary "Time and Water" from the United States and Iceland . A mid-fest lineup on June 18 will showcase additional films, such as "Eeny, Meeny, Miny, Moe!" from the Czech Republic and Slovakia,and "Hyena" from United States.
This year,MIFF introduces AI Cinema Hackathon titled "Mumbai Through a Thousand Eyes," a 48-hour challenge focused on AI-driven storytelling. Magdum noted the festival's commitment to exploring how emerging filmmakers utilize AI in their work. The festival will also host 10 masterclasses covering various aspects of filmmaking and storytelling.
Screenings will occur at multiple venues, including the NFDC complex and Ravindra Natya Mandir,as well as two colleges in Mumbai . The festival aims to provide a platform for student filmmakers,offering free registrations for students. New curated sections,"Marathi Films" and "Echoes from Northeast," will further celebrate India's cultural diversity and regional cinematic voices.
In addition to the film screenings,the Indian Documentary Producers’ Association (IDPA) will facilitate open forum discussions, enhancing festival's interactive experience. MIFF will award 18 prizes across various categories, with a total prize pool of ₹45 lakh. This year's festival promises to be a vibrant celebration of cinema, fostering connections and showcasing talent from around world.
