The Mumbai Film Festival, one of India’s leading cinema events, unveiled its program for the upcoming 2024 edition. Set for October 19-24, the festival will showcase over 50 films from across South Asia and beyond. This continues the festival’s expansion beyond India and strengthens its role supporting South Asian filmmakers.
A key part of the festival is the South Asia Competition, featuring 11 top films from the region chosen through a rigorous selection process. For the second year, the competition includes submissions from other South Asian countries like Nepal and the UK. Some highlights are Oscar hopefuls like “Santosh” and “Shambhala” as well as award-winning indies such as “Village Rockstars 2” and “Girls Will Be Girls.”
The high-profile opening night selection is “All We Imagine As Light.” Directed by Payal Kapadia, this film took the top prize at the prestigious Cannes Film Festival. Closing out the festival is Sean Baker’s “Anora,” the Palme d’Or winner from Cannes. These internationally acclaimed works bookend the week-long schedule.
In addition to the main competition, over 40 titles are part of the World Cinema section presenting new discoveries and works from emerging talent. The non-competitive Focus South Asia segment features 10 feature films and 13 shorts spotlighting Afghanistan and Myanmar.
Despite losing a major sponsor, the Mumbai Academy of Moving Image (MAMI) was able to organize a packed yet focused festival program. Acclaimed director Shivendra Singh Dungarpur stepped in to help lead MAMI through this transition as they work to revamp the event for 2025.
The festival also supports new storytellers. Emerging and established directors present shorts through competitions like Dimensions Mumbai and Royal Stag Barrel Select.
As it navigates changes, the Mumbai Film Festival continues strengthening South Asian cinema as a vital cultural platform for the region and global audiences.