~The festival is scheduled to be held from 17th
to 24thOctober, 2019~
The Jio MAMI
21st Mumbai Film Festival with Star is the only festival in India that has
become a fast emerging global platform in the last five years. The festival has
transformed into the most sought-after event, helmed by contemporary
professionals from the industry, attended by global stalwarts and supported by
both Indian and International film communities. Through its innovative and well
curated programming, the festival has increased its footprint worldwide. The
festival has emerged as the most trusted partner for curating and connecting
India to National and International content platforms. A platform that brings
together both Independent and Mainstream cinema and educates audiences across
the world. It has pioneered initiatives that fill gaps and has added value by
showcasing the best of Indian and World cinema.
The eight-day
festival scheduled to start on 17th October boasts of over 190 films including over 50 debuts, 13
world premieres, spanning 53
countries and 49 diverse languages.
Over the last five years, the festival has established itself as a preferred
platform for anything cinema in the country. It brings together the
bestcinematic experiences for film enthusiasts and serves as a discovery and
launch platform for its filmmakers.
Highlights of Jio MAMI 21st
Mumbai Film Festival with Star:
❖ Buzziest
titles of the edition:
The festival
will open screens across the city to thousands of cinema lovers with some of
the best cinema from India and around the world. A few of the big ticket films
include Marriage Story by Noah Baumbach, Ad Astra by James Gray, Honey Boy by
Alma Har'el, The Souvenir by Joanna Hogg, Midsommar by Ari Aster and Sorry We
Missed You by Ken Loach.
❖
Excellence in Cinema
Award 2019 (International) & Masterclass – Fernando Meirelles:
Multi-talented filmmaker
Fernando Meirelles is the force behind the critically acclaimed Brazilian film
– City of God. He will be awarded the Excellence in Cinema Award 2019
(International).There will be
aMasterclass withMeirelles on filmmaking and his new film Two Popes moderated
by Festival Director and acclaimed Film Critic Anupama Chopra.
❖ Excellence
in Cinema Award 2019 (India):
She made her debut with the movieEkBaarPhir in the year
1979. Since then Deepti Naval has acted in more than 60 films. The actor, director,
painter and photographer will be awarded the Excellence
in Cinema Award 2019 (India). She is known for her substantial contribution to
art and cinema, winning critical acclaim for her sensitive portrayal of characters
that have emphasized the changing roles of women in India.
❖ Spotlight:
A specially
curated out-of-competition section, Spotlight, showcases new and exciting work
from both critically acclaimed and breakthrough Indian filmmakers. The section
focuses on films that push boundaries and are an example of narrative ambition.
This year, the section features five world premieres.
- Aunty Sudha
Aunty Radha | Dir. Tanuja Chandra | Hindi | Asia Premiere
- Cargo | Dir.
AratiKadav | Hindi | World Premiere
- Ram Prasad Ki
Tehrvi | Dir. Seema Bhargava Pahwa | Hindi | World Premiere
- Shut Up Sona |
Dir. Deepti Gupta | English | World Premiere
- The Churning of the Ocean (Samudra Manthan) |
Dir. Kamal Swaroop | Hindi | World Premiere
- The Wayfarers
(Raahgir) | Dir. Goutam Ghose | Hindi | India Premiere
- Oh That’s
Bhanu | Dir. R.V Ramani |English, Malayalam, Hindi|World Premiere
❖ Dimensions
Mumbai Jury:
The Dimensions Mumbai section showcases films
by up-and-coming filmmakers under the age of 25. The lineup promises to offer stories
that are sure to keep you at the edge of your seat. The Jury for the Dimensions
Mumbai platform this season comprises a dynamic set of individuals from the
filmmaking community - ActorTaapseePannu,
Actor Avinash Tiwary, authorand screenwriterKanika Dhillon,
screenwriter, director and producer Karan
Anshuman and Film Editor Shweta
Venkat Mathew.
❖ International
Competition Jury:
The prestigious International
Competition section shines a spotlight on new cinematic voices. It is open to
debut filmmakers from all over the world. The top of the line Jury for the
section is headed by world renowned filmmaker Hany Abu-Assad. His co-jurors are Julie Huntsinger - Executive Director of Telluride Film Festival, Mark Adams - Artistic Director of Edinburgh
International Film Festival, Filmmaker VetriMaaran and Zoya Akhtar - Director &
Screenwriter.
❖ India
Gold Jury:
India Gold will
showcase breakthrough contemporary Indian films produced in India. The jury
comprises Franklin Leonard - Film
Producer, Cultural Commentator, Professor & Entrepreneur, Col Needham - Founder & CEO of
IMDb, Christian Jeune - Director of
the Film Department and Deputy General Delegate of the Cannes Film Festival and
Grainne Humphreys - Festival
Director of Dublin International Film Festival. The 10 films that have been
nominated are –
- About Love | Dir. Archana Atul
Phadke | India | 2019 | 90 min
- Bitter Chestnut (Khanaur) | Dir.
Gurvinder Singh | India | 2019 | 100 min
- Bombay Rose | Dir. Gitanjali Rao |
India, United Kingdom, France, Qatar | 2019 | 93 min
- Eeb Allay Ooo! | Dir. Prateek Vats
| India | 2019 | 98 min
- GamakGhar | Dir. Achal Mishra |
India | 91 min
- Invitation (Nimtoh) | Dir. Saurav
Rai | India | 2019 | 85 min
- Just Like That (Aise Hi) | Dir.
Kislay | India | 2019 | 109 min
- Pearl of the Desert (Maru ro Moti)
| Dir. Pushpendra Singh | India, South Korea | 2019 | 82 min
- Aamis | Dir. Bhaskar Hazarika |
India | 2019 | 108 min
- That Cloud Never Left | Dir. YashaswiniRaghunandan | 2019 | 65 min
❖ The
Industry Program:
With its 21st
edition, the festival introduces a new initiative called the ‘Industry Program’
– a set of highly curated one-on-one sessions that industry professionals will
have with Indian and international experts from the world of film. The idea is
to bring the industry closer, learn from one another and crush all boundaries.
❖ Opening
Film:
Filmmaker Geetu
Mohandas' much-awaited and acclaimed film Moothon is the Opening film of this
edition. It is the first time in 21 years that a Malayalam language film will
be opening the festival and it is the second time for the festival that a film
directed by an Indian woman director has been chosen as the Opening Film. Geetu
has mounted her film on a large and lavish canvas with a powerful cast
headlined by the Malayalam industry dynamo Nivin Pauly.
Isha Ambani, Board of Trustees, MAMI, and Director, Reliance Jio and
Reliance Retailsaid, “Over the years, MAMI has
established itself as a progressive cinematic medium. Today, Jio MAMI is
recognised as a global platform that enables an exchange of ideas and culture
that shapes the world of cinema. It is our endeavour at Jio to work with MAMI
and use the powerful medium of cinema to impact and propel social change. This
year too, there is a truly incredible programme with a stellar line-up of films
and directors and we cannot wait for you to experience it.”
A
Star India spokesperson said, “At
Star, we have always believed that compelling stories can inspire a billion
imaginations and influence a better tomorrow. MAMI is a great example of doing
just that with its curation of world class cinema. We are happy to associate
with MAMI for the sixth year in a row and look forward to celebrating the power
of stories.”
Vishal Bhardwaj, Filmmaker and
MAMI Board Member said, “Jio MAMI Mumbai Film Festival with Star is
a one of a kind film festival that creates a unique cinematic experience for
movie lovers across the country. The lineup is so very diverse and vast. There
is an interesting watch for every kind of film enthusiast. I am excited about
everything that the festival has to offer this season.”
Zoya Akhtar, Filmmaker and MAMI
Board Member said, “This is the most exciting time of the year
for film lovers in the city. TheJio MAMI Mumbai Film Festival with Star is once
again set out to put forth the best of world cinema and take the best of Indian
cinema to the world. I am especially looking forward to being a part of the
International Competition Jury. It’s an opportunity to engage with new and
promising talent from across the world.”
Siddharth Roy Kapur, Founder and
MD, Roy Kapur Films and MAMI Board Member said, “The Jio MAMI Mumbai Film Festival with Star
is a platform that gives new talent the recognition they deserve and the
opportunity to begin their journey in the Indian filmmaking industry. Year on
year we see some of the biggest names in the ecosystem coming back to showcase
their films at the festival – a place from where they once started out. It goes
on to show just how much of a community and support the academy has created for
new and seasoned creators.”
Rohan Sippy, Filmmaker and MAMI Board Member said, “Films are an integral
part of my life. As a filmmaker, I’m honoured to be a part of the Jio MAMI
Mumbai Film Festival with Star - a sharply curated festival with some of the
best talent in India and the world attending it. This edition promises to be no
different. I am excited to meet our guests and hear reactions of the delegates
to the incredible films that are screening at the festival this year.”
Mr. Ajay Bijli, Chairman
and Managing Director, PVR Ltdsaid, “It
gives me immense happiness to see the way Jio MAMI 21stMumbai Film Festival
with Star has been curated. PVR has always envisioned to offer quality and
varied content to the viewers. The diverse film line-up will offer exemplary
exposure to the movie enthusiasts. There is a significant increase in demand
for interesting and innovative storytelling across India and, the Jio MAMI
Mumbai Film Festival with Starwill aptly cater to the same. India has an
enormous creative pool, and we endeavor to offer them a platform to showcase
their talent. With every edition, we could see an increase in enthusiasm and
quality amongst the content creators. Facilitating, encouraging and instilling
the movie culture in India has been the foundation of PVR’s business outlook
since inception.”
Anupama Chopra, Festival Director, MAMI said, “It is extremely
humbling to see the support that we receive each year from the filmmaking
community and the delegates. This is a platform that makes way for diverse
cinematic voices. With each edition of the Jio MAMI Mumbai Film Festival with
Star, we aim to bring the world closer together through cinema.”
Smriti Kiran, Artistic Director, MAMI said, “The
industry programme for me is key to the Jio MAMI 21st Mumbai Film
Festival with Star. The knowledge sessions and close door
masterclasses that are designed I feel will over time help our industry
blossom. I am also excited about the way we have chosen the jury. All solid and
influential film professionals who will not only weigh in on the films but also
have the power to champion and discover the unbridled talent we have in our
country.”
Payal Nijhawan, Head of Marketing, William Grant &
Sons, said, “William
Grant & Sons is extremely excited to bring alive the playfulness of Monkey
Shoulder, and a delightfully peculiar Gin experience with Hendrick's, at the
Jio MAMI 21st Mumbai Film Festival with Star. As with the very best
in film making, these brands constantly disrupt convention, and re-write the
rules of the category."
Akriti Agarwal, C.E.O. Thirsty Beers and Thirsty City 127, said, “As
a brand, Thirsty has always been an advocate for the arts in all forms.
Possibly the most creative beer company, our crafted brews are themselves a
work of art. .Jio MAMI Mumbai Film Festival with Star is
a melting pot of creative minds coming together each year to support the fine
arts and this year, we at Thirsty couldn’t be happier to partner with a
festival that shares our philosophy of prompting talent and endorsing creativity.
It is with great pleasure we join hands with Jio MAMI Mumbai Film Festival with Starto celebrate splendid cinema.”
ABOUT
JIO MAMI MUMBAI FILM FESTIVAL with STAR
Jio MAMI Mumbai Film Festival with Star is the
most immersive and comprehensive program that celebrates the diverse cinematic
voices of our country through an international annual platform that instills
pride in audiences and unites the film fraternity. The festival is organized by
the Mumbai Academy of Moving Image (MAMI), which was founded by a group of film
industry stalwarts in 1997 and was conceived and created with an aim to engage
film lovers from all walks of life, and to foster an ideal climate of good
cinema across the country by presenting the best of global and Indian cinema. The
academy’s vision is to celebrate cinema by hosting the annual international
film festival in Mumbai, India's film and entertainment capital.
Follow
us on social media:
Facebook: @MumbaiFilmFestival
Instagram: @MumbaiFilmFestival
Twitter: @MumbaiFilmFest
