Festivals

FESTIVALS: MAMI BEGINS WITH A SPECTACULAR OPENING

by Editorial Desk October 19 2024, 6:30 am Estimated Reading Time: 2 mins, 31 secs

A Stellar Opening: Cannes-Winning Film All We Imagine as Light and Bollywood Icons Illuminate MAMI Mumbai Film Festival 2024. The #Newsdesk reports…

The MAMI Mumbai Film Festival 2024 opened in grand style with the screening of All We Imagine as Light, the winner of the Cannes' Grand Prix 2024. The festival's red carpet was graced by cinematic legends and industry heavyweights, including Shabana Azmi, Waheeda Rehman, Payal Kapadia, Rana Daggubati, Siddharth Roy Kapoor, Vikramaditya Motwane, Mini Mathur, Kabir Khan, Ramesh Sippy, and Jim Sarbh. This star-studded event marks a remarkable start to six days of celebrating global cinema, with over 110 films from 45 countries showcased, making MAMI a pivotal cultural event in Mumbai.

MAMI Mumbai Film Festival 2024: A Grand Opening

Mumbai, October 18, 2024: The MAMI Mumbai Film Festival 2024 kicked off its six-day celebration of global cinema, creativity, and culture in Mumbai on October 18, 2024, with a spectacular opening ceremony. The festival began with the critically acclaimed film All We Imagine as Light, winner of the Cannes' Grand Prix 2024. Interim Festival Director Shivendra Singh Dungarpur and Artistic Director Deepti DCunha declared the festival open, ushering in a showcase of cinematic excellence. Esteemed members of the film fraternity, festival partners, and dignitaries were in attendance, making the event a true celebration of global talent. Following the screening, a Q&A session was held with the film’s director, Payal Kapadia, and critic Anupama Chopra.

As part of the festivities, MAMI honoured the legendary Shabana Azmi with the Excellence in Cinema Award, recognizing her remarkable contribution to Indian cinema. A special screening of her iconic film Arth is scheduled for October 20, highlighting her enduring legacy. The red carpet was graced by prominent figures such as Waheeda Rehman, Rana Daggubati, Siddharth Roy Kapoor, Vikramaditya Motwane, and many more, elucidating the importance of the festival in the entertainment industry.

Celebrating Global Cinema and Talent

The MAMI Mumbai Film Festival 2024 promises to be a dynamic platform for cinematic voices from around the world. This year’s lineup features over 110 films from 45 countries, showcasing more than 50 languages, lengths, and genres. It brings together acclaimed directors, emerging talent, and unique global perspectives, offering audiences a chance to explore diverse cultures through cinema. Special screenings will pay tribute to cinematic legends and restored classics, while industry sessions, workshops, and panel discussions will allow filmmakers and cinephiles to learn from industry experts.

The festival’s opening film, All We Imagine as Light, directed by Payal Kapadia and co-produced by petit chaos (France) and Chalk & Cheese and Another Birth (India), has garnered significant attention. It is set for theatrical release across India by Spirit Media, bringing this powerful narrative to a broader audience.

Supported by partners like Soho House, Mumbai, PVR Inox, Regal Cinema, and Turkish Airlines, the festival continues to be a hub for emerging South Asian filmmakers. Since 1997, MAMI has facilitated the exchange of ideas and information related to filmmaking, distribution, and business opportunities, while fostering a vibrant community of cinema lovers through its Year-Round Programme.