The Mumbai Academy of Moving Image (MAMI) Mumbai Film Festival has officially invited film submissions from South Asian, South Asian Diaspora, and international filmmakers for its 2024 edition. Set to take place from October 19-24, 2024 in Mumbai, the prestigious event aims to serve as a crucial platform for cinematic voices from around the globe. Filmmakers are eagerly encouraged to submit their works through the festival’s official website, with an early bird deadline slated for May 31, 2024.
Priyanka Chopra Jonas, the Chairperson of MAMI, expressed her enthusiasm for the upcoming festival. “With our new vision at MAMI, launched in 2023, we’ve successfully established an ecosystem that highlights South Asian and South Asian Diaspora films and filmmakers. As the landscape of cinema and storytelling undergoes significant shifts, we firmly believe that our festival plays a crucial role in championing diverse narratives and facilitating connections between filmmakers and their audiences,” she stated. Chopra Jonas is particularly excited to announce the call for entries for 2024 and strongly encourages filmmakers to participate. She views MAMI as a platform that celebrates innovative storytelling and awards films that deserve global recognition.
Operational since its inception, MAMI is not just a festival but an influential force in the world cinema landscape. It offers a fertile ground for new and emerging cinematic voices, enabling an exchange of ideas and collaborations. The festival has effectively carved out a niche for itself by focusing on the rich tapestry of South Asian cinema while also embracing films from the broader international community. Its commitment to fostering an ecosystem that supports both fresh and established talent remains steadfast.
Speaking of MAMI’s mission, Deepti DCunha, Artistic Director at MAMI, emphasized the festival’s dedication to a unique cinematic curation. “We are committed to showcasing the finest works by South Asian, South Asian Diaspora, and international filmmakers. The festival’s South Asian focus lends it a unique and strategic position, serving as a melting pot for new and emerging cinematic voices from the region,” said DCunha. The festival team dedicates a significant amount of time to meticulously selecting the best contemporary movies spanning various countries, languages, and genres. This rigorous selection process ensures that festival attendees are treated to a diverse and high-caliber array of films.
Building on the success of previous editions, MAMI continues to support an ecosystem that showcases the talents and films from South Asia and the South Asian Diaspora. Aside from highlighting emerging voices, the festival also aims to nurture Indian audiences, helping them view cinema from a fresh perspective. Both new and seasoned filmmakers are invited to submit films of all lengths and genres, thereby creating a rich tapestry of innovative cinematic expressions.
MAMI’s impact on the world of cinema has been significant. Over the years, the festival has not only provided a platform for new voices but has also been instrumental in bringing world cinema to Indian audiences. Its philosophy of celebrating diverse narratives aligns with the rapidly shifting landscape of cinema and storytelling, making it a crucial event in the global film festival calendar.
Filmmakers contemplating submission should note the early bird deadline of May 31, 2024, to maximize their chances of selection. The MAMI team is eager to receive a wide range of entries that push the boundaries of traditional storytelling. The festival’s goals go beyond mere exhibition; they include facilitating business opportunities and collaborations that benefit the entire filmmaking community.
For Priyanka Chopra Jonas, the essence of MAMI lies in its continually evolving vision. “I’m excited to announce the call for entries for 2024 and encourage filmmakers to submit their films to MAMI—a platform where we celebrate innovative storytelling and every film that deserves global attention,” she reiterated.
Deepti DCunha echoed Chopra Jonas’ sentiments, inviting filmmakers to take this opportunity. “We celebrate innovative cinematic expressions and extend a heartfelt invitation to filmmakers to submit their films for consideration in the 2024 edition of our festival. Welcoming submissions across all lengths and genres, we eagerly anticipate the opportunity to showcase fresh and dynamic cinematic voices at our festival,” DCunha added.
The MAMI Mumbai Film Festival is more than just an event; it’s a beacon for storytellers who seek to contribute to the ever-evolving tapestry of global cinema. Filmmakers worldwide are encouraged to seize this opportunity to present their work on one of the most prestigious stages in the world.
As the countdown to October 2024 begins, excitement builds not just for the festival organizers but also for the myriad of filmmakers who will undoubtedly enrich the cinematic landscape with their diverse and compelling narratives.
