The Jio MAMI Mumbai Film Festival 2023 is back, promising a 10-day celebration of cinema that’s bigger and more diverse than ever before. Hosted at the impressive Jio World Centre in Mumbai’s Bandra Kurla Complex, this festival is a haven for film enthusiasts. This year’s edition of MAMI boasts an extensive selection of over 250 films from around the globe, making it a cinematic extravaganza that’s not to be missed.
A Spotlight on South Asian Cinema
The festival’s main focus this year is South Asian cinema, as it continues to establish itself as a hub for this vibrant and emerging film industry. The South Asia Competition takes centre stage, offering a platform for showcasing the latest films and talents from the region.
MAMI 2023 stands out with an impressive lineup, including more than 40 World Premieres, 45 Asia Premieres, and 70 South Asia Premieres. This remarkable selection highlights the festival’s commitment to bringing fresh and innovative films to the forefront. With over 1,000 submissions for the South Asia program, it’s evident that the festival has sparked significant interest from filmmakers and industry professionals.
Honoring Excellence in Cinema
Adding to the festival’s prestige, accomplished directors Mani Ratnam and Luca Guadagnino are set to receive the prestigious Excellence in Cinema Award. This recognition serves as a testament to their exceptional contributions to the world of cinema.
Priyanka Chopra’s Arrival: A Pleasant Surprise
One of the festival’s most awaited moments was the arrival of global icon Priyanka Chopra. Her presence at the event added an extra layer of excitement for her fans and the festival attendees.
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Five Acclaimed Films Taking the Stage
As the festival unfolds, five films in particular are generating significant buzz. These acclaimed works promise to captivate audiences with their compelling narratives and outstanding cinematic craftsmanship:
- “Kennedy” by Anurag Kashyap: This crime-drama premiered at Cannes and received a 7-minute standing ovation at the French film festival, thanks to its unpredictable story. Starring Rahul Bhat and Sunny Leone, this film is a must-watch for fans of the genre and followers of Kashyap’s unique filmmaking style.
- “While We Watched” by Vinay Shukla: A documentary featuring India’s respected newsman Ravish Kumar. This film sheds light on an important Indian reality, offering a chance for a larger audience to gain insight into critical issues.
- “Four Daughters” by Kaouther Ben Hania: This Cannes Film Festival Golden Eye Award co-winner blurs the line between fiction and documentary to explore the radicalisation of two Tunisian girls who joined the Islamic State. The film delves into the complexities of motherhood, memory, and mourning.
- “The Breaking Ice” by Anthony Chen: Director Anthony Chen, known for his previous works set in Singapore, crafts an immersive drama about three young people forming an unusual relationship in icy northeast China. The film reflects the daring of youth and the melancholia of searching for stability in a majestic yet remote setting.
- “The Buckingham Murders” by Hansal Mehta: This film starring Kareena Kapoor Khan in a gritty avatar is an exploration of grief, longing for closure, and the human cost of polarised times. Kapoor Khan plays a cop and single mother assigned to a missing child case, promising a riveting and emotionally charged cinematic experience.
Some guidelines to follow while attending the film festival
- It is advisable to reach the theatres at least 30 minutes before the movie is scheduled.
- For people going for a ‘walk-in,’ it is better to reach the complex 120 minutes before the movie time.
- Carrying one’s ID card and festival badge at all times is mandatory.
- Because of the route relay interlocking alteration work, many Western line trains have been cancelled, so plan accordingly.
- Carry a water bottle.
- Instead of being adamant about a film, think of this as an experience in its entirety and enjoy whatever movie you can get access to.
The above five films are just a glimpse of the rich and diverse program at the Jio MAMI Mumbai Film Festival 2023. The MAMI Film Experience is an experience like to no other to watch films, one might be able to watch only at the film festival.
