Mumbai: The quest for cinematic excellence finds its stage at the 18th Mumbai International Film Festival (MIFF), showcasing a vibrant tapestry of Indian cinema. With a record-breaking 840 submissions, the festival unveils a meticulously curated selection of 77 films competing in the national competition. The films competing are made by Indian citizens between 1st January 2022 and 31st December 2023.
This year’s MIFF, being held from 15th to 21st June, champions the future of Indian cinema. A remarkable 30 films by debutant directors and 12 student works find their place among the contestants, promising fresh perspectives and stories waiting to be discovered. You can find the complete list of films under National Competition here.
The films under the National Competition are competing in three categories:
- National Documentary Competition: Showcasing 30 thought-provoking documentaries.
- National Competition: Short Fiction & Animation: Featuring 41 films encompassing short fiction and animation genres.
- National Competition: India in Amrit Kaal: Exploring the nation’s future through six specially curated films centered around this theme.
The prestigious awards awaiting the winning films and filmmakers further elevate the stakes, making participation in the MIFF National Competition a truly inspiring festival.
National Competition Awards:
- Best Indian Documentary Film: Receives a Silver Conch and a cash prize of Rs. 5 lakh.
- Best Indian Short Fiction Film (up to 30 minutes): Receives a Silver Conch and a cash prize of Rs. 3 lakh.
- Best Indian Animation Film: Receives a Silver Conch and a cash prize of Rs. 3 lakh.
- Best Debut Film (Sponsored Award): Receives a trophy and a cash prize of Rs. 1 lakh.
- Best Student Film (Sponsored Award): Receives a trophy and a cash prize of Rs. 1 lakh.
- Special Award for Best Short Film on “India in Amrit Kaal” (up to 15 minutes): Open to Indian filmmakers only, this award comes with a trophy and a cash prize of Rs. 1 lakh.
Technical Awards (Common to National & International Competition):
- Cinematography: Receives a certificate and a cash prize of Rs. 3 lakh.
- Editing: Receives a certificate and a cash prize of Rs. 3 lakh.
- Sound Design: Receives a certificate and a cash prize of Rs. 3 lakh.
Additional Recognition:
- FIPRESCI Jury Award: Three distinguished film critics representing the International Federation of Film Critics (FIPRESCI) will present an award to a documentary film in the national competition.
Jury for National Competition:
A distinguished panel of national and international film luminaries will preside over the National Competition, ensuring a discerning selection process. The jury members for this year include:
- Adele Seelman: German film producer known for “Das Weibe Rauschen” and “Alles auf die Siebzehn.”
- Dr. Bobby Sarma Baruah: Filmmaker renowned for “Mishing” and “Sonar Baran Pakhi.”
- Munjal Shroff: Animator famous for “Krish, Trish and Baltiboy.”
- Apoorva Bakshi: Film producer celebrated for “Delhi Crime.”
- Anna Henckel-Donnersmarck: German filmmaker.
The jury will present the National Competition awards, including Best Indian Documentary, Short Film, Animation, Best Debut Film, Best Student Film, and Technical awards. They will also select the winner of the Special Award for Best Short Film on “India in Amrit Kaal.”
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