A report about the 18th Mumbai International Film festival 2024 by film critic Lalit Rao (FIPRESCI)

 

18th MIFF 2024 showcased an impressive global diversity with 314 films from 59 countries, representing 61 languages. This broad cultural representation not only emphasized MIFF’s role as a hub for international exchange but also highlighted the power of documentary and short films in connecting people across cultures. By including films from countries such as Russia, Japan, and Mali, MIFF positioned itself as a bridge for cross-cultural storytelling, encouraging mutual understanding and appreciation.The festival introduced thoughtfully curated packages, like the "Oscars and Berlinale" short films, animation packages from France and other countries, and films focusing on themes of wildlife, women filmmakers in Asia, and the environment. These curated selections provided thematic depth and aligned with MIFF’s focus on amplifying underrepresented voices and issues. The accessible format for visually and hearing-impaired audiences further expanded MIFF’s inclusivity, making cinema available to a more diverse audience.

 

The début of the Documentary Film Bazaar at MIFF 2024 demonstrated MIFF’s commitment to fostering documentary film production. By providing a marketplace for buyers, sponsors, and filmmakers to collaborate, MIFF has directly invested in the growth of the documentary genre. The platform supported  200 projects from 10 countries, offering unique opportunities for co-productions and financial backing, which are often challenging for independent documentary filmmakers. This initiative supported both local and international documentary films, reflecting MIFF's role in advancing the genre and empowering filmmakers.

 

With over 20 masterclasses led by industry veterans like Santosh Sivan and Ketan Mehta, MIFF offered invaluable learning opportunities for emerging filmmakers. These sessions covered various topics, from technical skills in cinematography and editing to broader discussions on societal impact. The panel discussions and open forums organized in collaboration with the Indian Documentary Producers Association (IDPA) encouraged dialogue on contemporary filmmaking issues, such as the influence of OTT platforms and AI on the industry. These discussions helped to equip filmmakers with knowledge on navigating the evolving landscape and highlighted MIFF's dedication to education and community engagement within the film industry.

 

MIFF’s diverse award categories underscored the festival’s appreciation for artistic and technical excellence across all levels of filmmaking. The Golden Conch for the Best Documentary Film, as awarded to "The Golden Thread," and other awards like the Pramod Pati Award for experimental films and technical awards for sound design and cinematography recognized both creative vision and technical mastery. Additionally, the thematic award for “India in Amrit Kaal” celebrated films that reflect India's journey of growth and progress, adding a patriotic touch to the festival’s focus on social and cultural relevance.

 

The closing ceremony, attended by significant personalities and featuring diverse performances, symbolically honored the contributions of filmmakers to cultural preservation and social discourse. Maharashtra state’s Culture Minister, Shri Sudhir Mungantiwar, referred to filmmakers as “Kohinoors,” reflecting the Indian government’s support for artistic endeavors. The cultural performances from Sri Lanka and Argentina at the opening and closing ceremonies added a global, celebratory flair, reflecting MIFF’s international inclusivity and India’s own cultural vibrancy.

 

The partnership with Svayam to make MIFF venues accessible for people with disabilities highlighted MIFF's effort to ensure inclusivity. Accessibility has been a growing priority in the arts, and MIFF’s commitment to creating an accessible environment has set a benchmark for other festivals. This inclusive approach underscores MIFF's intention to be more than just a showcase of films; it is a space that advocates for equal participation in the cultural and cinematic experience.

 

MIFF’s collaborations with over 20 brands indicated an increasing recognition of documentary and short films’ valued by the corporate sector. These partnerships provided financial support, promoted networking opportunities, and fostered sustainability for the festival itself, allowing it to continue to grow and innovate. Moreover, such collaborations would inspire further investment into documentary cinema, leading to expanded funding opportunities for filmmakers.

 

18th MIFF 2024 successfully upheld its mission to champion documentary, short fiction, and animation films. By fostering discussions on global themes, creating a nurturing environment for filmmakers, and celebrating innovation and artistry, MIFF reinforced its position as the premier platform for international and Indian filmmakers alike. This year’s diverse programming and engagement initiatives strengthen MIFF’s foundation, ensuring its continued impact on the film industry and its audience.

 

In conclusion, the 18th MIFF 2024 not only celebrated the art of animation, documentary and short filmmaking but also promoted meaningful connections across cultures, encouraged inclusivity, and nurtured both new and established talent. Through MIFF, India continued to highlight the importance of films as cultural artifacts and tools for social change, honoring the dedication of filmmakers and their profound contributions to society.

 

Below is how one can sum up the jury’s perspective, cultural reflections and highlights of notable films which were appreciated and awarded during 18th MIFF 2024. 

 

The jury highlighted cultural values and humanity's resilience, centering on the universal importance of family and shared struggles. This connects films across different cultural backgrounds, emphasizing empathy and mutual understanding. Films that explored social themes, such as patriarchy, intergenerational relationships, and humanity’s ties with the environment, received particular recognition.

 

Films from India like ‘‘The Golden Thread’’ and ‘‘6-A Akash Ganga’’ were lauded for both narrative quality and technical execution, showcasing Indian stories within broader global narratives. International films from Estonia, Poland, and Japan also won awards, illustrating the global representation and inclusivity of different filmmaking styles and themes.

 

Awards were presented for various technical skills such as sound design, editing, and cinematography. This underscored the importance of craftsmanship in documentary and short film storytelling, where visuals and sound are crucial for conveying messages effectively. ‘‘The Golden Thread’’ was highlighted not just for its narrative but also for its stunning visuals and sound, signaling the festival’s high standards for aesthetic quality in addition to thematic depth.

 

The Pramod Pati Award for Most Innovative/Experimental Film went to ‘‘The Old Young Crow’’, which used creative techniques to explore dualities, indicating the jury’s appreciation for films that pushed boundaries and employed unique storytelling methods.

 

Films like ‘‘Salt’’ and ‘‘Nirjara’’ delved into sensitive topics like sexuality and familial bonds during times of grief. This showed  a trend in contemporary cinema toward exploring complex emotional landscapes, especially in relationships often underrepresented or stereotyped. The recognition of ‘‘A Coconut Tree’’ for addressing migration and climate change illustrates the festival’s focus on pressing global issues, acknowledging that art can raise awareness about these subjects.

 

18th MIFF 2024 : Major films and awards that were presented :

 

Golden Conch for Best Documentary Film: ‘‘The Golden Thread’’ (India) - This film addresses capitalism, labor, and the human connection to industry.

 

Silver Conch for Best International Short Fiction: ‘‘Sour Milk’’ (Estonia) - Explores mother-son dynamics, reflecting expectations and emotional depth.

 

Best Animation Film: Zima (Poland) - Recognized for artistic storytelling within animation.

 

Pramod Pati Award: The Old Young Crow (Japan) - Known for its inventive narrative.

 

Best Indian Documentary Film: 6-A Akash Ganga - Focuses on the life of musician Annapurna Devi, celebrated for its depth and cultural resonance.

 

The awards reflected the festival's values: celebrating films that tackle societal and environmental challenges, emphasize humanity and resilience, and use innovative techniques. The festival, through both international and Indian narratives, promoted diversity in storytelling, focused on underrepresented issues and relationships that inspired viewers to reflect on broader human experiences. The jury’s choice of winners underscored a commitment to high-caliber cinema that intertwined technical artistry with cultural, emotional, and social substance.