While Indian cinema continues to attract viewers across the world, Mumbai, the capital of Hindi cinema itself is welcoming the world of the 7th art from Oct 21st to 28th at the MAMI’s 12th Mumbai Film Festival, seemingly the largest film festival ever to be held. The event opened with David Fincher's 'The Social Network' this Thursday, Oct 21st 2010 and will be showcasing 215 feature films, 15 documentaries and 24 short films from 58 countries.
The 2010 edition features not only an all-woman jury led by Jane Campion (‘Bright Star’, ‘The Piano’) for the International Competition but also the ‘Celebrate Age’ jury, led by none other than famed director Ramesh Sippy, as well as a special ‘Mumbai Young Critics’ jury consisting of hand-picked college students who are film enthusiasts, thus contributing a fresh perspective for both film makers and audiences. The ‘Dimensions Mumbai’ short film competition will also be a part of the festival, making the event thoroughly encompass a wide range of cinematic expression. A Japanese retrospective will also give joy to Asian cinema amateurs. Last but not least, two of cinema’s most emblematic personalities, for India and the international scene, will receive the festival’s Life Achievement award: Indian film actor-director-screenwriter-producer Manoj Kumar and renowned film maker Oliver Stone.
The PVR Juhu will host the Main Festival Complex while films will also be screened at neighboring Chandan Cinema (Juhu), Metro BIG Cinemas (Marine Lines) and BIG Cinemas R City (Ghatkopar).
Keep an eye on the festival programme for the following Indian or India-related 2010 releases, among many other pearls:
* 'The Way Home' – by Biju Kumar
* 'Good Night Good Morning' – by Sudhish Kamath
* 'Alif' – by K.M. Kamal
* ‘Harud’ – by Aamir Bashir
* ‘Semshook’ – by Siddhartha Kumar
* ‘Laadli Laila’ – by Murali Nair
* ‘Mirch’ – by Vinay Shukla
* 'Next Year in Mumbai' – by Jonas Pariente and Mathias Mangin (documentary from France).
For more information visit the MAMI 12th Mumbai Film Festival official website.