Mumbai : Renowned for being India’s leading festival for filmmakers and cinephiles alike, the Jio MAMI 21st Mumbai Film Festival with Star held its opening ceremony at one of Mumbai’s oldest and largest indoor theatres, the Bal Gandharva Rangmandir.
The ceremony marked the beginning of the 21st edition of one of the most beloved cinematic events in the city, the Jio MAMI Mumbai Film Festival with Star. Deepika Padukone took the stage for the very first time to deliver the keynote address as Festival Chairperson. Board of Trustees, MAMI, and Director, Reliance Jio and Reliance Retail Isha Ambani welcomed the audience while also announcing new initiatives.
The glitzy affair hosted by the elegant and lucid actor and author Soha Ali Khan saw celebrated names from the Indian film industry including Kiran Rao, Vishal Bhardwaj, Rohan Sippy, Karan Johar, Vikramaditya Motwane, Anupama Chopra, Vidhu Vinod Chopra, Taapsee Pannu, Kalki Koechlin, Nivin Pauly, Kabir Khan, Konkona Sen Sharma, Tillotama Shome, Genelia Deshmukh, Vinay Pathak, Vijay Verma, Geetu Mohandas and Nivin Pauly in attendance amongst others.
The evening also witnessed a strong presence by the international filmmaking industry with personalities such as Hany Abu-Assad, Franklin Leonard, Ari Aster, Efe Cakerel, Julie Huntsinger, Mark Adams, Col Needham, Christian Jeune and Grainne Humphreys gracing the ceremony, kickstarting the annual movie feast.
With the industry in attendance, the academy celebrated talent who continue to define and shape the filmmaking community today. A talent par excellence, Indian actress, director, painter and photographer Deepti Naval was presented the Excellence in Cinema Award by Director Vishal Bhardwaj and Festival Chairperson Deepika Padukone for her exemplary contribution to the Indian film industry.
In her welcome address Isha Ambani, Board of Trustees, MAMI, and Director, Reliance Jio and Reliance Retail said, “This is the fifth year of Jio’s association with MAMI. It has been fulfilling to nurture and grow a platform that has turned into a global event. Just like the festival, our ambition and vision for it broadens every year. Our commitment is resolute to building this platform and consistently pushing cinema as an agent of change, conversation and creative expression.”
“Star India is known for its engaging content that inspires a billion imaginations, and we are delighted to associate with the Jio MAMI Mumbai Film Festival with Star to celebrate the power of stories. MAMI has become an integral part of the film industry, showcasing best of world cinema and we look forward to the exciting line-up this year.” said Sanjay Gupta, Country Manager, Star and Disney India.
