The prestigious MAMI Mumbai Film Festival, a cornerstone of Indian cinema for nearly 30 years, has been cancelled for 2025. Festival Director Shivendra Singh Dungarpur announced the decision, stating the team is revamping the event for a grand return in 2026 with a fresh vision and team.
The fest to return stronger in 2026
This marks the first cancellation in the festival’s 28-year history. Filmmaker Hansal Mehta expressed dismay, calling it a “cruel irony” that Mumbai, India’s cinematic hub, couldn’t sustain its own festival. He blamed “apathy dressed as progress” for its downfall.
Founded in 1997 by the Mumbai Academy of Moving Image (MAMI), the festival has seen support from Bollywood icons like Aamir Khan, Priyanka Chopra, and Kiran Rao. However, financial struggles arose after Reliance Jio, its 2023 sponsor, withdrew support last year, leading to Anupama Chopra’s exit as Festival Director.
The 2024 edition opened with Payal Kapadia’s Cannes-winning All We Imagine As Light. While the 2025 edition is shelved, cinephiles await its revamped return in 2026.
