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Jio MAMI Mumbai Film Festival with Star announces a powerfully diverse lineup for its 21st edition

The festival is scheduled to be held from 17th to 24th October, 2019~

Mumbai, 30th September 2019: India’s biggest film festival for cinematic disruption and discovery, Jio MAMI Mumbai Film Festival with Star, is set to return with its 21st edition. The platform announced its stellar film and talent lineup for the upcoming edition at a press conference held at JW Marriott, Juhu. The event was attended by MAMI Board of Trustees Zoya Akhtar, Vishal Bhardwaj, Siddharth Roy Kapur, Rohan Sippy, Kiran Rao, Ajay Bijli along with Festival Director Anupama Chopra and Artistic Director Smriti Kiran.

The Jio MAMI 21st Mumbai Film Festival with Star is the only festival in India that has become a fast emerging global platform in the last five years. The festival has transformed into the most sought-after event, helmed by contemporary professionals from the industry, attended by global stalwarts and supported by both Indian and International film communities. Through its innovative and well curated programming, the festival has increased its footprint worldwide. The festival has emerged as the most trusted partner for curating and connecting India to National and International content platforms. A platform that brings together both Independent and Mainstream cinema and educates audiences across the world. It has pioneered initiatives that fill gaps and has added value by showcasing the best of Indian and World cinema.

The eight-day festival scheduled to start on 17th October boasts of over 190 films including over 50 debuts, 13 world premieres, spanning 53 countries and 49 diverse languages. Over the last five years, the festival has established itself as a preferred platform for anything cinema in the country. It brings together the best cinematic experiences for film enthusiasts and serves as a discovery and launch platform for its filmmakers. 

Highlights of Jio MAMI 21st Mumbai Film Festival with Star:

  • Buzziest titles of the edition:

The festival will open screens across the city to thousands of cinema lovers with some of the best cinema from India and around the world. A few of the big ticket films include Marriage Story by Noah Baumbach, Ad Astra by James Gray, Honey Boy by Alma Har’el, The Souvenir by Joanna Hogg, Midsommar by Ari Aster and Sorry We Missed You by Ken Loach.

  • Excellence in Cinema Award 2019 (International) & Masterclass – Fernando Meirelles:

Multi-talented filmmaker Fernando Meirelles is the force behind the critically acclaimed Brazilian film – City of God.  He will be awarded the Excellence in Cinema Award 2019 (International). There will be aMasterclass withMeirelles on filmmaking and his new film The Two Popes moderated by Festival Director and acclaimed Film Critic Anupama Chopra.

  • Excellence in Cinema Award 2019 (India) – Deepti Naval:

She made her debut with the movie Ek Baar Phir in the year 1979. Since then Deepti Naval has acted in more than 60 films. The actor, director, painter and photographer will be awarded the Excellence in Cinema Award 2019 (India). She is known for her substantial contribution to art and cinema, winning critical acclaim for her sensitive portrayal of characters that have emphasized the changing roles of women in India.

  • Spotlight:

A specially curated out-of-competition section, Spotlight, showcases new and exciting work from both critically acclaimed and breakthrough Indian filmmakers. The section focuses on films that push boundaries and are an example of narrative ambition. This year, the section features five world premieres.

  • Aunty Sudha Aunty Radha | Dir. Tanuja Chandra | Hindi | Asia Premiere
  • Cargo | Dir. Arati Kadav | Hindi | World Premiere
  • Ram Prasad Ki Tehrvi | Dir. Seema Bhargava Pahwa | Hindi | World Premiere
  • Shut Up Sona | Dir. Deepti Gupta | English | World Premiere
  • The Churning of the Ocean (Samudra Manthan) | Dir. Kamal Swaroop | Hindi | World Premiere
  • The Wayfarers (Raahgir) | Dir. Goutam Ghose | Hindi | India Premiere
  • Oh That’s Bhanu | Dir. R.V Ramani | English, Malayalam, Hindi |World Premiere

❖     Dimensions Mumbai Jury:

The Dimensions Mumbai section showcases films by up-and-coming filmmakers under the age of 25. The lineup promises to offer stories that are sure to keep you at the edge of your seat. The Jury for the Dimensions Mumbai platform this season comprises a dynamic set of individuals from the filmmaking community – Actor Taapsee Pannu, Actor Avinash Tiwary, author and screenwriter Kanika Dhillon, screenwriter, director and producer Karan Anshuman and Film Editor Shweta Venkat Mathew.

  • International Competition Jury:

The prestigious International Competition section shines a spotlight on new cinematic voices. It is open to debut filmmakers from all over the world. The top of the line Jury for the section is headed by world renowned filmmaker Hany Abu-Assad. His co-jurors are Julie Huntsinger – Executive Director of Telluride Film Festival, Mark Adams – Artistic Director of Edinburgh International Film Festival, Filmmaker Vetri Maaran and Zoya Akhtar – Director & Screenwriter.

❖     India Gold Jury:

India Gold will showcase breakthrough contemporary Indian films produced in India. The jury comprises Franklin Leonard – Film Producer, Cultural Commentator, Professor & Entrepreneur, Col Needham – Founder & CEO of IMDb, Christian Jeune – Director of the Film Department and Deputy General Delegate of the Cannes Film Festival and Grainne Humphreys – Festival Director of Dublin International Film Festival. The 10 films that have been nominated are –

  • About Love | Dir. Archana Atul Phadke | India | 2019 | 90 min
  • Bitter Chestnut (Khanaur) | Dir. Gurvinder Singh | India | 2019 | 100 min
  • Bombay Rose | Dir. Gitanjali Rao | India, United Kingdom, France, Qatar | 2019 | 93 min
  • Eeb Allay Ooo! | Dir. Prateek Vats | India | 2019 | 98 min
  • Gamak Ghar | Dir. Achal Mishra | India | 91 min
  • Invitation (Nimtoh) | Dir. Saurav Rai | India | 2019 | 85 min
  • Just Like That (Aise Hi) | Dir. Kislay | India | 2019 | 109 min
  • Pearl of the Desert (Maru ro Moti) | Dir. Pushpendra Singh | India, South Korea | 2019 | 82 min
  • Aamis | Dir. Bhaskar Hazarika | India | 2019 | 108 min
  • That Cloud Never Left | Dir. Yashaswini Raghunandan | 2019 | 65 min
  • The Industry Program:

With its 21st edition, the festival introduces a new initiative called the ‘Industry Program’ – a set of highly curated one-on-one sessions that industry professionals will have with Indian and international experts from the world of film. The idea is to bring the industry closer, learn from one another and crush all boundaries.

  • Opening Film:

Filmmaker Geetu Mohandas’ much-awaited and acclaimed film Moothon is the Opening film of this edition. It is the first time in 21 years that a Malayalam language film will be opening the festival and it is the second time for the festival that a film directed by an Indian woman director has been chosen as the Opening Film. Geetu has mounted her film on a large and lavish canvas with a powerful cast headlined by the Malayalam industry dynamo Nivin Pauly.

Vishal Bhardwaj, Filmmaker and MAMI Board Member said, “Jio MAMI Mumbai Film Festival with Star is a one of a kind film festival that creates a unique cinematic experience for movie lovers across the country. The lineup is so very diverse and vast. There is an interesting watch for every kind of film enthusiast. I am excited about everything that the festival has to offer this season.”

Zoya Akhtar, Filmmaker and MAMI Board Member said, “This is the most exciting time of the year for film lovers in the city. The festival is once again set out to put forth the best of world cinema and take the best of Indian cinema to the world. I am especially looking forward to being a part of the International Competition Jury. It’s an opportunity to engage with new and promising talent from across the world.”

Siddharth Roy Kapur, Founder and MD, Roy Kapur Films and MAMI Board Member said“The Jio MAMI Mumbai Film Festival with Star is a platform that gives new talent the recognition they deserve and the opportunity to begin their journey in the Indian filmmaking industry. Year on year we see some of the biggest names in the ecosystem coming back to showcase their films at the festival – a place from where they once started out. It goes on to show just how much of a community and support the academy has created for new and seasoned creators.”

Mr. Ajay Bijli, Chairman and Managing Director, PVR Ltdsaid, “It gives me immense happiness to see the way Jio MAMI Mumbai Film Festival, 21st edition has been curated. PVR has always envisioned to offer quality and varied content to the viewers. The diverse film line-up will offer exemplary exposure to the movie enthusiasts. There is a significant increase in demand for interesting and innovative storytelling across India and, the Jio MAMI Mumbai Film Festival with Star will aptly cater to the same. India has an enormous creative pool, and we endeavor to offer them a platform to showcase their talent. With every edition, we could see an increase in enthusiasm and quality amongst the content creators. Facilitating, encouraging and instilling the movie culture in India has been the foundation of PVR’s business outlook since inception.”

A Star India spokesperson said, “At Star, we have always believed that compelling stories can inspire a billion imaginations and influence a better tomorrow. MAMI is a great example of doing just that with its curation of world class cinema. We are happy to associate with MAMI for the sixth year in a row and look forward to celebrating the power of stories.”

Anupama Chopra, Festival Director, MAMI said, “It is extremely humbling to see the support that we receive each year from the filmmaking community and the delegates. This is a platform that makes way for diverse cinematic voices. With each edition we aim to bring the world closer together through cinema.”

Smriti Kiran, Artistic Director, MAMI said, “The industry programme for me is key to this festival. The knowledge sessions and close door masterclasses that are designed, I feel will over time help our industry blossom. I am also excited about the way we have chosen the jury. All solid and influential film professionals who will not only weigh in on the films but also have the power to champion and discover the unbridled talent we have in our country.”

Payal Nijhawan, Head of Marketing, William Grant & Sons, said, “William Grant & Sons is extremely excited to bring alive the playfulness of Monkey Shoulder, and a delightfully peculiar Gin experience with Hendrick’s, at the Jio MAMI 21st Mumbai Film Festival with Star. As with the very best in film making, these brands constantly disrupt convention, and re-write the rules of the category.”

Akriti Agarwal, C.E.O. Thirsty Beers and Thirsty City 127, said, “As a brand, Thirsty has always been an advocate for the arts in all forms. Possibly the most creative beer company, our crafted brews are themselves a work of art. . Jio MAMI Mumbai Film Festival with Star is a melting pot of creative minds coming together each year to support the fine arts and this year, we at Thirsty couldn’t be happier to partner with a festival that shares our philosophy of prompting talent and endorsing creativity. It is with great pleasure we join hands with Jio MAMI Mumbai Film Festival with Star to celebrate splendid cinema.”

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KITABOO Unveils Global Advisory Board Bringing Together Leaders from International Publishing, Education, and Technology

Senior figures behind some of the world’s most influential publishing, digital learning, and technology organizations join KITABOO to help shape the future of learning.MUMBAI, India, June 8, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — KITABOO and KITABOO One today announced the formation of its Global Advisory Board, assembling an extraordinary group of internationally respected leaders whose collective influence spans global publishing, digital transformation, education technology, content innovation, and enterprise growth.

The newly formed board brings together pioneers who have helped shape modern publishing and digital learning across multiple continents — from leading some of the world’s most influential publishing institutions to scaling transformative technology and education businesses globally.The founding members of the KITABOO Global Advisory Board include:Richard CharkinOne of the most influential figures in global publishing, Richard Charkin has held senior leadership positions at publishing giants including Bloomsbury, Macmillan, Oxford University Press, Reed Elsevier, and Current Science Group. A former President of both the International Publishers Association and the U.K. Publishers Association, Charkin currently serves as Chair of Thames & Hudson and advises multiple next-generation AI and publishing ventures. In 2024, he was awarded an OBE for services to publishing and literature.David TaylorA globally respected publishing and distribution strategist, David Taylor spent over four decades shaping the evolution of the international book trade. As Senior Vice President at Ingram Content Group, he led the global expansion strategy for Lightning Source, one of the world’s pioneering print-on-demand platforms, helping establish transformative publishing infrastructure across Europe, Australia, the Middle East, and Asia, including a major footprint in India.Emma HouseEmma House is internationally recognized for driving innovation across publishing and creative industries. Known for helping publishers navigate digital disruption, emerging technologies, and audience transformation, she has been at the forefront of industry modernization initiatives and future-focused publishing strategy across global markets.Vikrant MathurVikrant Mathur brings extensive leadership experience in enterprise technology, strategic transformation, and scaling global businesses. His expertise spans technology-driven growth, operational excellence, and innovation-led organizational transformation across international markets.Sesh SeshadriSesh Seshadri is a seasoned technology and business leader with deep expertise in enterprise systems, digital learning ecosystems, and large-scale transformation initiatives. Over the course of his career, he has advised and led organizations through critical technology modernization and innovation journeys.Pranav GuptaPranav Gupta is a globally recognised publishing and education industry leader known for advancing innovation across learning ecosystems, digital publishing, copyright, and workforce transformation. As a prominent voice in the international publishing community, he has worked that spans policy advocacy, knowledge accessibility, future skills, and the modernisation of education and content ecosystems, influencing institutions, industry bodies, and learning organisations across global markets.The formation of the Global Advisory Board marks a major strategic milestone for KITABOO as the company accelerates its mission to help publishers, educators, and enterprises navigate the rapidly evolving future of learning.At a time when artificial intelligence, immersive technologies, accessibility, and personalized learning are fundamentally reshaping how knowledge is created and consumed, KITABOO is bringing together some of the most experienced minds in the industry to help define what comes next.”The future of learning will belong to organizations that can successfully combine technology, pedagogy, accessibility, and scalable content innovation,” said the leadership team at KITABOO. “This board represents decades of global experience across exactly those domains. Their insights and strategic guidance will be instrumental in shaping the next phase of KITABOO’s growth and impact.”The advisory board will help guide KITABOO’s strategic direction across:AI-powered learning experiencesDigital publishing transformationGlobal content accessibilityInteractive and immersive learningEnterprise learning ecosystemsK12 and higher education innovationScalable content distribution infrastructureOver the years, KITABOO has emerged as a trusted digital publishing and learning platform serving publishers, educational institutions, and enterprises worldwide. The company’s solutions power interactive content experiences across K12, higher education, professional publishing, and corporate learning ecosystems.With the launch of this Global Advisory Board, KITABOO is reinforcing its long-term vision to become one of the defining global platforms powering the future of digital learning and knowledge delivery.About KITABOOKITABOO is a leading cloud-based digital publishing and learning platform that enables publishers, educational institutions, and enterprises to create, distribute, secure, and analyze interactive digital content experiences at scale. Through AI-driven capabilities, accessibility-first design, analytics, and immersive learning technologies, KITABOO powers next-generation learning experiences for organizations across the globe.About KITABOO ONEKITABOO ONE is a digital content distribution and access platform developed by BookIT Digital Technologies Pvt. Ltd., designed to help publishers distribute, license, and monetize eBooks and digital learning content across retail, institutional, and global partner ecosystems. Built on the KITABOO digital reading infrastructure, the platform supports secure content delivery, multi-device access, flexible licensing models, branded publisher storefronts, and institutional digital library solutions for universities, libraries, corporations, and government organizations.Media Contactcontact@kitaboo.com www.kitaboo.com 

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PR Newswire Signs Affiliate Membership with PRCAI to Strengthen India’s Communications Ecosystem

– Partnership underscores commitment to ethical standards, AI-era visibility, and collaborative industry growthMUMBAI, India, June 8, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — Leading global press release distribution platform PR Newswire today announced its Affiliate Membership with Public Relations Consultants Association of India (PRCAI), India’s premium communications body.
Through this partnership, PR Newswire will participate in PRCAI’s industry forums, thought leadership platforms, and Industry discussions, while contributing to initiatives that strengthen professional standards and elevate best practices across the sector.”India’s communications industry is at a pivotal moment, shaped by digital transformation with AI-driven visibility, and evolving stakeholder expectations. Our partnership with PRCAI is a step towards achieving this and strengthening the network for faster and better results,” noted Winston D’Souza, Business Head, PR Newswire India.This collaboration was lauded by Amit Yadav, Business Head, PR Newswire India, too. “Our affiliate membership with PRCAI reflects our commitment to supporting industry dialogue, enabling knowledge exchange, and contributing to the professionalization of PR and corporate communications in India,” he said.This partnership will allow PR Newswire to: Become a practicing member of the Client–Consultancy Partnership Charter;Publish and showcase thought leadership content via PRCAI channels;Create speaker and engagement opportunities at PRCAI flagship initiatives and in industry reports;Allow exclusive/subsidized access to trainings and learning programs, masterclasses, and HR forums;Have a key presence on the PRCAI website, and connect to 180+ member network.Winston D’Souza & Amit Yadav jointly head PR Newswire India and have been instrumental in the market expansion and financial performance. Both have spent over 15 years with PR Newswire, playing a key role in strengthening and growing the brand’s presence in India.By decentralizing executive decisions and doubling leadership oversight, the co-leaders have successfully scaled core operations, unlocked innovative revenue streams, and fostered a high-performance culture. Their unified direction has not only accelerated compound annual growth but also solidified the company’s position as a resilient industry leader in the press release distribution space.About PR NewswirePR Newswire is the industry’s leading press release distribution partner with an unparalleled global reach of more than 500,000 newsrooms, websites, direct feeds, journalists, and influencers, and is available in more than 170 countries and 40 languages. From our innovative AI-powered PR Newswire Amplify ™ platform, award-winning Content Services offerings, integrated media newsroom and microsite products, Investor Relations suite of services, paid placement and social sharing tools, PR Newswire has a comprehensive Multichannel Amplification™ catalogue of solutions to solve the modern-day challenges PR and communications teams face. For more than 70 years, PR Newswire has been the preferred destination worldwide for brands to share their most important news stories.For more information, please visit www.prnewswire.comAbout CisionCision is the global leader in consumer and media intelligence, engagement, and communication solutions. We equip PR and corporate communications, marketing, and social media professionals with the tools they need to excel in today’s data driven world. Our deep expertise, exclusive data partnerships, and award-winning products, including CisionOne , Brandwatch , Trajaan , and PR Newswire , enable over 75,000 companies and organizations, including 84% of the Fortune 500, to see and be seen, understand and be understood by the audiences that matter most to them.About PRCAIFounded in 2001, the Public Relations Consultants Association of India (PRCAI) is the nation’s most credible and influential communications body. For over two and a half decades, PRCAI has worked alongside its members to advance best practices, strengthen the profession, and nurture a world-class PR and communications ecosystem in India and beyond. With 180 member firms and thousands of practitioners, PRCAI champions ethical standards, talent development, innovation, and industry collaboration to build a globally competitive and future-ready communications ecosystem that contributes meaningfully to India’s business, cultural, and nation-building agenda. For more information about PRCAI, visit www.prcai.org.For questions, contact the team at CisionPR@cision.com Logo: https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/2244701/PR_Newswire_Logo.jpg 

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Puri, Wayanad and Goa Emerge as Trending Summer Choices for Indian Families, Agoda Reports

SINGAPORE, June 8, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — Digital travel platform Agoda has recorded a rise in family accommodation searches for domestic summer travel compared to last year, with destinations such as Puri, Wayanad and Goa emerging as trending locations for the upcoming school holiday period. Based on accommodation search data for check-ins between May and June 2026, the findings point to growing travel interest in coastal, nature and outdoor-focused getaways compared to last year.

The trend aligns closely with the school holiday window where most schools in Indian states closing through May and June, and is one of the few periods in the year when families can travel together for an extended stretch. This is also reflected in travel planning, with families gravitating toward destinations that offer outdoor activities, relaxation and time together.Coastal and nature destinations see rising interest Odisha’s iconic coastal town, Puri, is drawing interest with a 68% rise in accommodation searches. Home to the Jagannath Temple and the broad sweep of the Bay of Bengal shoreline, Puri offers families a mix of spiritual heritage and beachside leisure that is clearly resonating with summer holiday planners.Kerala’s Wayanad has seen a 40% rise in family accommodation searches compared to last year. A world away from the summer heat of the plains, its wildlife sanctuaries, plantation retreats and cool, mist-wrapped forests offer a distinctive kind of family holiday, one built around nature rather than novelty.Goa, perennially one of India’s most sought-after destinations, has registered a 29% increase in searches. With its wide array of beaches, water parks and broad range of resort stays suited to children of all ages, it continues to draw consistent interest from families planning their summer break.Hill stations and adventure destinations trends as wellRishikesh in Uttarakhand recorded a 22% rise in accommodation searches, with families increasingly drawn to its mix of spiritual significance, riverside camps, yoga retreats and outdoor activities such as rafting along the Ganga.The hill stations of Maharashtra and Tamil Nadu continue to draw interest as well. Mahabaleshwar recorded a 15% increase in family accommodation searches compared to last year, while Ooty saw a 13% rise. Both these destinations offer cool temperatures, scenic viewpoints and well-established hospitality infrastructure that have made them summer staples for generations of Indian travelers.Gaurav Malik, Country Director, Indian Subcontinent & Indian Ocean Islands, Agoda said, “Summer holidays continue to be an important travel period for Indian families, and in 2026 the planning behind these trips has grown increasingly intentional. Families are exploring a broader mix of destinations, from coastal getaways and nature-focused escapes to perennial favorites. This reflects a growing desire among travelers to consider a wider range of options for their vacations. At Agoda, our focus is on enabling exactly that kind of considered planning, bringing together the right combination of stays, flights and activities to make any vacation plan seamless.”Agoda provides access to over 6 million holiday properties across price points and property types, alongside more than 130,000 flight routes and over 300,000 activities that can be booked together in one place. Discover the latest deals on the Agoda mobile app or visit Agoda.com for more information.

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