The Curtain Falls on the 12th Lakecity International Film Festival: A Celebration of Cinematic Brilliance

The shimmering lights of the 12th Lakecity International Film Festival (LCIFF) danced across the halls of KES Shroff College of Arts & Commerce, as storytellers from across the globe converged to weave their tales of art, culture, and humanity. Known for its unyielding commitment to independent cinema, the festival founded by Prof. Dr. Mohan Das, once again set the stage ablaze with its celebration of diverse voices and creative visionaries.

This year’s edition was a kaleidoscope of global narratives, featuring an eclectic mix of narrative features, documentaries, and short films. Films from Italy and Australia graced the screens, with Andrea Fortis presenting the evocative ‘Femmenel’ and Matthew Kolomyjec captivating hearts with his powerhouse creation, ‘Everywhere’.

One of the festival’s highlights was Eram Faridi’s Fedora’s Wrinkles, which won Best Long Short Film for its profound exploration of aging, resilience, and the timeless beauty of life. The film also garnered accolades for its stellar performances, with Ali Asgar winning Best Actor and Sushmita Mukherjee leaving a lasting impact with her unforgettable portrayal. While ‘Revayate Nataman -E- Sima’ won the Best Iranian Film, ‘Mirari’ which came in from Paris, France won the Best Feature Film. Arfi Lamba won the Best Actor Jury Award for his amazing performance in ‘Ye Kya Ho Gaya’.

Honoring Excellence in Creativity
The award ceremony was a glittering tribute to the extraordinary contributions of filmmakers and artists across categories. Celebrities from the film industry and artist community graced the red carpet, creating a buzz of excitement among the attendees. Mohammed Reza Fazel, Director of Iran Culture House, Mumbai, and the celebrated actor-writer Atul Tiwari graced the occasion as Chief Guests, lending their esteemed presence and stature to the event.

Adding to the evening’s enchantment, Laila Panda’s ‘Vande Mataram’ performance mesmerized the audiences with her graceful movements and flawless execution of classical Odissi sequences. To add to the enchantment, Meenal Nigam’s soulful rendition of Naam Ramayan left an indelible mark on the audience, celebrating devotion through art. 

The Festival’s Vision
Prof. Dr. Mohan Das, the visionary founder and chairman of LCIFF, reflected on the festival’s enduring mission: "The Lakecity International Film Festival strives to be a haven for creativity, showcasing the finest films from across the world while nurturing independent filmmakers. By celebrating diverse voices and offering a platform to emerging talents, we aspire to foster innovation and artistic expression in the global film industry." 

The Iron Pillar of Support
Adding gravitas to the event was the conferral of the Iron Pillar Award to Dr. (Hon) Mohit Soni, CEO of the Media & Entertainment Skills Council (MESC), recognizing his monumental contributions to the industry. In his absence, the award was received by MESC General Secretary, Dr. (Hon) Amit Behl, whose eloquent acknowledgment further underscored the spirit of collaboration and growth championed by the festival. 

The Award was also conferred to KES Shroff College of Arts & Commerce who were the organizing partner, Dr. (Hon) Alok Kashyap of Yatiken Software Solutions, Nitin Dhawne Patil of Nitin Dhawne Films and Charru Sharma of YathaKatha International Film Festival. Mohammed Reza Fazel, Director of Iran Culture House, Mumbai received the Iron Pillar Award on behalf of the Culture House. For the unversed, Iran was the Country Showcase Partner for this year. 

A Glimpse into the Future
The evening concluded on a high note with the unveiling of the poster for the festival's 13th edition, scheduled for December 2025. The unveiling was graced by stalwarts including Mohammed Reza Fazel, Atul Tiwari, Anusha Srinivasan Iyer, Rajni Acharya, Amit Behl, and actors Karan Sharma, Arfi Lamba, Yuvraj Parashar, Pooja Sharma, and Meenal Nigam. 

As the curtains fell, LCIFF reaffirmed its role as a sanctuary for cinematic brilliance, where stories take flight and creativity finds its audience. With films like Fedora’s Wrinkles, Kathakaar, Ye Kya Ho Gaya, I Doll, Femmenel, Everywhere, Khadda, Gudhal and others, the festival continues to celebrate the resilience of human stories and the boundless spectrum of emotions they evoke. The countdown to December 2025 has begun with the poster release by eminent celebrities and jury members, promising another chapter in the festival's illustrious journey.

Hidden faces, hidden clues! Simran Choudhary’s latest post sparks rumours!

Singer Simran Choudhary, known for her soulful hits Aje Na Jaa and Aayi Ni, has set the internet abuzz with her latest cryptic post. The picture, drenched in warm hues and mystery, shows Simran in a vibrant floral blazer sharing an intimate frame with a man whose face is intriguingly hidden, captioned “Next Collab coming your way soon! Who do you think it could be? Tell me in the comments” 

Cue the fan theories! Social media is already convinced it’s none other than Aditya Rikhari. Could it be? The pose, the energy, and that almost-too-perfect vibe between the two - it’s screaming chemistry. The undeniable aura of a story waiting to be told has everyone hooked. 

Could this be a sneak peek into a surprise collab? A steamy new music video? Or is there something more personal brewing behind the scenes? Simran isn’t saying much, and her cryptic post is only adding fuel to the fire, but for sure something exciting is brewing. 

All we know is, this drop has “big reveal” written all over it. Keep your eyes peeled - this might just be the plot twist of the season! Whether it’s love, art, or a bit of both, this duo has sparked a fire of curiosity that’s impossible to ignore. 

Indian documentary ‘The Golden Thread’ awarded Golden Conch award for the Best Documentary Film of the Festival

The prestigious Golden Conch award for the Best Documentary Film of the Festival in International Category was awarded to the Indian film ‘The Golden Thread’ directed by Nistha Jain. The film, which follows the weft and warp of jute work in Kolkata, is both an homage and an observation of the last vestiges of the industrial revolution impacted by economic change.

Under the twinkling lights of Mumbai's iconic skyline, the 18th Mumbai International Film Festival for Documentary, Short Fiction, and Animation films concluded, illuminating the City of Dreams with the brilliance of cinematic artistry. The city that never sleeps reverberated with the echoes of storytelling and creativity, reaching its crescendo with a spectacular closing ceremony graced by Maharashtra Culture Minister Shri Sudhir Mungantiwar.

Celebrities, filmmakers, and luminaries from the film and entertainment world gathered to celebrate the festival's resounding success and the enchanting magic of non-feature cinema. Among them were Shekhar Suman, Shaji N. Karun, Subbiah Nallamuthu, Poonam Dhillon, Chaya Kadam, Ammie Barauh, Akshay Oberoi and Vishal Malhotra among others.

Delivering his keynote address, Shri Sudhir Mungantiwar, Culture Minister, Government of Maharashtra said that our filmmakers are the Kohinoors of our nation. "When we move forward, our heritage and every subject connected to our films will move forward.  The capacities of those sitting here are such that they can reach the depths of our souls through their art; depths even doctors may not reach," he added. He urged everyone to leave MIFF with a renewed perspective and a commitment to increasing their capacities in the years to come.

The Minister also congratulated the Government of India for its efforts in promoting talented filmmakers through this esteemed medium. Highlighting the transformative power of films, he stated, "Films are a mirror to the society and lead to social transformation. A single dialogue from this sector can transform a person’s life."

Shri Mungantiwar also underscored the multifaceted role of films, stating, "Films are not only a source of entertainment but also a power station that develops personalities. When personalities are developed, societies develop, and when societies develop, the nation develop." He concluded his speech with a call to action, encouraging everyone to come together through the medium of film to take the pride of our nation to every house and heart across the globe.

Sharing the International Competition Jury’s views about the competing films, Shri Bharat Bala, Chairman of the Jury said that they were inspired by the narratives of cultural values around the world which still place family at the centre of our lives and the resilience of humanity that encourage all to become better version of ourselves. “Soul of all the documentaries reflected the culture of humanity and culture that we live and breathe from across the world. We expect all of us to invest more in documentaries so that humanity can thrive”, he added.

Indian producer Apoorva Bakshi, the Chairperson of National Jury of MIFF said that jury was honoured to witness strong, profound, and poignant narratives emerging from different parts of India. “The highlight of viewing experience was how filmmakers across the board deconstructed the anatomy of patriarchy and portrayed male relationships through a tender lens which was seldom explored”, she added.

Golden Conch award for ‘The Golden Thread’
The prestigious Golden Conch award for the Best Documentary Film of the Festival in International Category was awarded to the Indian film The Golden Thread directed by Nistha Jain. The film, which follows the weft and warp of jute work in Kolkata, is both an homage and an observation of the last vestiges of the industrial revolution impacted by economic change. The jury noted that the film illustrates the relationship of man to machine while questioning the equation by which capitalism values man only in terms of his labor. The stunning imagery and sound weave a beautiful narrative that underscores the compelling nature of documentary filmmaking. The award includes a certificate and a cash prize of Rs. 10 lakhs. ‘The Golden Thread’ was also screened as the Closing film of the festival.

The Silver Conch award for the Best International Short Fiction Film was bestowed upon the Estonian film ‘Sour Milk’, directed by Vera Pirogova. The film eloquently portrays the intricate bond between mother and son, weaving a narrative, rich in expectation and disappointment. This award also includes a certificate and a cash prize of Rs. 5 lakhs.

The Polish film Zima, directed by Tomek Popakul and Kasumi Ozeki, received the Silver Conch award for the Best Animation Film in the International Competition section, accompanied by a certificate and a cash prize of Rs. 5 lakhs.

Lovely Jackson, directed by Matt Waldeck, received the Jury’s Special Mention in the International Competition category. The jury was inspired by the film's spirituality and the creative techniques used to tell its compelling story.

Technical Awards for Best Sound Design was awarded jointly to Niraj Gera and Abhijit Sarkar for their excellence in the films The Golden Thread and Dhara Ka Tem (Time for Milking). Best Editor award at the MIFF was awarded jointly to Vignesh Kumulai for Karparaa and Irene Dhar Mallik for From the Shadows. Award for Best Cinematography was bestowed jointly upon Babin Dulal and Suraj Thakur for Dhorpatan: No Winter Holidays and Entangled respectively.

The Pramod Pati Award for Most Innovative/Experimental Film was awarded to the Japanese film The Old Young Crow, directed by Liam Lopinto, for its inventive and magical storytelling of multiple dualities. The award includes a trophy and a cash prize of Rs. 1 lakh.

The Silver Conch award for Best Indian Documentary Film went to 6-A Akash Ganga, directed by Nirmal Chander Dandriyal. The film, which draws viewers into the reclusive world of legendary musician Annapurna Devi, includes a cash prize of Rs. 5 lakhs.

The Silver Conch Award for the Best Indian Short Fiction Film (up to 30 minutes) was awarded to Salt, directed by Barkha Prashant Naik. The film explores the tender inter-generational understanding of sexuality in a poignant and beautifully crafted father-son story. This award includes a cash prize of Rs. 3 lakhs.

Nirjara, directed by Gaurav Pati, won the Silver Conch award for the Best Indian Animation Film. The film, which tells the story of two brothers reuniting during grief-ridden rituals on the ghats of Ganga, includes a cash prize of Rs. 3 lakhs.

A Coconut Tree, directed by Joshy Benedict, received the Jury’s Special Mention in the National Competition section for addressing the urgent topics of migration and climate change.

The Dadasaheb Phalke Chitranagari Award for Best Debut Director at MIFF 2024 was awarded to Sreemoyee Singh for her film Towards Happy Alleys, which also won the FIPRESCI International Critic Jury award at MIFF. The awards include a trophy and a cash prize of Rs. 1 lakh.

The IDPA award for the Best Student Film at MIFF was awarded to Chanchisoa (Expectation), a Garo film directed by Elvachisa Ch Sangma and Dipankar Das. The award includes a trophy and a cash prize of Rs. 1 lakh.

The Best Short Film Award on India in Amrit Kaal was awarded to Life in Loom, directed by Edmond Ranson, which explores the socio-economic and climatic challenges faced by weaver communities in India. The award includes a trophy, certificate, and a cash prize of Rs. 1 lakh.

The evening left the audience spellbound with colorful, vibrant, and eclectic cultural performances that set the stage on fire. The technical committee of the festival and film personalities were felicitated at the function. Shri Prithul Kumar, Festival Director & Managing Director, NFDC, proposed the vote of thanks.

MIFF 2024 in a nutshell:
This edition of MIFF proudly showcased a diverse array of 314 films from 59 countries, presented in 61 languages. The festival featured an impressive lineup, including 8 world premieres, 5 international premieres, 18 Asia premieres, and 21 India premieres, highlighting the global appeal and unique storytelling prowess of filmmakers worldwide. A significant highlight of MIFF 2024 was the introduction of the Documentary Film Bazaar, a groundbreaking initiative that offered filmmakers an exceptional platform to engage with buyers, sponsors, and collaborators. This innovative event attracted nearly 200 projects from 10 countries, spanning 27 languages, fostering a vibrant exchange of ideas and opportunities.

Festival attendees were also treated to masterclasses by renowned filmmakers such as Alphonse Roy, Nemil Shah, Shaji N. Karun, Audrius Stonys, Santhosh Sivan, and Subbiah Nallamuthu, among others. These sessions provided invaluable insights into the art of filmmaking, enriching the knowledge and skills of aspiring and established filmmakers alike. Panel discussions at MIFF 2024 delved into contemporary and innovative topics related to documentary, short fiction, and animation filmmaking. Delegates explored new facets of filmmaking, promotion, and distribution, broadening their understanding of the industry's evolving landscape. Additionally, a workshop on Animation and VFX pipeline, led by a senior animator from Warner Brothers, captivated participants with its in-depth exploration of cutting-edge techniques.

The Open Forums, organized by the Indian Documentary Producers Association, sparked engaging and heated discussions on pertinent issues such as documentary funding, artificial intelligence, OTT platforms, and filmmaking in the era of social media. These forums provided a dynamic space for professionals to debate and share insights on the challenges and opportunities facing the industry today. MIFF 2024 has once again affirmed its status as a premier platform for global cinematic exchange, fostering creativity, collaboration, and the celebration of diverse storytelling traditions from around the world.

Sonakshi Sinha, Riteish Deshmukh-starrer 'Kakuda' to debut on ZEE5 in July

Written by Chirag Garg and Avinash Dwivedi, Kakuda is an upcoming Hindi-language horror comedy directed by Aditya Sarpotdar and produced by Ronnie Screwvala, under RSVP Movies... 

Horror comedy Kakuda, featuring Sonakshi Sinha, Riteish Deshmukh and Saqib Saleem, will premiere on ZEE5 on July 12, the platform announced on Friday. The movie is directed by Aditya Sarpotdar, whose horror comedy Munjya is currently running in theatres. The streamer shared the news of the film's release date in a post on social media platform X. “Purushon Ke Hit Mein Jaari- #Kakuda aa raha hai ‘12 July' ko, toh ghar pe rahein aur theek 7:15 baje, darwaza khula rakhna naa bhoolein. Kyunki #AbMardKhatreMeinHai, #Kakuda only on #ZEE5,” the company posted. Kakuda is set in the village of Ratodi in Uttar Pradesh's Mathura district.

Purushon Ke Hit Mein Jaari ⚠️- #Kakuda aa raha hai ‘12 July' ko, toh ghar pe rahein aur theek 7:15 baje, darwaza khula rakhna naa bhoolein. 👻 Kyunki #AbMardKhatreMeinHai, #Kakuda only on #ZEE5  #KakudaOnZEE5 pic.twitter.com/wzHOVtE4j8

“While Ratodi seems like any other village, it isn't because of the curse inflicted upon it for years. Every house in the district has two similar looking doors, one that is normal size and one which is smaller than the other. The film revolves around a peculiar ritual that demands the opening of the smaller door of each house every Tuesday at 7:15 PM sharp. Failure to comply with this rule invites the wrath of Kakuda, who punishes the man of the house. But who is Kakuda… Why does he punish the men in the village? How will the villagers get rid of the curse? Beware! Ab Mard Khatre Me Hai!” according to the official synopsis.

Gujarat HC allows release of 'Maharaj' says film does not target any sect

“Having viewed the film, this court found nothing objectionable that would hurt religious feelings of petitioners or a sect. The core message of the film revolves around social evil and the fight against it by social reformer Karasandas Mulji, who was also from a Vaishnavite community,” the judge said while reading out the order in the court.... 

The Gujarat High Court on Friday lifted its stay to the release of Maharaj, debut film of Bollywood star Aamir Khan's son Junaid, observing that it did not target the Vaishnav Pushtimarg sect as alleged by its members. Some members of the Pushtimarg sect had filed a petition against its release, claiming that the film hurt religious sentiments. The film has nothing objectionable or derogatory, the court said after watching it, and allowed its release on streaming platform Netflix.

The film is based on an 1862 libel case which was centred on a clash between a Vaishnavite religious leader and social reformer Karsandas Mulji. He, in an article published in a Gujarati weekly, had alleged that the godman had sexual relations with his female devotees, leading to the case for defamation which the social reformer won.

Justice Sangeeta Vishen of the Gujarat High Court, who had granted an interim stay to the film on June 13, a day before its scheduled release, watched the film on Thursday before passing the order. Allowing the film's release on Friday, Justice Vishen refused to stay her order as requested by the Pushtimarg sect's lawyer Mihir Joshi, and said that YRF and Netflix “are at liberty to release the movie”. The judge, in her order, noted that the film has already been certified by Central Board of Film Certification.

“Having viewed the film, this court found nothing objectionable that would hurt religious feelings of petitioners or a sect. The core message of the film revolves around social evil and the fight against it by social reformer Karasandas Mulji, who was also from a Vaishnavite community,” the judge said while reading out the order in the court. The film ends with a note praising the Vaishnav community, and the devotional verse Govind Stotram is also recited in the film, she noted. The book authored by Saurabh Shah on which the film is based was published way back in January 2013, Justice Vishen said, adding that it was based on a true story.

As to the petitioners' argument that the content of the film was “incendiary” and likely to incite hatred and violence against the Pushtimarg sect, the judge noted that when the book came out 11 years ago, no incident of violence was recorded.

“The apprehension that the movie is derogatory and runs down a religion is based on surmises. The freedom of expression as guaranteed by the Constitution cannot be curtailed,” said Justice Vishen. “Maharaj is based on events which led to the libel case, and it is not targeted to hurt sentiments of Pushtimarg sect. The film has been certified by CBFC and an expert body after considering the relevant aspects,” the court observed.

During the hearing, the petitioners' lawyer had argued that the British-era court which decided the 1862 case “castigated the Hindu religion” and made blasphemous comments against Lord Krishna as well as certain devotional songs and hymns.

The petitioners had approached the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting, requesting it to take steps to stop the release, but there was no response, advocate Joshi said. He also argued that Article 19(1)(a) of the Constitution, which gives the right to freedom of speech and expression, is not a “license to insult” and the law does not protect publishers (such as OTT platforms) only because their creation is based on true events.

Appearing for Netflix, senior lawyer Mukul Rohatgi argued that the petitioners' prayer to set aside the film's censorship certificate was misconceived, as such certification is not required for a release on OTT platform.

One of the petitioners, a “prominent businessman of Ahmedabad”, did not take any steps against the book on which the film is based or material available on the internet, Rohatgi said. The film is based on legal history which cannot be eradicated, he argued. The YRF counsel told the court that the part of the libel case ruling to which the petitioners objected was not included in the screenplay.

18th MIFF Explores the Magic of “Shaping Characters” and taking them Closer to the Viewer

Editing is about creating in the minds of the viewers a question mark or desire to know more: Master Editor Ollie Huddleston

“As an editor you need to be involved in the story, fall in love with the characters – whether with fiction or documentaries”, said Ollie Huddleston, an award-winning film editor with over 30 years of experience in television and cinema documentaries, in his master-class organized in the penultimate day of the 18th Mumbai International Film Festival (MIFF) in Mumbai. Today’s editing master-class titled ‘Shaping Characters’ by Ollie Huddleston focussed on a storyteller’s perspective for making a film.

The master editor chose to showcase his award-winning project ‘Dream catcher’ to explain his craft of shaping characters through editing. The documentary film which has bagged several international awards, takes us into a hidden world through the eyes of one of its survivors - Brenda Myers-Powell. A former teenage prostitute who worked in the streets of Chicago, Brenda defied the odds to become a powerful advocate for change in her community. With warmth and humour, Brenda gives hope to those who have none. Her story is their inspiration. Through the remarkable story of Brenda from Chicago, director Kim Longinotto explores the cycle of neglect, violence and exploitation which each year leaves thousands of girls and women feeling that prostitution is their only option to survive.

Ollie Huddleston stated, “When people tell you compelling stories like that of Brenda, editing becomes an emotional experience” Showing a number of scenes from the documentary, the master editor spoke about his work that brought Brenda’s character to life on the screen.  For him, storytelling in documentaries is all about showing what happens to people and how they live and survive. He stressed that the editor should view the film project from a storyteller's perspective. “You have to take the viewer inside the story”, he added. Editing has to be suitably done to take the viewers closer to the character.

He firmly feels that music and images should not disturb the story. Captions may also be used in documentaries to narrate the story. Editing can add layers to the character, he added. “Editing has no formula, it is a journey to bring out layers of a character”. He likes working on personal stories, he added.

While the Director, Kim Longinotto had spent two months in Chicago with the characters of the story, Ollie didn’t meet them. In this context, he said that film-making is a collaborative work and the   editor's work is to go through all the footage and make notes of the unedited material in a relaxed manner and then to feel his/her way through the film. You don't necessarily have to make an observational film to make a good documentary, he further stated.

Ollie Huddleston said that Brenda herself saw the film and liked it, which was the biggest reward of utmost satisfaction to him as an editor. Summing up his work in a sentence, he said, “Editing is about creating in the minds of the viewers a question mark or desire to know more”.

Sony Music Entertainment India and Maddock Films announce strategic partnership

This collaboration embodies Sony Music Entertainment’s vision of creating innovative avenues for artists to connect with audiences. And by combining Sony’s musical expertise with Maddock Films' cinematic vision, Sony Music Entertainment is confident in delivering impactful and unforgettable experiences

Sony Music Entertainment India and Maddock Films have announced a new and broad strategic collaboration in India’s entertainment industry. This partnership unites the two companies with the goal of producing music projects, encompassing film soundtracks and independent pop projects featuring A-list Indian talent.

Several high-profile projects anchor this alliance, including soundtracks for the upcoming Hindi film "Chhava" starring Vicky Kaushal and Rashmika Mandanna with music by A.R. Rahman, the drama "Diler" featuring Ibrahim Ali Khan, and "Ikkis" starring Agastya Nanda with music by Sachin-Jigar. In addition, the soundtracks for "Luka Chhupi 2," "Sector 36" starring Vikrant Massey, "Sarvagunn Sampan" featuring Vaani Kapoor, and "Rumi Ki Sharafat" starring Radhika Madan will be part of this collaboration.

Vinit Thakkar, Managing Director of Sony Music Entertainment India, said, "This collaboration embodies our vision of creating innovative avenues for our artists to connect with audiences. Film and music are powerful storytelling mediums, and by combining our musical expertise with Maddock Films' cinematic vision, we are confident in delivering impactful and unforgettable experiences."

Dinesh Vijan, Founder of Maddock Films, echoed the sentiment, adding, "Both Sony Music Entertainment India and Maddock Films have a proven track record of creating chart-topping hits, making this our most significant music collaboration to date. Over the next two years, we are committed to building the industry's most dynamic and successful music partnership."

This partnership will aim to deliver exceptional entertainment content through a strategic mix of new soundtrack acquisitions and creative independent pop singles.