Film festivals continue to play a crucial role in celebrating diverse voices, nurturing emerging talent and fostering cultural exchange, speakers observed during a round table discussion titled “Many Forms, One Vision: Celebrating Diversity in Film Festivals” held on the sidelines of the 19th Mumbai International Film Festival (MIFF).
Moderated by actor Sheena Chohan, the session brought together filmmakers, critics, festival directors and industry professionals to discuss how film festivals are adapting to technological changes, evolving audience preferences and the growing demand for authentic storytelling.
Anand Varadaraj, Founder and Artistic Director of the Bengaluru International Short Film Festival, said cinema remains a collective experience and that films rooted in local cultures and mother tongues are increasingly finding global audiences. He noted that filmmakers are embracing animation, visual effects and artificial intelligence as creative tools, while short films are gaining popularity among audiences seeking meaningful content in shorter formats.
Film critic and Federation of Film Societies of India Vice President Premendra Mazumdar described cinema as a community activity and said film festivals help sustain film culture by creating spaces where audiences, critics and filmmakers can engage deeply with cinema. He stressed the need to preserve the values of artistic excellence and cultural dialogue amid the rapid expansion of film festivals worldwide.
Speaking on animation, Savitri Hari of the Telangana VFX, Animation and Gaming Association said the medium still struggles to move beyond the perception of being primarily children’s entertainment. She called for greater recognition, commercial preparedness and stronger global opportunities for animation creators.
National Film Development Corporation Managing Director Prakash Magdum underscored the importance of film preservation, saying restored classics allow cinematic heritage to remain accessible to future generations. He also highlighted how digital platforms and emerging technologies are expanding opportunities for filmmakers. Referring to MIFF’s AI film section, he said audiences ultimately respond to emotional authenticity rather than the technology behind a film.
Deepak Kumar Beshra, founder of the Society for Adivasi Film Development Foundation and the Baripada National Indigenous Short Film Festival, said authenticity remains the key to audience engagement. He noted that stories rooted in local traditions and languages increasingly resonate with viewers across geographical boundaries.
Documentary filmmaker and Docedge Kolkata founder-president Nilotpal Majumder said documentaries play an important role in creating historical consciousness by capturing issues, emotions and lived realities. He emphasized the need for mentorship and institutional support to help emerging documentary filmmakers.
Offering an international perspective, Patricia Sanchez Mora, Director of L’Alternativa PRO and EXTREMLAB Fest, said film festivals provide an important platform for experimental and non-commercial cinema while encouraging collaboration among filmmakers from different cultures.
The discussion concluded with a consensus that film festivals remain essential spaces for artistic exploration, innovation and community engagement. Panellists agreed that filmmaking must be driven by conviction and authenticity, with stories determining whether cinema is the most effective medium for expression.
