Shivendra Singh Dungarpur: We Are Excited to Launch MAMI Independent, the New Face of MAMI

At a time when independent filmmakers increasingly struggle to find sustained theatrical space for their work, the Mumbai Academy of the Moving Image (MAMI) today announced a renewed commitment to exhibition, access, and community with the unveiling of a new logo and brand identity. The announcement signals the beginning of a new chapter for one of India’s most influential film organisations, dedicated to celebrating Indian and world cinema since 1997.Rooted in the belief that cinema is an art form of the people and for the people—one that brings audiences together and sparks meaningful dialogue—the rebrand reflects MAMI’s evolution into a festival shaped by its community, powered by diverse voices, and driven by the idea that stories connect the human race. While remaining deeply anchored in Mumbai, MAMI continues to engage with cinema from across India and the world.Coinciding with this moment of renewal, MAMI also announced MAMI Independent, a new year-round initiative created to address one of the most pressing challenges facing independent cinema today: the lack of consistent theatrical screening opportunities. Designed as a regular big-screen platform for bold, contemporary independent films from India and internationally, the programme will offer filmmakers a dependable venue where their work can be seen, discussed, and discovered.MAMI Independent represents a significant step towards building a stronger ecosystem for independent cinema. Through weekly screenings, the initiative will provide filmmakers with sustained visibility while fostering meaningful dialogue between filmmakers, cinephiles, industry professionals, and emerging talent. By bringing independent films back to the theatre on a regular basis, the programme aims to expand audiences, encourage conversation, and create new possibilities for circulation and distribution.The curated selection will spotlight films that break away from the mould—stories that rise from the margins, challenge conventions, and invite audiences not just to watch, but to feel, question, and reflect. Often created with limited resources but driven by immense passion, these films are frequently overshadowed by the volume of mainstream releases. MAMI Independent seeks to bring them out of the shadows and into a consistent, visible screening space they rarely receive.Beginning 25 February 2026, audiences in Mumbai can attend weekly screenings every Wednesday at 7:00 p.m. at PVR Lido, Santacruz. The programme will showcase a curated selection of independent feature films, documentaries, shorts, and experimental works from across India, offering filmmakers a regular theatrical home and audiences a chance to engage with diverse cinematic voices.Shivendra Singh Dungarpur, Festival Director, MAMI Mumbai Film Festival, said,"I am excited to launch the new face of MAMI with a new logo and brand identity for the Mumbai Film Festival. It reflects our belief that cinema is about people, ideas, and sparking conversations, and that the festival is about storytellers and the public coming together as a community to make the Mumbai Film Festival a celebration of film."Details of the MAMI Independent screening slate and monthly calendar will be shared through MAMI’s official channels. The initiative reinforces MAMI’s commitment to nurturing cinematic excellence, supporting independent filmmakers with meaningful exhibition opportunities, strengthening the connection between storytellers and audiences, and enabling new pathways for films to reach wider audiences.Together, the new brand identity and the launch of MAMI Independent reaffirm MAMI’s dedication to creative freedom, the discovery of new voices, and the continued positioning of Mumbai as a vital meeting ground—and screening ground—for Indian and global cinema.