global filmmaking

Cannes 2026 highlights Arab and Middle Eastern cinema. Films from Palestine, Morocco, Egypt, and Iran feature prominently. This marks a shift towards culturally rooted storytelling. The festival emphasizes auteur cinema over Hollywood blockbusters. Arab filmmakers are gaining global recognition. This edition signifies a defining moment for regional cinema on the world stage.

From the official delegation, filmmaker Ashutosh Gowariker will represent India in his capacity as the newly appointed director of the International Film Festival of India (IFFI).

Twinkle Khanna humorously reacted to Karan Johar's Met Gala debut, calling his artistic ensemble a "piece of art" she'd hang on her wall. Johar's elaborate outfit, inspired by Raja Ravi Varma and designed by Manish Malhotra, celebrated Indian art and culture on the global stage. This marked a significant moment for the filmmaker, reflecting on his journey and long-standing collaboration.

The Oscars are embracing AI, emphasizing human authorship for 2027 awards while not banning the technology. Performances require human consent, and screenplays must be human-authored. Significant changes also expand international film eligibility, recognizing top festival winners directly, not just country submissions, and honoring filmmakers over nations.

Dubai-based influencer Srilata Addepalli posted a video celebrating Telugu women like Bhavitha Mandava, Sobhita Dhulipala and Raja Kumari amid the controversy over Chanel dressing Bhavitha in jeans at the Met Gala. Sobhita, Raja Kumari, Lakshmi Manchu and Deepica all responded warmly, inspiring countless women from Telugu families worldwide.

Karan Johar made his debut appearance at the Met Gala, becoming the first Indian filmmaker to attend the event. For the occasion, he wore a bespoke ensemble designed by Manish Malhotra, inspired by the works of Raja Ravi Varma. Johar was asked about his bond with Shah Rukh Khan, who attended the Met Gala last year.

Actor-entrepreneur Akshay Jha is taking independent cinema beyond traditional theatrical spaces with his initiative, Cinema Salon. After working in films like Mission Mangal and Class of '83, Jha shifted focus towards creating a platform that connects filmmakers directly with audiences through curated screenings and discussions. Speaking about the challenges faced by indie films, he says distribution remains tougher than filmmaking itself. With Cinema Salon expanding internationally to cities like Madrid, Cannes and Berlin, Jha hopes to create a more immersive and community-driven film-viewing experience that prioritises storytelling and audience engagement.

Filmmaker Goldie Behl lauded the upcoming 'Ramayana' teaser, praising its visual scale and expressing eagerness to see Ranbir Kapoor as Ram and Yash as Ravana. He reflected on his 2008 film 'Drona,' noting its pioneering VFX work in Hindi cinema, despite commercial struggles, and its contribution to the industry's technical growth.

The film is being screened as part of a curated showcase presented by filmmaker Sudhir Mishra

Gujarati cinema marks a historic global milestone as 'Laalo – Krishna Sada Sahaayate' premieres at the prestigious Cannes Film Festival's Market Screening. Directed by Ankit Sakhiya, the film, described as the 'Most Divine Blockbuster Gujarati Film Ever,' aims to bring Gujarat's culture and faith to the international stage. This event highlights a strong Indian presence at Cannes 2026.

Bihar is on the cusp of a cinematic renaissance, propelled by an ambitious film policy designed to establish the state as a prime filmmaking hotspot. This forward-thinking initiative has already attracted 48 diverse projects, including 25 Hindi films, and emphasizes the economic upliftment of local communities through targeted skill development and job creation.

India's vibrant presence is set to dazzle at Cannes Film Festival 2026, with stars like Alia Bhatt and Aishwarya Rai Bachchan leading the charge. Bhatt, representing a global beauty brand, expressed her excitement for the "bigger celebration" and the "sisterhood" at the festival.

Everyday sexism, often disguised as humor or concern, pushes women into silence, speakers noted at a #StandWithHer campaign event. Panelists, including filmmakers and police officials, discussed how casual remarks and workplace dynamics impact women's emotional safety and self-censorship, emphasizing the need for societal and workplace change.

Making his mark at the Met Gala 2026, Karan Johar wowed attendees in a stunning Manish Malhotra ensemble that drew inspiration from the legendary Raja Ravi Varma. The night didn’t end there; at the after-party, he dazzled in a sophisticated Dries Van Noten look paired with his own Tyaani Jewellery, showcasing magnificent emeralds and rubies. Read on to know more in detail.

Filmmaking is fundamentally storytelling, a human trait since ancient times, believes Aamir Khan. He emphasizes that while tools like cameras have evolved, the core remains engaging audiences with compelling narratives. Khan's latest production, 'Ek Din,' starring his son Junaid Khan and Sai Pallavi, explores a romance complicated by amnesia, marking a reunion with director Mansoor Khan.

Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde honored legendary filmmaker Satyajit Ray on his birth anniversary, acknowledging his profound impact on cinema and literature. Ray, a globally acclaimed auteur, significantly elevated Indian cinema with works like the Apu Trilogy and 'Charulata'. His creative genius extended to literature, introducing beloved characters like Feluda, cementing his status as a cultural icon.

Filmmaker Ashutosh Gowariker, celebrated for his acclaimed works, has been appointed the festival director for the 57th International Film Festival of India (IFFI). Succeeding Shekhar Kapur, Gowariker expressed immense pride and joy in taking on this role, highlighting his long-standing association with the prestigious event since 1984.

Filmmaker Karan Johar's historic Met Gala 2026 debut, showcasing a Manish Malhotra creation inspired by Raja Ravi Varma, has been celebrated with a witty Amul topical ad. The butter brand's iconic mascot dons a couture-inspired outfit, humorously captioned 'Gala mein toh sahab ban gaya!', highlighting the desi touch to this global fashion moment.