Mumbai, India – Last night was buzzing! The Waterfront Indie Film Festival (WIFF) officially launched with a fantastic curtain-raiser event at the National Gallery of Modern Art (NGMA) right here in Mumbai. It was a real celebration of independent cinema. The event drew in some of the biggest names in the industry – filmmakers, critics, actors, the whole shebang!
Star-Studded Panel Takes Center Stage
The highlight of the evening was definitely the panel discussion, led by the amazing Richa Chadha. She was joined by Shoojit Sircar, Rajat Kapoor, Deepa Gahlot, and Sridhar Rangayan. The conversation was just incredible. They dove deep into the current trends, the hurdles indie filmmakers face, and the exciting opportunities that are out there right now.
Richa Chadha was particularly passionate about the Marathi indie film Sabar Bond, calling it a shining example of how powerful storytelling can break through, even without a huge commercial push. “Storytelling has the power to shift perspectives and spark real change,” she said. “WIFF is the perfect place to amplify those independent voices.”
Celebrating the Heart of Indie Film
The panel didn’t shy away from the tough stuff, like budget constraints, access to resources, and distribution challenges. But they also celebrated the incredible rise of Marathi and Malayalam cinema, pointing to them as sources of inspiration for indie creators all over India.
Festival founder Vinta Nanda perfectly captured the spirit of WIFF, saying, “It’s more than just a festival; it’s a movement. It’s about bringing together different voices and celebrating the sheer power of creativity.”
And co-founder Deepa Gahlot added to the excitement: “We’re so thrilled with this year’s lineup. We really hope audiences have as much fun watching the films as we had putting the festival together.”
Mark Your Calendars: WIFF 2025 is Coming Soon!
The Waterfront Indie Film Festival 2025 is set to run from October 2nd to 6th at Rangshila Theatre, Aram Nagar, Versova. Get ready!
The festival is getting a boost from the Tuli Research Centre for India Studies (TRIS) as their Knowledge Partner. It also has the backing of Applause Entertainment.
Here’s what you can expect:
- A diverse selection of independent film screenings
- Insightful panel discussions with industry experts
- Masterclasses designed for up-and-coming filmmakers
A Platform for Change
At its core, WIFF is all about giving independent storytellers a platform to be heard. By bringing together creativity, innovation, and a wide range of perspectives, the festival is set to inspire both filmmakers and audiences alike.
