The MAMI Mumbai Film Festival is one of the most awaited film festivals each year by cinephiles. From regional cinema to international titles, the festival offers something for everyone.
However, there’s sad news for film lovers. This year, the festival has been cancelled.
The official Twitter (X) account of the festival shared a statement from Festival Director Shivendra Singh Dungarpur on Monday morning.
It announced that the 2025 edition of the MAMI Mumbai Film Festival will not take place, as the team is currently revamping the festival with a dynamic new vision and leadership.
The goal is to ensure the festival returns as a premier platform for showcasing the best of independent, regional, and classic cinema from India and around the world.
The statement confirmed that the festival will be back in 2026.
This marks the first time in 28 years that the festival has been cancelled, sparking a wave of disappointment from cinephiles and industry insiders alike.
Many filmmakers took to social media to express their dismay. They pointed out the irony that Mumbai, draped in the glitz of being India’s financial and cinematic capital, can’t sustain a major film festival of its own.
Cinephiles are furious, as this was one of the most eagerly anticipated events of the year.
Many noted that this isn’t just about a film festival being cancelled, the issue runs much deeper.
Every year, the festival opens doors for international filmmakers and industry professionals to visit India, and in return, we get to experience global cinema on our soil.
Without this cultural and professional exchange, the industry risks becoming insular and stagnant.
This exposure is crucial for India’s film community to represent itself on the global stage.
The repercussions go far beyond just a few screenings being missed. Fans are now hoping the festival returns with full force in 2026, because without it, we’re losing much more than just movies.
The Festival Director of MAMI Mumbai Film Festival, Shivendra Singh Dungarpur, makes an important announcement:#MAMI #MumbaiFilmFestival pic.twitter.com/c3Z1ZDwzxK
— MAMI Mumbai Film Festival (@MumbaiFilmFest) July 21, 2025
