A Fusion of Cinema and Culture: Hon’ble Minister Adv. Ashish Shelar Ji Inspires at the 19th Mumbai International Film Festival

The 19th Mumbai International Film Festival (MIFF) 2026, a premier global event organized by the National Film Development Corporation (NFDC), opened to a grand celebration of cinematic excellence in Mumbai. Attending as a key leader and guest of honor, the Hon’ble Minister for Cultural Affairs and Information Technology, Adv. Ashish Shelar Ji, addressed the gathering of international filmmakers and industry experts.

Advancing India’s Creative Economy

In his address, he emphasized the state’s unwavering commitment to supporting creative industries. He highlighted the critical role of documentaries, short films, and animation in documenting social truths and expressed his pride in India’s burgeoning media economy.

"Mumbai has always been the heartbeat of Indian cinema. With the support of the central government, the State government is moving forward with a plan to set up a dedicated media hub in the city to further empower our creative professionals."

Technological Innovation in Media

As the Minister for Electronics, Information Technology, and Artificial Intelligence, Adv. Shelar spoke on the transformative power of new technologies in filmmaking. He praised the establishment of the Indian Institute of Creative Technology in Mumbai, noting that it will serve as a cornerstone for integrating AI and advanced digital tools into the traditional cinematic workflow.

Support for Global and Local Talent

The Minister welcomed participants from around the world, reiterating that festivals like MIFF are essential for fostering cultural diversity and innovation. He encouraged young directors to utilize the state's growing infrastructure to take Marathi and Indian cinema to even greater global heights, specifically referencing the recent success of local films on international platforms.

The inauguration ceremony at Ravindra Natya Mandir was attended by Union Minister of State for I&B Dr. L. Murugan, alongside renowned filmmakers and dignitaries, all of whom joined Minister Shelar in celebrating the future of Indian storytelling.