MAMI Independent July 2026 Schedule: 5 Free Film Screenings

The Mumbai Academy of the Moving Image (MAMI) has officially unveiled its stellar MAMI Independent screening lineup for July 2026, offering local cinephiles free access to five highly acclaimed international films. While access to these cinematic masterpieces from legendary directors is completely free on a first-come, first-served basis, securing a seat inside the limited-capacity theatre requires precise timing. For more curated updates on local independent cinema events, check out our AltBollywood calendar coverage.

MAMI Independent July 2026 Schedule

The MAMI Independent programme will run every single Wednesday throughout July 2026 at 7:00 PM at PVR Lido in Juhu, Mumbai. The lineup features newly released, globally celebrated projects from iconic filmmakers like Jim Jarmusch, Jafar Panahi, Olivier Laxe, Joachim Trier, and Park Chan-wook. Because the venue caps attendance at exactly 180 seats per screening, audiences must understand the registration and line rules to avoid being turned away at the door.

Full Lineup Breakdown

The July calendar brings an unprecedented level of international festival prestige to Mumbai's big screens. Below is the complete chronological walkthrough of the upcoming weekly schedule as highlighted in image_d9ab5e.jpg.

July 1st: Father Mother Sister Brother (Dir. Jim Jarmusch)

The month kicks off with the latest feature from the master of American indie cinema, Jim Jarmusch. Father Mother Sister Brother is a triptych character study that dives deep into the intricate, often quietly humorous dynamics of a modern family distributed across different geographies. Known for his deadpan humor, minimalist style, and evocative soundtracks, Jarmusch brings a meditative precision to this look at interpersonal relationships. This screening marks a rare opportunity for Mumbai audiences to experience his distinct formal aesthetic on the silver screen immediately following its international festival run.

July 8th: It Was Just An Accident (Dir. Jafar Panahi)

On the second Wednesday of the month, MAMI Independent will showcase one of the most critically triumphant international films of the year, It Was Just An Accident. Directed by the legendary and fiercely defiant Iranian filmmaker Jafar Panahi, the film follows an Azerbaijani auto mechanic who confronts a deep moral dilemma inside his workshop when he encounters a man he suspects was his former prison interrogator. Having already captured the Palme d'Or at the Cannes Film Festival and major nominations across global awards circuits, this tense, deeply human drama is arguably the heaviest hitter on the July schedule.

July 15th: Sirāt (Dir. Olivier Laxe)

Mid-month features Sirāt, a visually spectacular narrative directed by French-Spanish auteur Olivier Laxe. Laxe, highly revered for his striking visual authorship and immersive, slow-burning cinema, delivers an intense, atmospheric story enhanced by an acclaimed original score by electronic artist Kangding Ray. Sirāt examines heritage, faith, and survival across unforgiving landscapes, making full use of PVR Lido's silver screen to pull viewers into its stark, breathtaking compositions.

July 22nd: Sentimental Value (Dir. Joachim Trier)

The fourth screening brings Joachim Trier’s highly anticipated comedy-drama Sentimental Value to Juhu. Written alongside his long-time creative partner Eskil Vogt, the film features an all-star international ensemble cast including Renate Reinsve, Stellan Skarsgård, and Elle Fanning. The story delivers Trier's trademark blend of existential melancholy and sharp contemporary wit, tracking a family dealing with grief, artistic legacies, and the conflicting memories of their shared past. It stands as an absolute must-watch for fans of modern Scandinavian art-house cinema.

July 29th: No Other Choice (Dir. Park Chan-wook)

The July lineup concludes with a massive event: Park Chan-wook’s No Other Choice. Serving as a contemporary remake of a classic French thriller, the South Korean master filmmaker injects his signature stylistic excess, dark humor, and meticulous framing into a story reimagined for today's societal anxieties. Known worldwide for masterpieces like Oldboyand Decision to Leave, a Park Chan-wook theatrical screening is an incredibly rare treat for Indian cinephiles and is expected to draw the largest crowd of the month.

How to Attend: Venue and Entry Rules

MAMI Independent operates as a community-driven initiative rather than a standard commercial theatrical release. To ensure a seamless viewing experience at PVR Lido in Juhu, attendees must adhere strictly to the festival's specialized entry parameters.

• The 180-Seat Limit: PVR Lido’s specific screen capacity is strictly capped at 180 seats. No extra standing room or over-allocations are permitted under any circumstances due to safety guidelines.

• First-Come, First-Served Access: Entry is completely free, but seats are given strictly in order of arrival. Doors formally open at 6:30 PM, and it is highly recommended to join the physical queue at least 45 minutes prior to the 7:00 PM start time.

• The No-Show Seat Release: For attendees tracking reservations via the MAMI digital portal, confirmed seats are only held until 15 minutes before showtime (6:45 PM). At exactly 6:45 PM, all unclaimed seats are immediately released to the rush line waiting outside the venue.

Quick Facts

• Event Series: MAMI Independent July 2026 Lineup

• Timing: Every Wednesday in July at 7:00 PM IST

• Venue: PVR Lido, Juhu, Mumbai

• Theater Capacity: 180 Seats

• Ticket Cost: Free Entry (First-come, first-served)

• International Availability: These films are traveling the global festival circuit; streaming availability details on dominant platforms will follow late 2026 theatrical runs.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need to buy tickets for MAMI Independent screenings?

No, tickets do not cost any money as entry is completely free for the public. However, entry is managed strictly on a first-come, first-served basis until the venue reaches maximum capacity.

Where is PVR Lido located in Mumbai?

The theater is located in Juhu, Mumbai. It serves as the primary hub for the Mumbai Academy of the Moving Image's year-round independent film initiatives.

What time should I arrive for the Wednesday films?

While the films officially begin rolling at 7:00 PM, doors open at 6:30 PM. Arriving 45 minutes early is recommended because the 180-seat room fills up rapidly.

Are these July films available to stream online in India?

No, these specific features are currently exclusive to the theatrical festival circuit. For home viewing options, read our AltBollywood guide to the best indie films streaming on platforms today.