MUMBA International Film Festival 2025: Dates, Venue, Awards, and Complete Guide

The MUMBA International Film Festival 2025 (MUIFF) is back with its sixth edition, promising to be one of the most exciting cinematic events of the year. From 24th to 28th September 2025, Pune’s iconic NFDC National Film Archive of India (NFAI) will transform into a buzzing hub of filmmakers, storytellers, and cinema lovers.

Whether you’re an aspiring filmmaker, a film student, or just a movie buff, here’s your ultimate guide to MUMBA 2025.

What is MUMBA International Film Festival?

MUMBA is an annual film festival supported by the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting and the NFDC (National Film Development Corporation), Govt. of India. Since its inception, it has become a launchpad for progressive, bold, and culturally rich cinema from India and across the world.

The festival is known for:

• Screenings of short films, documentaries, and features

• Masterclasses by renowned directors and technicians

• Panel discussions with industry experts

• Red carpet premieres and networking opportunities

Key Dates & Venue

• Official Selection Announcement: 15th September 2025 (2:00 PM)

• Festival Dates: 24th – 28th September 2025

• Venue: NFDC – National Film Archive of India, Law College Road, Pune, Maharashtra 411004

The NFAI campus, with its cultural legacy and modern infrastructure, makes the perfect backdrop for a festival dedicated to cinema’s past, present, and future.

Awards & Categories

MUMBA 2025 recognizes excellence across multiple categories, with both trophies and cash prizes. Here’s the breakdown:

Award	Category	Prize (₹ INR)
1st Best Film	Overall	21,000
2nd Best Film	Overall	11,000
3rd Best Film	Overall	5,000
Best Animation	Animation	5,000
Best Documentary	Documentary	5,000
Best Cinematographer	Technical	2,100
Best Film Music	Technical	2,100
Best Director	Filmmaking	2,100
Best Acting (Female)	Performance	2,100
Best Acting (Male)	Performance	2,100
Best Screenplay	Writing	2,100
Jury, Regional & Genre	Multiple	Trophy & Cash

Regional recognition also includes Marathi, Bengali, South Indian, and International films – making the awards truly inclusive.

Festival Highlights

• Red Carpet Magic: Glamorous premieres and celebrity appearances.

• Exclusive Screenings: Get early access to cutting-edge films.

• Masterclasses & Panels: Learn from the best in direction, cinematography, and storytelling.

• Networking Buzz: Connect with directors, producers, and film enthusiasts.

Past Winners & Buzz Films

Last year’s edition crowned Annayude Yaatra (directed by Rahul Vellithodi, written by Mable Thomas) as Best Film – a powerful example of MUMBA’s commitment to impactful cinema.

Films showcased here often go on to win recognition at global festivals, proving MUMBA’s role as a true gateway to the world stage.

Why Attend MUMBA 2025?

• For filmmakers: A chance to showcase your work and gain recognition.

• For students: Learn directly from masterclasses and open forums.

• For audiences: Watch world cinema that rarely makes it to commercial theatres.
  

How to Participate

• Who can apply: Independent filmmakers, students, and production houses

• Delegate Registrations: Open for cinephiles and students who want to attend screenings

📧 Contact: mumbafilmfestival@gmail.com📞 +91 96655 44453 / +91 92600 00665

Final Word

Q1. When is the MUMBA International Film Festival 2025 happening? The festival will take place from 24th to 28th September 2025 at the NFDC – National Film Archive of India (NFAI), Pune.

Q2. What are the awards and cash prizes at MUMBA 2025? The Best Film Award carries a cash prize of ₹21,000, the second best film gets ₹11,000, and the third best film gets ₹5,000. Other categories like Animation, Documentary, Acting, Direction, Music, and Screenplay carry prizes between ₹2,100 and ₹5,000 along with trophies.

Q3. How can filmmakers submit their films for MUMBA 2025? Submissions are open until 31st August 2025. Filmmakers can follow the official festival guidelines and submit their films through the festival website.

Q4. Can students and general audiences attend the festival? Yes! Students and cinema lovers can register as delegates to access screenings, Q&A sessions, masterclasses, and networking events. It’s a great opportunity for learning and exposure.

Q5. Who organizes the MUMBA International Film Festival? The festival is supported by the Ministry of Information & Broadcasting and the National Film Development Corporation (NFDC), Government of India, and is hosted at the NFAI campus in Pune.

Q6. Why is the MUMBA International Film Festival special? MUMBA is unique because it celebrates regional, national, and international films on the same platform. It gives new filmmakers global recognition and offers audiences a chance to watch rare and powerful world cinema.