Vinta Nanda and the Waterfront Indie Film Festival: Reclaiming Mumbai’s Independent Cinema Spirit

The Indian indie film scene is about to get a massive boost this October with the Waterfront Indie Film Festival (WIFF) Mumbai 2025, helmed by veteran filmmaker and cultural changemaker Vinta Nanda. Scheduled from October 2–6, 2025, in Mumbai’s Versova, WIFF isn’t just another film festival it’s a cultural movement to bring independent cinema back to the heart of India’s film capital.

From over 70 films across genres to panel discussions with industry icons, WIFF aims to recreate the energy of Mumbai’s 1970s film society culture—when cinephiles queued up for Iranian, French, and Bengali films in jam-packed halls.

Vinta Nanda: The Woman Behind the Vision

If you grew up watching TV in the 90s, you’ll remember Tara (1992–1997)—India’s first bold, progressive soap opera that gave women a voice on primetime. That show was the brainchild of Vinta Nanda.

Beyond entertainment, she has worked with UNICEF, WHO, and UNESCO on media projects for women’s rights, child health, and rural awareness. In 2018, she became one of the earliest voices in India’s #MeToo movement, later documenting the struggle in her acclaimed 2024 documentary #Shout.

Now, with WIFF, she’s channeling her decades of experience into creating a permanent home for stories that don’t fit Bollywood’s commercial mould.

Why WIFF Matters

Despite being India’s film capital, Mumbai never had a dedicated independent film festival like Kerala or Kolkata. WIFF fills that gap, with venues such as Rangshila Theatre, Versova Social, Silk Road Café, and Sathe’s Café forming a vibrant festival hub.

• Opening Film: Fearless Fathima (Fasil Muhammed) – A story of resilience starting with something as small as a mattress.

• Closing Film: Humans in the Loop (Aranya Sahay) – An Oraon tribal woman balances AI training with preserving her cultural roots.

• Special Sections: North East Films, Youth Films, Teen Films, Community Films, Micro Shorts.

• Highlights: Pushkara (71st National Awards, Best Odia Film), Rapture (Locarno premiere, Best Garo Film), Shyamchi Aai (Sujay Dahake’s adaptation of Sane Guruji).

Beyond Screenings: A Cultural Platform

WIFF is not just films—it’s a cultural hub. Expect:

• Workshops & Masterclasses for aspiring filmmakers.

• Networking sessions to connect talent with producers and distributors.

• Curtain Raiser Panel on Sept 25 at NGMA Mumbai: The Art of Independent Cinema: Curating for Change, moderated by Richa Chadha with Shoojit Sircar, Sudhir Mishra, Rajat Kapoor, Bobby Bedi, Deepa Gahlot, and others.

With partners like Tuli Research Centre for India Studies (TRIS) and AltBollywood as official media partner, WIFF is set to amplify indie cinema across India and beyond

The Bigger Picture

WIFF’s arrival signals more than a festival—it’s about reclaiming Mumbai’s storytelling legacy and giving independent filmmakers a fair stage. For Vinta Nanda, this is a natural evolution of her mission: using media as a tool for social change and authentic storytelling.

If successful, WIFF Mumbai 2025 could become the Sundance of India, placing Versova firmly on the global indie cinema map

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. What is the main focus of the Waterfront Indie Film Festival Mumbai 2025?

WIFF Mumbai is dedicated to independent cinema, spotlighting films that challenge mainstream narratives and celebrate diverse, authentic stories from across India and the world.

2. When and where will WIFF Mumbai 2025 take place?

The festival runs from October 2–6, 2025, primarily in Versova, Mumbai—with venues including Rangshila Theatre, Versova Social, Silk Road Café, and Sathe’s Café.

3. Who is behind WIFF Mumbai?

The festival is spearheaded by Vinta Nanda (Executive Director), with Deepa Gahlot (Festival Director), Saagar Gupta (Programming Director), and co-founders Shantanu Ray Chaudhuri and Avneesh Mishra.

4. What kinds of films will be screened at WIFF 2025?

Over 70 films—from features and documentaries to shorts, experimental cinema, and regional gems like Pushkara, Rapture, and Shyamchi Aai.

5. How is WIFF different from other Indian film festivals?

Unlike commercial-heavy festivals, WIFF is hyperlocal and grassroots, rooted in Mumbai’s Versova creative ecosystem while offering global reach and industry partnerships for indie storytellers