Exciting news for all the creators, doers, misfits, go-getters, and culture shapers out there! The ultimate playground for passionate creators, IFP (formerly India Film Project), is back with another exhilarating season. For more than a decade, IFP has been your one-stop destination for everything creative and cultural. As the world’s leading festival in this space, IFP is dedicated to nurturing and inspiring talent across a multitude of disciplines including Films & OTT, Music, Literature & Writing, Storytelling, Photography, Design & Art, and Comedy, among others.
This year, IFP proudly returns for its 14th season, which is set to take place on October 12th and 13th in the bustling city of Mumbai. Building on the success of thirteen glorious seasons, the 14th edition is poised to provide a dynamic platform for artists to exhibit their work and connect with industry professionals. The festival offers an eclectic range of sessions, workshops, masterclasses, live performances, and challenges designed to inspire, educate, and empower participants to push the boundaries of creativity.
A star-studded lineup of speakers will grace the stage of IFP Season 14. This year’s event will feature some of the most influential figures in the creative industry, including Naseeruddin Shah, Ratna Pathak Shah, Aditi Rao Hydari, Kabir Khan, Vidhu Vinod Chopra, Shoojit Sircar, Guneet Monga, Saurabh Shukla, Sonam Wangchuk, Geetanjali Kulkarni, Vivek Gomber, Rajesh Krishnan, Kunal Kemmu, Ram Madhvani, Chhaya Kadam, Kavita Seth, and renowned author Geetanjali Shree (winner of the International Booker Prize for her acclaimed novel, “Tomb of Sand”). Additionally, attendees can look forward to hearing from Vikas Swarup, William Dalrymple, Trinetra, and Avanti Nagral. These cultural icons will share their profound industry insights, offering participants a unique opportunity to expand their horizons and elevate their artistic journeys.
True to its innovative spirit, IFP brings back its signature 50-hour challenges across various disciplines, including filmmaking, music, design, performing arts, writing, and photography. This season expects to see over 54,000 creative minds from around the globe competing in these challenges. A powerhouse jury comprising experts like Kabir Khan, Rob, Amit Sharma, Lilette Dubey, Lijo Jose Pellissery, Sandeep Modi, Sooni Taraporewala, Sushin Shyam, Chaaya Prabhat, Sabari Venu, Manoj Shah, and Sasha Jairam will evaluate the entries.
Sharing his enthusiasm for the upcoming season, Ritam Bhatnagar, the founder of IFP, expressed, “We are ecstatic to launch yet another exhilarating season of IFP, a nexus for everything creative and cultural. We are thrilled to receive participation from 44 countries this year.
. Our goal is to establish a truly global festival, fostering a community of creatives and providing a platform for collaboration with like-minded individuals. By doing so, we aim to inspire and empower artists of all ages and backgrounds to explore new possibilities with their craft.”
Celebrated filmmaker Kabir Khan echoed this sentiment, stating, “Filmmaking is a journey of connection—it’s about telling stories that resonate, that move, that inspire. IFP has consistently been at the forefront, providing aspiring filmmakers a unique platform to showcase their creativity. As a jury member at the festival, witnessing the brilliance and passion of these young artists is a privilege. These entries often challenge the very definition of storytelling. While selecting winners is always bittersweet, it highlights the incredible potential and talent out there.”
Lijo Jose Pellissery also shared his excitement about returning to IFP this year: “Being part of IFP is an absolute thrill. Over the years, IFP has become an essential platform for aspiring filmmakers to showcase their talent and creativity. The energy and passion at the festival are infectious, pushing creators to challenge themselves in ways they never imagined. It’s a community that celebrates storytelling in all its forms, and I can’t wait to see the magic that unfolds this season.”
With something unique for everyone, IFP Season 14 promises an adventurous lineup of thought-provoking discussions and immersive experiences. Whether you are an emerging artist or an established creative, this festival is an unmissable opportunity to hone your craft and collaborate with some of the industry’s finest. So, mark your calendars for October 12th and 13th and join in the celebration of creativity—empowering the next generation of artists to dream big and innovate.
