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BERLININDIANFILMFESTIVAL10 - 12 JAN 2025HAMBURGMUNICHFRANKFURT

B E R L I N H A M B U R G F R A N K F U R T M U N I C H

INDIANFILMFESTIVALL i g h t s . C a m e r a . N a m a s t e !1 0 - 1 2 J A N 2 0 2 5

Embassy of India, Berlin and The Tagore Centre are proud to host theinaugural Indian Film Festival Germany (IFF Germany), a landmarkcelebration of contemporary Indian cinema and its growing resonance inGermany. Taking place from January 10-12, 2025, this festival line-up features 40+screenings, exclusive premieres, dynamic Q&A sessions, a star-studdedOpening Gala in Berlin and screenings and panel discussions in Hamburg,Frankfurt, and Munich, making it one of the largest non-commercial Indianfilm festivals to take place outside India. The carefully curated selection of films spans a wide range of genres, formats,and languages ranging from commercial feature films to independent films andshorts. The festival invites audiences to explore the diversity of India's regions,lifestyles, and perspectives. Each screening offers an immersive glimpse intothe rich cultural diversity and artistic brilliance of Indian cinema andencourages viewers to challenge their own assumptions and biases, as theynavigate the space between traditional storytelling and innovative visuals.Supported by the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting, Government ofIndia and the Indian Council for Cultural Relations, IFF Germany invites theviewers to join in the celebration of the timeless art and boundless creativity ofIndian storytelling. EMBASSY OF INDIABerlin, GermanyTHE TAGORE CENTREBerlin, Germany

Ambassador of India to GermanyH. E. AJIT GUPTEIt is with immense pride and joy that I extend a warm welcome to all attendees of theinaugural Indian Film Festival, Germany (IFF Germany). This pioneering event is acelebration of Indian cinema's remarkable ability to transcend cultural boundaries andcreate a shared experience of storytelling that connects hearts and minds across theglobe.Indian cinema, often referred to as the heartbeat of the nation, reflects the diversity,creativity, and resilience of India. IFF Germany has received an enthusiastic response inBerlin, as well as in Hamburg, Munich and Frankfurt, which is representative of thegrowing admiration for Indian films in Germany. This Festival provides an unparalleledopportunity to strengthen cultural and artistic ties between our two nations whileshowcasing India’s dynamic creative industry to a broader audience.Beyond being a showcase of outstanding films, IFF Germany is a celebration ofcollaboration and connection, bridging cultures through the universal language ofcinema. I invite you to immerse yourself in this cinematic journey, which promises notonly entertainment but also a deeper appreciation of India’s rich cultural heritage. Letthis Festival mark the beginning of many more such exchanges.FOREWORD

MESSAGESANJAY JAJUSecretary, Information and BroadcastingI extend a warm welcome to all participants of the inaugural edition of the Indian FilmFestival in Germany 2025. This festival celebrates the growing global appeal of Indiancinema and serves as a significant platform to showcase our culture to internationalaudiences in one of the world’s most prominent film hubs.Our much-awaited event, the "World Audio Visual and Entertainment Summit"(WAVES), to be held in New Delhi from 5th to 9th February, 2025, will underscoreIndia’s commitment to becoming a global leader in the Media & Entertainment (M&E)industry and will offer unprecedented opportunities for collaboration. Our recentlylaunched "Creative Challenge" offers cash awards, production support, and incentives,making India an ideal destination for international content development. WAVES willfurther reflect Prime Minister Modi’s vision of empowering youth to "Create in Indiafor the World." I cordially invite all participants to join us for WAVES in New Delhi(Feb 5–9, 2025), as this event serves as a platform to foster collaboration and showcaseIndia’s leadership in the M&E industry. The Ministry of Information & Broadcasting,Government of India, remains committed to supporting the promotion of Indiancinema across the globe. To facilitate this, the Ministry has established financialassistance schemes for Indian Missions abroad, aimed at enhancing the global presenceof Indian films and promoting Indian cinema.I conclude this message by giving my heartiest congratulations to the organizers andparticipants of this prestigious festival. I wish the Indian Film Festival, Germanyimmense success, marked by fruitful collaborations.

Director General, ICCRMrs. NANDINI SINGLAThe Indian Council for Cultural Relations (ICCR) is delighted to extend its support tothe Indian Film Festival Germany, an event that celebrates the vibrancy and diversity ofIndian cinema. Film is a universal language, and Indian cinema, with its unique blend ofstorytelling, entertainment and innovative artistry, continues to enthrall and inspireaudiences worldwide.This festival not only highlights India’s cinematic excellence but also serves as a bridgefor fostering a deeper understanding of India and our shared human experience thattranscends borders and cultures. With its curated selection of an interesting crosssection of films and interactive sessions, I believe that this Festival is poised to set anew benchmark in showcasing the power of cinema as a medium of cultural diplomacythat connects the rich diversity of India’s narratives with the world.At ICCR, we believe that such initiatives go beyond entertainment - they buildmeaningful connections, enhance global dialogue, and celebrate our shared humanity. Icongratulate The Tagore Centre and the Embassy of India for this excellent initiativeand invite audiences to experience the magic of Indian storytelling.I also take this opportunity to wish everyone a happy festive season and a wonderfulyear ahead!MESSAGE

Director, The Tagore CentreTRISHA SAKHLECHAIndian Film Festival (IFF Germany) is a realization of a collective dream to bring thebest of Indian cinema to one of Europe’s most prestigious cultural landscapes. IFF Germany is not just a showcase of films; it is a platform for dialogue, collaboration,and discovery. It fills me with great pride to present a lineup that represents theevolving face of modern Indian cinema - bold, innovative, and deeply rooted inhumanity. From premieres to Q&A sessions with filmmakers, this festival highlightsboth the art and the people behind it. Planning a film festival is a big enterprise and one which would not have been possiblewithout the brilliance of our selection committee and the curatorial support offered bythe National Film Development Corporation (NFDC) and the Producers Guild ofIndia. Their collaboration, along with the support of our sponsors, has helped uspresent a collection of films that have already captivated audiences at prestigiousplatforms like Cannes, the Golden Globes, and the Academy Awards. The films you will experience at IFF Germany are a testament to Indian cinema’spower to entertain, inspire, and connect. I hope this festival inspires meaningfulexchanges and provides a deeper appreciation of India's storytelling traditions. MESSAGE

40+ SCREENINGS 4 CITIES ACROSS GERMANYA CELEBRATION OF INDIAN I N D I A N F I L M F E S T I V A L 2 0 2 5STAR STUDDED LINEUPE X P E R I E N C E I N D I A N C I N E M A

CINEMA IN GERMANY10 LANGUAGES FEATURES & SHORTSAll films feature English subtitilesI N D I A N F I L M F E S T I V A L 2 0 2 5L I K E N E V E R B E F O R E

GERMAN PREMIEREI N D I A N F I L M F E S T I V A L 2 0 2 5OPENING FILM

Feature FilmTHE MEHTA BOYSThe passing of the family matriarch, apromise made to her years ago, and a lostpassport force father Shiv and son Amayto spend time together—somethingthey've avoided for years. Their timetogether leads to a series of mishaps,including a disastrous dinner with Amay’sgirlfriend, a caved ceiling, and twoaccidents, resulting in an even bigger,quirkier mess. While one is trying toregain his manhood, the other is watchinghis fade away.Language: Hindi with English SubtitlesDirector - Boman IraniBoman Irani, an acclaimed Indian actor andfilmmaker, has starred in over 100 films.His debut directorial project, "The MehtaBoys," reflects eight years of storytellingdevelopment, influenced by mentorshipand a lifelong passion for cinema andphotography. 119 MinsCast: Boman Irani, Avinash Tiwary,Shreya Chaudhry, Puja SarupWriters: Alexander Dinelaris, BomanIraniFestivalsInternational Film Festival of India River to River Florence Indian FilmFestivalInternational Film Festival of SouthAsia TorontoI N D I A N F I L M F E S T I V A L 2 0 2 5Producers: Boman Irani, Danesh Irani,Vikesh Bhutani, Shujaat Saudagar Chicago South Asian FilmFestival - Best Feature Film (Audience Choice Awards)AwardsProduction Companies: Irani Movietone &Chalkboard Entertainment Platform: Amazon PrimeExecutive Producer - AlexanderDinelaris, Ankita Batra

F E A T U R E F i L M SGIRLS WILL BE GIRLSBERLINDESPATCHAATTAMLAAPATAA LADIESKANTARAGULMOHARTHE SABARMATI REPORTALL WE IMAGINE AS LIGHTTHE ANCIENT (PURATAWN)NOT TODAYBOONGRAAVSAHEB35 - CHINNA KATHA KAADUGYPSY12th FAIL

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Feature Film12th FAILInspiring story of the young protagonist’sjourney from failure in the 12th grade tothe Indian Civil Service. Inspired from areal-life incident, it depicts the hardshipsand challenges that Manoj Sharma, avillage lad from the hinterlands notoriousfor dacoits, has to encounter to fulfil hisdream. His father loses his job being awhistle blower. Manoj harbors animpossible dream – to pass UPSC, theworld’s toughest entrance exam. Hiscompetitors are over a million candidatesfrom the finest educational institutesacross India. In his quest he is aided byShraddha, whose friendship, and laterlove, keeps him motivated.Director - Vidhu Vinod ChopraA Graduate from FTII Pune, Vidhu VinodChopra directed many hits like Khamosh,Parinda, 1942 - A Love Story, MissionKashmir and Eklavya. His documentary, AnEncounter with Faces, Parinda, andEklavya were India’s official entries to theOscars. He produced Munna Bhai MBBS,Lage Raho Munnabhai, 3 idiots. 147 MinsCast: Vikrant Massey, Medha Shankar,Anant V Joshi, Anshumaan PushkarWriters: Vidhu Vinod Chopra, JaskunwarKohli, Anurag Pathak, Aayush Saxena,Vikas DivyakirtiDadasaheb Phalke InternationalFilm Festival (DPIFF) - Best Film,Most Promising ActorI N D I A N F I L M F E S T I V A L 2 0 2 5International Film Festival of India,Shanghai International Film FestivalFestivalsAwardsProducers: VC Films LLPLanguage: Hindi with English SubtitlesIndian Film Festival ofMelbourne - Best Film

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Feature Film35 - CHINNA KATHA KAADU28-year-old homemaker Saraswathi andher husband Prasad, a bus conductor, livewith their sons Arun and Varun in amodest home near the Tirupati temple. At16, Saraswathi chose marriage overeducation, and her lack of formalschooling becomes a challenge when Arunstruggles with his math homework. Thesituation worsens when Arun is suspendedfrom school and asked to take a gap year,he tries to run away. Determined to helpher son, Saraswathi begins learning mathherself, a decision that will lead tosignificant personal and academicmilestones. Director - Nanda Kishore EmaniEmani V S Nanda Kishore is a passionatefilmmaker and writer. His love for cinemastarted with writing skits and poems,evolving into notable projects. He hasscripted dialogues for “Stand Up Rahul”and worked as a writer and Chief AD onNetflix’s “Pitta Kathalu.” His short films,like “Savvadi” and “Chiranjeevi,” have wonawards and been featured in prestigiousfestivals. His stories have been published inmagazines such as Vipula and Visaalandhra.His journey blends storytelling with a deepappreciation for the art of cinema.145 MinsCast: Nivetha Thomas, PriyadarshiPulikonda, Viswadev Rachakonda,Arundev Pothula Gautami, K Bhagyaraj,Krishnateja, Ananya Madgula, AbhayShankar Duvvuri, Pavan, Raja PrajwalWriter: Nanda Kishore EmaniI N D I A N F I L M F E S T I V A L 2 0 2 5FestivalsProduction companies: WaltairProductions Pvt Ltd, S Originals Language: Telugu with English SubtitlesInternational Film Festival of IndiaProducers: Srujan Yarabolu, SiddharthRallapalli

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This drama film revolves around onewoman and twelve men play by a theatregroup called Arangu. They get a chance tobe recognized internationally when theyare given an offer by Chris and Emily,friends of Hari, an actor who wasreplaced from the lead role previouslyplayed by Vinay. Anjaly, the only femaleartist of the play, is in love with Vinayand informs him that she was mistreatedby Hari at a party which was hosted byChris and Emily. Vinay tries to bring outHari’s true colors by sharing thisinformation with Madan, who agrees todiscuss this with the rest of the team andeventually expels Hari. Friendships are atstake but monetary benefits and success isused as a tool to reward and bribepeople’s moral fiber. As the eventsproceed, reality seems weirder whentruths unravel.Feature FilmAATTAMLanguage: Malayalam with EnglishSubtitlesDirector - Anand EkarshiAnand Ekarshi is a filmmaker from Kerala,India. His interest in theatre and actingbegan at the age of 10, and grew into apassion for filmmaking. He credits hisroots in storytelling to Lokadharmi, aKochi-based theatre group and has madeseveral short films and music videos inMalayalam.140 MinsCast: Vinay Forrt, Zarin ShihabWriter: Anand EkarshiI N D I A N F I L M F E S T I V A L 2 0 2 5Production company: Joy MovieProductions LLPMumbai Film Festival, InternationalFilm Festival of KeralaIndian Film Festival of Los Angeles -Grand Jury Best FilmAwardsFestivals

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In Mumbai, Nurse Prabha’s routine istroubled when she receives an unexpectedgift from her estranged husband. Heryounger roommate, Anu, tries in vain tofind a spot in the city to be intimate withher boyfriend. A trip to a beach townallows them to find a space for theirdesires to manifest.Feature FilmALL WE IMAGINE AS LIGHTLanguage: Malayalam with EnglishSubtitlesDirector - Payal KapadiaPayal Kapadia is a Mumbai basedfilmmaker. She studied Film Direction atthe Film & Television Institute of India.Her short films Afternoon Clouds (2017)and And What Is The Summer Saying(2018) premiered respectively at theCinéfondation and the Berlinale. Her firstfeature film A Night of Knowing Nothing(2021) premiered at Cannes, Director’sFortnight, where it won the Golden Eye forBest Documentary. Her Filmographyincludes - All We Imagine As Light, CannesOfficial Competition 2024; A Night ofKnowing Nothing (2021) Cannes Director’sFortnight, Oeil d’Or for BestDocumentary; and And What Is TheSummer Saying (short, documentary)(2018).114 MinsCast: Kani Kusruti, Divya Prabha,Chhaya Kadam, Hridhu Haroon, AzeesNedumangadWriter: Payal KapadiaI N D I A N F I L M F E S T I V A L 2 0 2 5Producers: Thomas Hakim, Julian GraffInternational Film Festival of India,Mumbai Film Festival, TIFF, SSIF,IFFMH, CIFF, SFFFestivalsProduction company: Petit Chaos, ARTEFrance Cinéma, BALDR Film, Les FilmsFauves, Pulpa Film, Chalk & Cheese (IN),Another Birth (IN)Cannes Film Festival - Grand PrixNominated at the 82nd Golden Globes - Best Director & Best Motion Picture ina Non-English Language Awards & Recognition

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Feature FilmBERLINNew Delhi, 1993, A deaf-mute young manis arrested by Indian officers and isaccused of being a spy. A Sign languageexpert is brought in to act as aninterpreter for the government. Theallegation against the deaf spy is that hehas helped a female double agent escape,who was leaking sensitive information.Intelligence officers are desperate to huntdown the double-agent woman, underextreme pressure from their superiors andrival intelligence agencies. Whether thesign language expert will be able tounravel the mystery or whether he will getsucked into the dark vortex, is the rest ofthe story.Producers: Atul Sabharwal, ManavShrivastavDirector - Atul SabharwalAtul Sabharwal is an accomplished director,screenwriter, and producer known for hiswork across film, television, anddocumentaries. He debuted as a directorwith Aurangzeb (2013) and has sincedirected notable projects like Jubilee (2023)and Berlin (2023). His career spansscreenwriting for Hindi films and TVseries, including Powder (2010). Atul is alsoa passionate advocate for preserving Hindifilm heritage, collaborating with the FilmHeritage Foundation. His work hasgarnered critical acclaim and numerousawards.124 MinsCast: Aparshakti Khurana, Ishwak Singh,Rahul Bose, Kabir Bedi, Anupriya GoenkaWriters: Atul SabharwalAsian World Film Festival - OutstandingCinematic AchievementI N D I A N F I L M F E S T I V A L 2 0 2 5Mumbai Film Festival, IFFLA, SAIFF, IFFSA Toronto, LIFF, MIFFFestivalsAwardsStars Asian International Film Festival -Best ActorProduction company: YIPPEE KI YAYMOTION PICTURES, ZEE STUDIOSLanguage: Hindi with English Subtitles

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In the valley of Manipur, a little boynamed Boong, plans to surprise hismother with a gift believing that bringinghis father back home would be the mostspecial gift for his mother. His plan isdisrupted when his father, who works in aborder town called Moreh, is pronounced‘dead’. When suspicious details unravelthat something is amiss, the boy sets outon a journey to the India-Myanmarborder, in search of the truth. Thejourney to find his father disintegratesBoong’s triangle; yet he is emboldenedand free to reshape his world.Feature FilmBOONGDirector - Lakshmipriya Devi A graduate in Economics Honours and apost graduate in Mass Communications,she has drawn from her experience as aFirst Assistant Director in landmarkIndian productions such as Luck byChance, Talaash, PK, A Suitable Boy etc.to make her directorial debut with‘Boong’. ‘Boong’ is her bitter-sweet memory of herhome - Manipur.94 MinsCast: Gugun Kipgen, Angom Sanamtum,Bala Hijam, Vikram Kochar, HamomSadananda, Jenny Khurai, NemetiaNgangbamWriters: Lakshmipriya DeviISAFF - Best FilmI N D I A N F I L M F E S T I V A L 2 0 2 5International Film Festival of India,Mumbai Film Festival, TIFFFestivalsAwardsAsia Pacific Screen Awards - Best YouthFilm Production companies: Suitable Pictures,Chalkboard Entertainment, ExcelEntertainmentLanguage: Manipuri with English SubtitlesProducers: Alan McAlex, ShujaatSaudagar, Vikesh Bhutani, RiteshSidhwani, Farhan Akhtar

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Feature FilmDESPATCHNews has turned digital, leaving veterancrime journalist Joy at the cusp ofirrelevance. Determined to break the nextbig story and refashion his complicatedpersonal life, Joy embarks on a relentlessodyssey through the heart and gut ofMumbai, stumbling into its darkestcorners.Language: Hindi with English SubtitlesDirector - Kanu BehlKanu Behl dabbled in radio, copywriting,and acting before majoring in film directionat the Satyajit Ray Film and TV Institute.After making the documentaries An ActorPrepares (2006), Three Blind Men (2007),Found Him Yet? (2007), and OverThresholds (2008), Behl dove into fictionin 2010. A Berlinale talent campus alumnusand twice nominated for the Berlin TodayAward, Behl directed his debut feature,Titli, in 2014, which premiered at CannesFilm Festival, and won eight awardsinternationally. His sophomore feature,Agra (2023), premiered at Directors'Fortnight, Cannes Film Festival, and hadits South Asia premiere at MAMI MumbaiFilm Festival 2023.153 MinsCast: Manoj Bajpayee, Arrchita Agarwal,Shahana Goswami, Rii SenWriters: Kanu Behl, Ishani BanerjeeI N D I A N F I L M F E S T I V A L 2 0 2 5FestivalsInternational Film Festival ofIndia, MAMIProduction company: RSVP, ZEE5Producer: Ronnie Screwvala

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Feature FilmGIRLS WILL BE GIRLSThe film is set in a boarding school in theHimalayan foothills, and centers aroundthe teenage protagonist Mira's romancewith a charming new student, hersubsequent sexual awakening, and at timesstrained relationship to her protectivemother. Beautifully exploring the originsof empowerment and the limits of trust,Girls Will Be Girls celebrates the freedomof self-acceptance and the solace offemale agency, sensuality, and physicality.Release year: EnglishDirector - Shuchi TalatiShuchi Talati is a filmmaker from Indiawhose work explores gender, sexuality andhome. She is a graduate of the AmericanFilm Institute where she was awarded theWomen In Film endowment. She is also aproducer and recent credits include WyattCenac's Problem Areas for HBO, EP'ed byJohn Oliver and Ezra Edelman and one ofShuchi's episodes was nominated for aGLAAD award. She lives and works inNYC where she co-chairs the BrooklynFilmmakers Collective and is a member ofKalakars and Brown Girls Doc Mafia. 118 MinsCast: Preeti Panigrahi, Kani Kusruti,Kesav Binoy KironWriter: Shuchi TalatiI N D I A N F I L M F E S T I V A L 2 0 2 5Producers: Richa Chadha, ClaireChassagne, Shuchi TalatiFestivals and AwardsTransylvania International FilmFestival – Best Film Nouvelles Vagues Film Festival –Best FilmSundance Film Festival 2024 –Audience Award and Special JuryAward for ActingAwardsProduction companies: PushingButtons Studios, Blink Digital, CrawlingAngel Films, Dolce Vita Films, CinemaInutile

I N D I A N F I L M F E S T I V A L 2 0 2 5GulmoharSTREAMING ON DISNEY+, HOTSTAR AND HULUDIRECTED BY RAHUL V. CHITTELLAPRODUCED BY STAR STUDIOS, VIKESH BHUTANI, SHUJAAT SAUDAGAR & RAHUL V. CHITTELLAWRITTEN BY ARPITA MUKHERJEE & RAHUL V. CHITTELLA

Feature FilmGULMOHARSet in present-day New Delhi, Gulmoharfollows the Batra family during the finalfour days before Holi as they prepare toleave their 34-year-old family home. Amidthe chaos of packing, the film delves intoindividual storylines, exploringrelationships, secrets of the past, presenttensions, and future uncertainties. Apoignant reflection on family and home,Gulmohar resonates as a love song to thetimes we live in and the ones we strive tocreate.Language: Hindi with English SubtitlesDirector - Rahul V. ChitellaRahul V. Chittella is an acclaimed writer,producer, and director. He collaboratedwith Mira Nair on projects like Queen ofKatwe and A Suitable Boy and producedthe Monsoon Wedding Musical. Rahul’sfilm Azaad won multiple awards and wasUNESCO-screened. He received theGlobal Makers Fellowship and SloanScience Grant for a Kalpana Chawla biopic.Founder of Autonomous Works, hedirected Gulmohar (2023) and isdeveloping Kriya Karam, a series on lifeand death.124 MinsCast: Sharmila Tagore, Manoj Bajpayee,SimranMusic: Siddhartha Khosla (Emmy Awardwinner)AwardsNational Film Awards for Best HindiFilm, Best Dialogue & Special Mentionfrom Jury for Lead ActorI N D I A N F I L M F E S T I V A L 2 0 2 5Festivals International Film Festival of India,NYIFF, Stuttgart IIFF, MelbourneSAIFF, Namaste Berlin, River toRiver Florence IFFProduction companies: Star Studios,Chalkboard Entertainment,Autonomous Works Writers: Rahul V. Chittella, ArpitaMukherjee

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Feature FilmGYPSYGypsy follows a nomadic familywandering aimlessly, surviving on bad,stale food from begging. Young Jotyalongs for fresh-hot food but can onlysavor its smell, which he gets used to. Hismother struggles to settle down despitebeing pregnant. A particular smell soondrives Jotya crazy. Finally, that same smelloffers him a chance to change his life.Language: Marathi with English SubtitlesDirector - Shashi ChandrakantKhandareShashi Khandare, a Pune-based Writer andDirector, started as a clapper, laterbecoming an Associate Director. Hisaward- winning short film Surma andGypsy received accolades at internationalfilm festivals, including Cannes.120 MinsCast: Kabir KhandareI N D I A N F I L M F E S T I V A L 2 0 2 5Festivals International Film Festival of India,Jagran Film FestivalProducers: Bolpat NirmiteeShraddha Shashi KhandareWriters: Shashi ChandrakantKhandare

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Feature FilmKANTARAKantara is a riveting Indian film thatweaves mythology, tradition, andmodernity into a gripping narrative. Setagainst the backdrop of a rural village inKarnataka, it explores themes of humanconflict, devotion, and the strugglebetween man and nature. The story delvesinto local folklore, entwined with politics,personal vendettas, and divine retribution.With powerful performances, breathtakingvisuals, and an immersive soundtrack,Kantara is a mesmerizing exploration ofheritage, spirituality, and cultural identity.Language: Kannada with English SubtitlesDirector - Rishab ShettyRishab Shetty is an actor and filmmaker inthe Kannada film industry. Known for hiscritically acclaimed blockbuster, ‘Kantara’,he is recipient of several accolades,including the Best Children's Film at the66th National Film Awards for ‘Sarkari Hi.Pra. Shaale, Kasaragodu, Koduge: RamannaRai’ his directorial debut and theentertainer ‘Kirik Party’. 150 MinsCast: Rishab Shetty , Sapthami Gowda ,Kishor , Achuth KI N D I A N F I L M F E S T I V A L 2 0 2 5Festivals & AwardsInternational Film Festival of India,DPIFF - Most Promising Actor,IFFMProducers: Bolpat Nirmitee, ShraddhaShashi KhandareWriters: Rishab ShettyProduction company: Hombale Films LLPNational Film Awards - Best Actor,Best Popular Film ProvidingWholesome EntertainmentAwards

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Writers: Biplab Goswami, Sneha Desai,Divy Nidhi SharmaFeature FilmLAAPATAA LADIESA late night mix-up on a train results inDeepak taking the wrong bride Jaya home,instead of his bride Phool. What ensues isa series of misadventures where the lostladies encounter oddball characters withunexpected consequences. The journeyhome is one of immense discovery: aboutthemselves, womanhood and life itself.Language: Hindi with English SubtitlesDirector - Kiran RaoKiran Rao, a Mumbai-based filmmaker,producer, and writer, began her career asan assistant director on acclaimed films likeLagaan (2001) and Monsoon Wedding(2001). She made her directorial debut withDhobi Ghat (2010), which premiered atTIFF. Her second film, Lost Ladies (2023),received international acclaim and screenedat major festivals. As a producer, Kiran hasbacked successful films like Dangal (2016),Delhi Belly (2011), and Secret Superstar(2017). She is deeply committed to socialissues and co-founded the PaaniFoundation in 2016, focusing on droughtprevention and sustainable farming.124 MinsCast: Nitanshi Goel, Pratibha Ranta,Sparsh Shrivastava, Ravi Kishan, ChhayaKadamI N D I A N F I L M F E S T I V A L 2 0 2 5India’s official entry for the 97th Academy AwardsProduction companies: Aamir KhanProductions, Jio Studios Producers: Kiran Rao, Aamir Khan,Jyoti DeshpandeFestivals and AwardsBest Film (Critics' Choice) at theIndian Film Festival of Melbourne Official selection at the TorontoInternational Film Festival

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NOT TODAYI N D I A N F I L M F E S T I V A L 2 0 2 5Feature FilmA 24-year-old from a traditional Muslimfamily in Mumbai goes to work secretly asa suicide prevention counsellor. On herfirst day, she encounters a 52-year-oldman, standing atop a high-rise, wanting tojump. In trying to bring him down, she isforced to confront why she became aSuicide Prevention Counsellor in the firstplace, and also share a lot of herself to gethim to share and open up.Language: Hindi with English SubtitlesDirector - Aditya KripalaniAditya Kripalani has been a screenwritertrained at the Film and Television Instituteof India. After working as a scriptconsultant for a while he has taken theplunge as a director with a film titled 'Tikliand Laxmi Bomb', based on his ownbestselling third novel of the same name.He is also the producer, writer and co-music director of this film.92 MinsCast: Harsh Chhaya, Rucha InamdarI N D I A N F I L M F E S T I V A L 2 0 2 5Festivals & AwardsOut of the Can International FilmFestival - Best Director, Best nonEnglish speaking Film, OIFFA, UKAsian Film FestivalProducers: Aditya KripalaniWriters: Aditya KripalaniBIFFES - FIPRESCI Award, Best Asian FilmNew Jersey Film Festival -Winner Honorable MentionAwards

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Feature FilmRAAVSAHEBIn the heart of the forest, a timeless battleunfolds between greed and preservation,capitalism and conservation. Braveofficers confront a ruthless mafia as thejungle’s soul hangs in the balance. TheTiger (Raavsaaheb) explores the man-animal conflict between tribals and tigersthrough various civilians—uniformed andnon-uniformed—fighting a systemdesigned to harm the environment. Arevenge story at its core, it followsmultiple protagonists seeking justice for atribal girl, uncovering a far more sinistertruth.Language: Marathi with English SubtitlesDirector - Nikhil MahajanNikhil Mahajan is a National Award-winning filmmaker based in Mumbai, India.He is a graduate in Filmmaking from TheIFS Sydney. Pune 52 (2012) was his debutfeature film. His latest film, Godavari(2021), won two awards at the InternationalFilm Festival India Goa, making it the firstMarathi film in history to win two awardsat a major international film festival.Godavari also earned Nikhil the covetedSuvarna Kamal for Best Direction at theNational Film Awards in 2022.138 MinsCast: Jitendra Joshi, Mukta Barve, MohitTakalkar, Sonalee Kulkarni, PriyadarshanJadhav, Sagar Deshmukh, MrunmayeeDeshpande, Rashmi AgdekarI N D I A N F I L M F E S T I V A L 2 0 2 5Festivals International Film Festival of IndiaProducers: Josh Studios, NikhilMahajan, Swapnil BhangaleWriters: Nikhil Mahajan, Prajakt Deshmukh,Shripad Deshpande, Jeejivisha KaleProduction companies: Planet MarathiSeller Services Pvt Ltd, Blue Drop Films

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Rittika returns to her ancestral house withher husband Rajeev to celebrate hermother’s 80th birthday. where she findsthat her mother is not the same as she hadalways believed. Initially jolted with thisrealization, she slowly comes to termswith her condition and its irreversibility.What seemed like an ostensibly routineand ritualistic event turns to a largermetaphysical enquiry into humanexistence and how the past dictates ourcurrent state. The film deftly braids inquestions of failing memory, cherishingthe past, a fear of obsolescence andreconciliation into a haunting, movingstory that is at its heart about burying theghosts of the past in order to make peacewith what has happened so that one canmove on.Festivals Feature FilmTHE ANCIENT (PURATAWN)Language: Bengali with English SubtitlesDirector - Suman GhoshSuman Ghosh is a National Award winningIndian filmmaker who has made 12 featurefilms and 2 documentary films. His filmshave been screened all over the world inpremier film festivals and won severalprizes. He divides his time between Miamiand Kolkata. 100 MinsCast: Sharmila Tagore, RituparnaSengupta, Indraneil SenguptaI N D I A N F I L M F E S T I V A L 2 0 2 5Mumbai Film Festival,Boston Indian Film FestivalProducers: Rituparna SenguptaWriters: Suman GhoshProduction company: Bhavna Aaj o KalWashington DC South Asian FilmFestival - Best Film & Best ActressAwards

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Showcases the events of the morning ofFebruary 27, 2002, aboard the SabarmatiExpress near the Godhra railway stationin Gujarat.Feature FilmTHE SABARMATI REPORTLanguage: Hindi with English SubtitlesDirector - Dheeraj Sarna127 MinsCast: Vikrant Massey, Raashii Khanna,Riddhi DograI N D I A N F I L M F E S T I V A L 2 0 2 5Producers: Ekta Kapoor, Shobha Kapoor,Amul V Mohan, Anshul MohanWriters: Arjun Bhandegaonkar,Avinash Singh Tomar, Vipin AgnihotriProduction companies: Balaji MotionPictures, Vikir Films Production, VipinAgnihotri FilmsDheeraj Sarna is an accomplished Indianfilmmaker, actor, and writer, best knownfor his versatility and creative storytelling.As the director of the 2024 film TheSabarmati Report, Sarna hasdemonstrated his ability to craftcompelling narratives that resonate withaudiences. With a rich background in thetelevision industry, including acclaimedroles and productions like Belan WaliBahu, he has transitioned seamlessly intoimpactful cinema.

S H O R T F i L M SBALLAD OF A MOUNTAINGOOGLE MATRIMONYGHAR JAISA KUCHAMMA'S PRIDE

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Blind Ananthu leads a solitarymonotonous life, with his only companionbeing his Google Glass. It doubles as hiseyesight (describing objects in front ofhim) in addition to being a voice assistant.He is desperate for love and is searchingfor a life partner on online matrimonysites. But he is subjected to constantrejection; all citing the fact that he wouldbe a burden later on. However, one day,when his Google Glass spots a charmingyoung woman smiling and waving at him,things start turning romantic. Has hefinally discovered true love? Or is this theideal ground for a cruel heartbreak?Festivals Short FilmGOOGLE MATRIMONYLanguage: English Director - Abhinav AthreyAbhinav G Athrey (26) is an engineerturned filmmaker based in Chennai, India.Over the last two years, Abhinav hasworked on multiple Advertisements andShort Films as the Director’s Assistant. Hecurrently freelances as an Ad Filmmakerfor local Production Houses in South India.His short film ‘Google Matrimony’ is hisdirectorial debut, which has been garneringquite some attention at local festivals. Hismain career goal is to direct a feature filmfor a major production company.18 MinsCast: Aravinth SundarI N D I A N F I L M F E S T I V A L 2 0 2 5Producers: Dev RamnathWriters: Abhinav AthreyInternational Film Festival of India

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Thinlas returns to his remote village withhis father’s ashes, intending to honor hisfather’s wish to be laid to rest in the city.Upon arrival, he encounters his parents'spirits, urging him to bury them in thevillage. As he reconnects with his past,Thinlas faces a choice between hisheritage and his futureFestivals Short FilmGHAR JAISA KUCHLanguage: Ladaki with English SubtitlesDirector - Harsh Sangani Harsh Sangani is an independent filmmakerbased in Mumbai, with a keen eye forstorytelling that resonates withcontemporary audiences. Over the pastfour years, he has honed his craft as aDirector's Assistant in the Hindi filmindustry, gaining valuable experience andinsight into the world of cinema. Harsh ispassionate about creating films that notonly reflect the realities of today's worldbut also deeply touch the hearts of viewers.His commitment to meaningful storytellingdrives him to explore themes that are bothrelevant and impactful, making him aunique voice in the industry.14 MinsI N D I A N F I L M F E S T I V A L 2 0 2 5Producer: Harsh SanganiCast: Nubu Stakmo, Deachan Yangdol,Rinchen NamgyalWriters: Harsh SanganiInternational Film Festival of India

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An outcast must fight the class bullies toovercome her fears and pursue herambition to fly to the other side of themountain.Festivals Feature FilmBALLAD OF THE MOUNTAINLanguage: Hindi with English SubtitlesDirector - Tarun JainTarun Jain is an acclaimed filmmakerknown for his critical storytelling anddiverse projects. His short film "Mother(Amma Meri)" explores agrarian crises inHaryana, India. It was screened at IFFI andTampere Film Festival earning six awards.Another notable work, "Kaala," addressesracial tensions in Delhi, won Best NarrativeShort at the Cinequest Film and VRFestival and qualified for the Oscars 2020.He contributed as the 2nd unit director forNetflix's crime series "Kohrra" in 2023. Hislatest film, "Ballad of the Mountain,"follows a mountain girl's dreams ofbecoming an astronaut.17 MinsCast: Diya Bisht, Kabyanjali Bisht, DhruvKumar TamtaI N D I A N F I L M F E S T I V A L 2 0 2 5Producers: Tarun JainWriters: Tarun JainInternational Film Festival of India,Mumbai Film Festival - OfficialSelction

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The film chronicles Valli’s trials andtribulations in watching her transdaughter, Srija, fall in love, marry, andfight for legal recognition of her marriagein Thoothukudi, a town in Tamil Nadu.When societal pressures push Srija’smarriage to the edge, Valli clings to thehope of a miracle.Festivals Short FilmAMMA'S PRIDELanguage: Tamil with English SubtitlesDirector - Shiva KrishShiva Krish began his career as an assistantdirector on the Tamil feature film "OruNaal Iravil." Volunteering during theChennai floods of 2015 connected him withseveral local nonprofits, which in turnsparked his interest in documentaries. Afterthat, he made short documentaries ondemonetization in India and schizophreniain collaboration with nonprofits. He wasthe first assistant director in the acclaimedAmazon Prime documentary series"Harmony with A.R. Rahman." "Amma'sPride" is his first independent documentaryshort, and he hopes to direct narrativefilms soon.21 MinsCast: Arun Kumar, SrijaI N D I A N F I L M F E S T I V A L 2 0 2 5Producers: Shiva Krish, D'Lo, VenkatRamanan C.S.Writer: Shiva Krish International Film Festival of IndiaISAFF Film Festival 2024 - BestLGBTQ FilmAwards

S P E C i A L S H O W C A S EM A S O O M

Feature FilmMASOOMIndu and DK’s peaceful life in Delhi isdisrupted when DK’s illegitimate son,Rahul, joins their family. Despite initialresentment, Indu ultimately acceptsRahul, forgives DK, and the familyreconciles, embracing a new beginningtogether.Language: Hindi with English Subtitles Director - Shekar KapurShekhar Kapur is a renowned Indianfilmmaker acclaimed for both Indian andinternational cinema. He debuted as adirector with "Masoom" (1983) and gainedprominence with "Mr. India" (1987). Hisinternational acclaim soared with "BanditQueen" (1994), showcased at the CannesFilm Festival, and "Elizabeth" (1998),which earned seven Academy Awardnominations. Kapur has received numerousaccolades, including a BAFTA Award andthree Filmfare Awards. In 2023, he chairedthe International Competition Jury at the54th International Film Festival of India.165 MinsCast: Naseeruddin Shah, Shabana Azmi,Jugal HansrajI N D I A N F I L M F E S T I V A L 2 0 2 5Festivals International Film Festival of IndiaProducers: Chanda Dutt, Devi DuttWriters: Gulzar

EMBASSY OF INDIABERLINThe Embassy of India, Berlin plays a vital role in fostering strong bilateral relationsbetween India and Germany and serves the vibrant and growing Indian diaspora. The Embassy engages with government officials, industry leaders, academia,cultural luminaries, the Indian diaspora and the people of Germany to enhancecooperation in trade, culture, education, science & technology, sustainability andgreen energy. Through various cultural, educational and community outreach programs, theEmbassy aims to foster mutual understanding and friendship between the peoplesof India and Germany.I N D I A N F I L M F E S T I V A L 2 0 2 5

THE TAGORE CENTRE BERLINThe Tagore Centre is the cultural wing of The Embassy of India in Berlin andIndia’s premier cultural centre abroad. The Centre organises a wide range ofcultural events at its auditorium in Tiergarten as well as at various prestigiousvenues in Germany, showcasing Indian culture in the broadest sense and servingas a platform for Indian art, philosophy and literature.The range of events range from classical and fusion concerts, danceperformances and theatre to yoga and wellness workshops, language classes,exhibitions, screenings and panel discussions, all aimed at strengthening anddeepening the cultural and intellectual dialogue between India and Germany.The Centre also serves as a catalyst and facilitator promoting institutional andprofessional collaborations among cultural bodies, community groups andindividuals across both countries.I N D I A N F I L M F E S T I V A L 2 0 2 5

GOVERNMENT OF INDIA

SPONSORED BYMINISTRY OFINFORMATION ANDBROADCASTINGTHE TAGORE CENTREBerlin, GermanyEMBASSY OF INDIABerlin, GermanyMINISTRY OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRSINDIAN COUNCILFOR CULTURALRELATIONSWITH THANKS TOORGANISED BY