CIFF 2025: A Cinematic Celebration of India’s Soul

As India approaches its 78th Independence Day, the national capital is set to host a unique cultural celebration — not through parades, but through the power of cinema. The Celebrating India Film Festival (CIFF 2025), scheduled from 8th to 10th August at the NCUI Auditorium, New Delhi, offers a three-day immersive journey into the country’s spirit, stories, and evolving identity.

Organised by Graphisads Ltd., in collaboration with FTII and IGNCA, CIFF 2025 is a heartfelt tribute to India’s cinematic and cultural legacy. The festival centres on themes of Environment & Wildlife, Tourism & Heritage, and Art, Culture & Spirituality. With over 35 carefully selected films — including acclaimed features, poignant documentaries, striking student shorts, and animated gems — CIFF becomes a confluence of storytelling, social insight, and cultural pride.

Among its most anticipated highlights is the World Premiere of Aham Bharatam by Bharatbala, the visionary filmmaker behind Maa Tujhe Salaam and Vande Mataram. This landmark film will be followed by an exclusive conversation on his digital series, Virtual Bharat.

Padma Shri Ricky Kej, 3-time Grammy winner, will unveil his latest music video, “Gandhi – Mantras of Compassion”, echoing CIFF’s spirit of cultural reflection and moral resonance.

Acclaimed filmmaker Madhur Bhandarkar will present a special screening of India Lockdown, followed by an engaging conversation with the audience. Veteran actor Anupam Kher will showcase his emotionally powerful film Tanvi, The Great, followed by a heartfelt interaction — including a special session with 20 children on the autism spectrum.

A restored screening of the timeless classic Umrao Jaan and a tribute to patriotic cinema with Kranti will be emotional highlights, culminating in a felicitation of the late Manoj Kumar’s family, honoring his legendary contribution to Indian cinema.

Adding a touch of contemporary glamour, director Mohit Suri will join the festival, presenting his latest blockbuster Saiyara.

Throughout the three days, CIFF will host insightful conversations and panel discussions with industry stalwarts. RS Prasanna and Divy Nidhi Sharma, the director-writer duo of Sitaare Zameen Par, will share their creative journey. Gaurav Dhingra, producer of Stolen (now streaming on Amazon Prime), will discuss the art of taking Indian stories global.

Veteran actors Himani Shivpuri, Yashpal Sharma, and Hemant Pandey will reflect on the creative shift from big-screen cinema to the OTT revolution.

IGNCA will host a special session titled Preserving Culture through Documenting Indian Stories. The Film Critics Guild will moderate a dialogue on appreciating India’s cinematic past and present. In a first-of-its-kind initiative, senior members of the National Green Tribunal (NGT) will join hands with filmmakers to explore Cinema as a Catalyst for Environmental Justice.

Beyond screenings and talks, CIFF will offer hands-on learning and heritage experiences. FTII faculty will conduct an intensive masterclass on the foundations of filmmaking. Meanwhile, a Vintage Film Poster Exhibition, curated from IGNCA’s BD Garg Collection, will immerse visitors in the visual evolution of Indian cinema.

Each day begins and ends with vibrant opening and closing ceremonies, celebrating the performing arts and cultural vibrancy of India.

CIFF is designed for all — from film students and aspiring storytellers to cultural scholars, NGOs, media professionals, and every citizen who believes that cinema can shape, reflect, and celebrate our national identity.

The festival is guided by a distinguished jury and preview committee including Munjal Shroff, Harshada Vedpathak, Deepak Dua, Prof. M.D. Negi (FTII), Rizwan Ahmad (UNESCO Expert), Makrand Joshi, Romi Meitei, and Neeraj Kumar Mishra — all deeply committed to excellence in the cinematic arts.

Registrations are now open at the official website. Join this one-of-a-kind cinematic movement and experience India as you’ve never seen it before — through stories that move, inspire, and unite.

? Website: www.celebratingindiaff.com
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