The Jagran Film Festival (JFF), the world’s largest traveling film festival, is set to return for its 12th edition. The festival, organized by the Jagran Prakashan Group, will take place at the Siri Fort Auditorium in Delhi, marking the beginning of a journey that will span 18 cities across 11 states, culminating in Mumbai. The JFF’s mission to promote Good Cinema for Everyone continues with a diverse lineup of films that bridge cultures through the universal language of cinema.
This year’s festival will showcase 292 films from 78 languages and 111 countries. Out of 4,787 submissions, 102 films have been selected to feature in the festival, including feature films, documentaries, and short films from 34 languages and 29 countries. Notable films include Kiran Rao’s ‘Laapataa Ladies’, the Marathi film ‘Gypsy’ by Shashi Chandrakant Khandare, and ‘Ujjal Uttam: Artful Life of Uttam Bahurupi’, a compelling documentary.
The Delhi chapter will host an impressive array of talent, including actors Pankaj Kapur, Manoj Bajpayee, Bhumi Pednekar, Taapsee Pannu, and creators like Mukesh Chhabra and Onir. Shyam Benegal will also grace the event, with a special screening of his classic film ‘Manthan’.
The festival will feature several highlights:
- Retrospective on Pankaj Kapur, celebrating his transformative performances.
- Rajnigandha Achiever Talks, featuring industry legends like Kapur and Bajpayee.
- Masterclasses on cinema topics, including the evolving ‘Grammar of Cinema’ and casting insights from Mukesh Chhabra and Keval Arora.
- Premieres, including five world premieres, seven Asia premieres, and five Indian premieres.
The JFF offers not only film screenings but also a platform for dialogue, with panel discussions featuring renowned filmmakers like Rahul Rawail and Sudhir Mishra. These discussions aim to foster meaningful conversations about cinema’s role in storytelling, creativity, and cultural representation.
The festival emphasizes its inclusivity by reaching diverse audiences across Tier 2 and Tier 3 cities, ensuring that quality cinema is accessible to all. This reflects JFF’s ongoing commitment to enriching India’s cinematic landscape, while inspiring and connecting audiences.
Basant Rathore, Senior Vice President of Jagran Prakashan Ltd, shared his excitement about the festival’s launch, stating, “The Jagran Film Festival has become a cherished platform for cinephiles and industry professionals alike. This season’s festival marks another milestone in our efforts to make world-class cinema accessible to everyone, from urban centers to smaller cities, while fostering important conversations about the craft of filmmaking.”
Key Highlights:-
- The Jagran Film Festival (JFF) returns for its 12th edition, featuring 292 films across 78 languages and 111 countries.
- The Delhi chapter will run from December 5-8, 2024, with screenings at Siri Fort Auditorium.
- Notable films include ‘Laapataa Ladies’ and ‘Gypsy’, along with five world premieres and seven Asia premieres.
- Special events include a retrospective on Pankaj Kapur, masterclasses, and discussions with industry legends.