Waterfront Indie Film Festival (WIFF) Mumbai, The Daily Eye, Rangshila Theatre, National Gallery of Modern Art, Mumbai and Avid Learning,



Over the past decade or so, a new wave of bold, artistically ambitious, and socially conscious filmmaking has emerged, driven by the democratization of digital tools, the rise of streaming platforms, and the shifting sensibilities of audiences seeking deeper, more authentic narratives. From small-budget productions to festival favourites, independent films have come to represent the artistic pulse of a rapidly changing India.

As the official curtain raiser to the inaugural Waterfront Indie Film Festival (WIFF) Mumbai, this panel discussion convenes leading filmmakers, curators, and festival directors to discuss how festivals are playing a vital role in discovering fresh talent, creating space for experimentation, and nurturing a more inclusive cinematic culture. The conversation will also address the systemic hurdles indie creators face, from financial limitations to distribution bottlenecks, and consider how independent films continue to thrive as a space for creative defiance and cultural conversation. 

Celebrate the art of indie storytelling, where compelling voices, daring ideas, and powerful narratives are reshaping the landscape of cinema. 

Speakers: 

Producer Bobby Bedi

Columnist, Author and Festival Director, Waterfront Indie Film Festival (WIFF) Mumbai Deepa Gahlot

Actor, Director, and Writer Rajat Kapoor

Director, Producer, and Writer Sudhir Mishra

Director, Writer, Producer, and Founder Festival Director, KASHISH Pride Film Festival Sridhar Rangayan

Producer, Director, and Writer Shoojit Sircar

Actor and Producer Richa Chadha (Moderator)