MAMI Select - Filmed on iPhone Unveils Final Four Emerging Filmmakers
Four talented filmmakers chosen for the prestigious initiative aimed at nurturing next-gen storytellers in India.
The Mumbai Academy of Moving Image (MAMI) has revealed the final four filmmakers selected for its prestigious “MAMI Select: Filmed on iPhone” initiative. Building on the success of last year’s edition, this year’s programme has significantly expanded its scope, showcasing emerging talent from various regions of India. The chosen filmmakers are Amrita Bagchi (Hindi), Rohin Raveendran Nair (Malayalam), Chanakya Vyas (Marathi), and Shalini Vijayakumar (Tamil).
Under the guidance of an exceptional panel of mentors, including National Award-winning actress Konkona Sen Sharma, acclaimed Malayalam director Lijo Jose Pellissery, renowned filmmaker Vikramaditya Motwane, and celebrated Tamil director Vetri Maaran, the filmmakers will have the opportunity to craft their stories using state-of-the-art technology. Each filmmaker will receive an iPhone 16 Pro Max for shooting their short films, along with a MacBook Pro for editing, complemented by a grant and invaluable mentorship.
The programme offers a unique opportunity for these filmmakers to break free from conventional filmmaking methods and explore innovative, accessible storytelling techniques. The final films, ranging from 20 to 40 minutes, will premiere at a special screening event in April 2025, followed by a release on MAMI’s YouTube channel to ensure broad accessibility and engagement.
Festival Director Shivendra Singh Dungarpur emphasized the importance of nurturing fresh talent and expanding the programme’s reach. “We had a fantastic response to our call for applications, and it’s heartening to see the incredible diversity of stories presented by young filmmakers from across the country. MAMI’s goal is to create a movement of independent filmmakers who will shape the future of Indian cinema,” he stated.
The four filmmakers expressed their excitement about the opportunity. Chanakya Vyas, mentored by Konkona Sen Sharma, shared, “I’m thrilled to be selected for MAMI Select – Filmed on iPhone. The chance to work with such a talented mentor is an incredible opportunity.” Amrita Bagchi, mentored by Vikramaditya Motwane, added, “This programme allows me to dream big and tell my story using flexible technology.”
Rohin Raveendran Nair, mentored by Lijo Jose Pellissery, expressed gratitude for the chance to direct a short film with groundbreaking technology, while Shalini Vijayakumar, mentored by Vetri Maaran, praised the programme for its focus on regional talent and languages.
The initiative not only empowers filmmakers with cutting-edge tools but also promotes regional diversity, ensuring that voices from across India are heard. MAMI’s commitment to expanding the platform for new, independent storytellers marks a significant step forward in democratizing filmmaking in the country.
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