Mira Nair To Head of Jury At Jio MAMI Mumbai Film Festival For The South Asia Competition

Mira Nair, known for films like The Namesake, Queen of Katwe, Monsoon Wedding, will be now heading the jury of the South Asia Competition. Festival Director at Jio MAMI Anupama Chopra made the announcement today. The South Asia Competition will lead the awards categories screening 14 films from debut and second-time filmmakers from different parts of South Asia and Diaspora.

Commenting on her new role as Head of Jury for South Asia Competition, Mira Nair said, “If we don’t tell our own stories, no one else will. My mantra for a long time, which is why I am honoured to preside over the MAMI jury for the South Asia competition this year. I look forward to being inspired and excited by new voices in cinema from close to home. It is so important that MAMI recognizes the best first or early films because nothing can be more encouraging than one’s peers and gurus of cinema putting the wind in our sails! Winning the Caméra d’Or for my first film, Salaam Bombay!, opened horizons everywhere. Our MAMI jury looks forward to doing the same for young filmmakers today.”

Anupama Chopra said, “We are thrilled to welcome Mira Nair as the head of the jury – South Asia Competition. Mira is the OG Disruptor! She has created an indelible mark on global cinema with her outstanding work”

Deepti DCunha, Artistic Director, Jio MAMI Mumbai Film Festival, added, “We are honoured to have one of the most celebrated filmmakers, the Golden Lion Winner, Mira Nair, join us as the Head of Jury. The South Asia competition is an integral part of our vision to serve as a hub for South Asian and South Asian Diaspora filmmakers and to provide emerging film talent with an opportunity to meet and collaborate with some of the best minds in global cinema. Mira Nair is one of our finest; there couldn’t be a better name than her to interact with and guide these young filmmakers.”

The Jio MAMI Mumbai Film Festival will take place from Friday, October 27 to Sunday, November 5, 2023, in Mumbai, India. The full programme will be revealed on Monday, October 9, 2023.