Following its highly successful inaugural edition in 2024, Red Lorry Film Festival, curated by BookMyShow, is set to return with an even grander celebration of cinema. Expanding its cinematic universe, this year’s festival will not only dazzle Mumbai audiences but also make its debut in Hyderabad with Red Lorry Film Festival: Parallel Verse. Scheduled from March 21 to 23, the festival promises an enthralling celebration of global cinema, with over 120 titles showcasing diverse stories across languages, genres and cultures.
Vikramaditya Motwane, Ashwiny Iyer Tiwari, and others join the Second Edition of Red Lorry Film Festival in their esteemed jury panel
This year, the festival introduced its much-anticipated Competition Segment, a platform designed to recognise and celebrate exceptional talent and artistry in filmmaking. The Jury for the upcoming edition of the Red Lorry Film Festival brings together a remarkable group of visionaries from various artistic fields, each renowned for their distinctive contributions to storytelling and cinema.
At the helm is Vikramaditya Motwane, who has made significant contributions to global storytelling through projects like Udaan, Lootera, web-series Sacred Games and as a producer nurturing groundbreaking talent and narratives. Motwane expressed his enthusiasm of joining the jury as he said, “Cinema is a universal language and I am truly excited to celebrate its transformative power at Red Lorry Film Festival 2025. Festivals like these provide a platform for innovative voices and stories that push the limits of creativity and it’s an honour to be part of a space that celebrates and nurtures such bold, transformative storytelling.”
Celebrated filmmaker Ashwiny Iyer Tiwari joins the esteemed panel too. She too shared her enthusiasm as she stated, “Storytelling is the soul of human connection and cinema is one of its most powerful medium. I am honoured to be part of the Red Lorry Film Festival that celebrates the art of movie making and provides a platform for new and emerging voices to share their unique narratives. As a filmmaker, I believe in the power of stories to inspire, evoke change and bring us closer to our roots. Film Festivals like these not only encourage unique voices but also nurture and give an equal platform to the next generation of storytellers, ensuring that the magic of cinema continues to thrive and evolve from India to the world.”
Joining them is writer-director extraordinaire Atul Sabharwal, celebrated for his nuanced storytelling in the award winning film Berlin which was screened at the debut edition of Red Lorry Film Festival. He also wrote the hugely successful web series ‘Jubilee’, and has worked in Aurangzeb and Class of 83 as well. He too added, “Cinema is a mirror to society, capturing its complexities, dreams and unspoken truths. Red Lorry Film Festival stands as a beacon of innovation in cinema, celebrating bold storytelling and emerging talent that challenges perspectives and sparks meaningful conversations. I look forward to celebrating and amplifying voices that are redefining storytelling on the global stage and to witnessing the impact of stories that resonate deeply with audiences worldwide.”
Renowned journalist and author Kaveree Bamzai remarked, “This festival is a celebration of stories that connect us all, transcending boundaries and bringing us closer through shared experiences and emotions. In a world that is increasingly complex, I am thrilled to explore narratives that not only reflect its multifaceted beauty but also challenge us to think deeper, empathise more and celebrate the richness of human expression. Festivals like these remind us of the power of storytelling – to inform, inspire and transform – and I am honoured to be a part of this vibrant exchange of ideas and perspectives.”
The jury also includes Sanjeev Kumar Bijli, Executive Director of PVR-INOX Cinemas and the Co-Founder of PVR Cinemas said, “At PVR INOX, we have always strived to push the boundaries of storytelling and offer audiences an unparalleled cinematic experience. Red Lorry Film Festival perfectly aligns with our vision by celebrating creativity, diverse narratives and the transformative power of films. I am delighted to be part of a platform that not only showcases exceptional talent but also nurtures innovation and inclusivity in cinema.”
Adding a distinctive artistic lens is Prachee Shah Paandya, an acclaimed Kathak dancer and actor who has starred in popular TV shows like Kyunki Saas Bhi Kabhi Bahu Thi, and films like Student Of The Year, Judwaa 2 and the recent Do Patti. She expressed, “Cinema, much like dance, is a powerful expression of life – both are art forms that transcend words, evoke deep emotions and bring stories to life in a way that resonates universally. I am truly honoured to be part of a festival that fosters and celebrates emerging voices in filmmaking, providing a platform for fresh talent to shine and contribute to the ever-evolving narrative of cinema. As someone who has had the privilege of representing India’s cultural heritage globally through dance and storytelling, I deeply value initiatives like this that champion creativity, diversity and the limitless possibilities of artistic expression.”
Completing the distinguished panel is Ashish Hemrajani, Founder & CEO, BookMyShow. Hemrajani shared, “At BookMyShow, we love storytellers, recognising the ability to inspire, connect and question the status quo. Red Lorry Film Festival perfectly embodies this ethos – serving as a platform that celebrates cinematic excellence and also lends a voice to what’s pushing the boundaries of creativity. As an Honorary Juror, I am humbled and excited to witness first-hand the exceptional talent that emerges via this discovery. This festival is a testament to the potential of cinema to ignite imagination and hopefully leave a lasting impact on the world.”
Spearheading the festival’s second edition is RLFF’s Festival Director Ashish Saksena, COO – Cinemas, who shared his views on the esteemed jury, “We are thrilled to have such an exceptional panel of jurors, each bringing a unique perspective and deep understanding of storytelling. Their expertise and passion for cinema will undoubtedly enrich the festival and set the stage for discovering groundbreaking talent. Red Lorry Film Festival is not just a celebration of films; it’s a platform that champions diverse voices, nurtures creativity and showcases the transformative power of storytelling. Audiences can look forward to an extraordinary experience that pushes the boundaries of cinematic innovation and inspires meaningful conversations.”
For aspiring and well-entrenched filmmakers, this is a chance to showcase their artistry and vie for top honours at the Red Lorry Film Festival 2025. They can share their work jn ‘Submit Your Film’ section on the RLFF website and deadline for submissions closes on January 14, 2025.
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