Overview

• Festival director Shivendra Singh Dungarpur announced on July 21 that the 2025 edition will not take place as organizers undertake a comprehensive overhaul with a new team and vision.
• Organizers plan to relaunch in 2026 with a redesigned logo, refreshed format and deeper engagement with Mumbai’s film community.
• The revamp aims to address past governance and financial challenges by strengthening the festival board, improving sustainability and broadening support for independent, regional and classic films.
• Sponsorship pressures intensified after title sponsor Jio withdrew in 2024, prompting a scaled-down 2024 edition and underlining the need for a more stable funding model.
• Filmmakers including Hansal Mehta criticized the hiatus as a setback for Mumbai’s cultural identity and urged renewed commitment to maintaining the festival.