Jio MAMI 17th Mumbai Film Festival with Star India is the one festival in India that showcases the section, ‘Discovering India’, which is much appreciated for the spotlight it gives to films that link globally, and creatively, with India as a cinematic entity. 

‘Discovering India’ screens feature films and documentaries that are international in character but linked to a recognizable Indian idiom. These films are by filmmakers either originating from India and now living elsewhere, whose heart and art echo back to their homeland. Or they are by international filmmakers who come to India’s locations to reflect its reality with new eyes.

2015 Jio MAMI’s ‘Discovering India’ presents five select films.  Three films are from Canada and  one each from Germany and the USA. Sami Khan’s “Khoya”  is a World Premiere on an unusual journey of self discovery. Another, Sturla Gunnarsson’s “Monsoon”, an iridescent account of what India’s rainy season means to people all over the country, won the People’s Choice Award at the 2014 Toronto International Film Festival. Elisa Paloschi’s “Driving with Selvi” is an uplifting story of how an abused girl child can overcome all odds and emerge triumphant in life. From USA, Rucha Humnabadkar’s “For Here or To Go” is a disarming portrayal of young people who have to face the decision whether greener pastures lie abroad or at home. From Germany, Neleesha Barthel’s “Marry Me!” is an amusing take on generational differences when it comes to those with Indian roots.

The five films together embrace the gamut of what India denotes to creative cinematic minds on the world scene.

Screenings are at PVR ECX- Citi Mall, Andheri West and PVR:Phoenix Lower Parel, Theatre