Mumbai is set to welcome film enthusiasts from across the country as the 22nd Third Eye Asian Film Festival kicks off on Friday, January 9. Promising a rich and diverse cinematic experience, this year’s festival features films in multiple languages from over fifty countries, offering audiences a unique opportunity to explore global storytelling. The nine-day event will screen a curated selection of features, shorts, and documentaries that highlight cultural diversity, contemporary issues, and artistic excellence in cinema.
A key focus this year is the growing presence of Marathi cinema on the festival stage. Among the films drawing significant attention is Rahi Anil Barve’s upcoming Hindi project, Mayasabha, which has already generated buzz among critics and cinephiles alike. Alongside it, audiences can look forward to Kshitij Patwardhan’s recently released Uttar and Santosh Davkhar’s Gondhal, reflecting the vibrancy and creative energy of regional filmmakers. This spotlight on Marathi cinema underscores the festival’s commitment to celebrating talent from India while bridging it with the larger Asian cinematic landscape.
The festival will officially open with the screening of the FIPRESCI Jury Award-winning Indonesian film On Your Lap (Pangku), setting a high standard for the programme that follows. Screenings will be held at prominent venues including the Mini Theatre of P. L. Deshpande Maharashtra Kala Academy in Prabhadevi and Cinepolis at Lake Shore Mall in Thane. With registrations already open, movie lovers can secure their passes online for a nominal fee at www.thirdeyeasianfilmfestival.com. Members of Prabhat Chitra Mandal are also eligible for a special discount, making the festival accessible to a wider audience.
In addition to film screenings, the festival will honour luminaries in the field. Legendary filmmaker Padma Bhushan awardee Sai Paranjpye will receive the ‘Asian Film Culture Award’ for her enduring contribution to cinema. Director Uma da Cunha will be presented with the ‘Satyajit Ray Memorial Award’, celebrating her work in fostering Asian film culture. Furthermore, in memory of the late film scholar Sudhir Nandgaonkar, this year’s special award for film writing will be conferred upon Minakshi Shedde, recognising her critical insight and contributions to the study of cinema.
With an impressive lineup of films, awards, and cultural discussions, the 22nd Third Eye Asian Film Festival promises to be a landmark event for both Indian and international cinema lovers. For Mumbai audiences, it is an opportunity not just to watch films, but to immerse themselves in the evolving narratives of Asian filmmaking, experience the brilliance of regional cinema, and celebrate the art of storytelling in all its forms.
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