Mitti Indian Independent Film Festival to Begin in Dubai on This Date
The first-ever Mitti Indian Independent Film Festival arrives in Dubai this November, celebrating South Asian stories, heritage, and creativity.
Dubai is set to welcome a vibrant new celebration of Indian cinema with the launch of the Mitti Indian Independent Film Festival, taking place from November 21 to 27, 2025, at Cinema Akil.
This inaugural edition promises to spotlight the depth and diversity of independent filmmaking from India and its global diasporas.
The week-long festival will feature seven independent films, archival screenings, interactive workshops, and thought-provoking conversations that bring together artists, filmmakers, and audiences from across South Asia and beyond. Mitti aims to create a bridge between cultures while nurturing creative expression and dialogue.
The films to be screened at the film festival are:
- Kennedy dir. Anurag Kashyap
- The Fable dir. Raam Reddy
- Boong dir. Lakshmipriya Devi
- Songs of the Forgotten Trees dir. Anuparna Roy
- Pinch
- Shadowbox dir. Tanushree Das & Saumyananda Sahi
- Village Rockstars 2
The name “Mitti”, meaning “earth” or “soil” in several South Asian languages, captures the festival’s spirit — one that celebrates ancestry, identity, and the profound connection between land and memory. The event seeks to evoke the scent of rain on dry ground and explore the emotional, social, and spiritual geographies that define South Asian identity in a globalized world.
Curated as both a homecoming and a departure, Mitti offers a platform for reflection and rediscovery, providing a creative space to honor heritage while embracing the evolving narratives of contemporary India. Alongside film screenings, attendees can expect a variety of community-led discussions, cultural collaborations, and art initiatives.
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The Mitti Indian Independent Film Festival marks a significant addition to Dubai’s cultural calendar, highlighting the city’s role as a global hub for artistic exchange. For bookings and more information, audiences can visit the official Cinema Akil website.
As November approaches, Dubai cinephiles and culture lovers alike can look forward to a week of storytelling, creativity, and connection, a cinematic celebration that truly embodies the spirit of “mitti.”