MUMBAI: The spotlight is set, the reels are ready, and the magic of cinema is about to unfold once again.
The Red Lorry Film Festival, India’s premier international celebration of storytelling, makes a grand return in 2025, promising a cinematic extravaganza like no other.
With its second edition slated for 21–23 March 2025, the festival unveils a stellar jury panel for its Competition Segment, poised to evaluate the finest films of 2024. Adding to its allure, the festival ventures beyond Mumbai this year, introducing Red Lorry Film Festival: Parallel Verse in the vibrant city of Hyderabad, weaving together a dual-city saga of cinematic brilliance.
This year’s festival promises an immersive celebration of global cinema, featuring over 120 films spanning diverse languages, genres, and cultures. The newly introduced Competition Segment highlights exceptional talent across two categories:
1 The Front Runners (Best Film): Recognising outstanding storytelling and technical excellence.
2 Fresh Frames (Best Debut Film): Celebrating bold narratives from first-time filmmakers.
Submissions for both categories remain open until 14 January 2025, offering filmmakers a chance to showcase their creativity on a global stage.
The 2025 jury panel brings together an eclectic mix of luminaries celebrated for their contributions to storytelling and artistic innovation:
1 Acclaimed filmmaker behind Udaan and Lootera, Vikramaditya Motwane expressed his excitement: “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.”
2 Writer-director of Berlin and Jubilee, Atul Sabharwal highlighted, "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."
3 Journalist and author, Kaveree Bamzai added, "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."
4 PVR-Inox Cinemas executive director, Sanjeev Kumar Bijli shared, “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."
5 Kathak dancer and actor, Prachee Shah Paandya said, "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."
6 Award-winning filmmaker of Bareilly Ki Barfi and Panga, Ashwiny Iyer Tiwari remarked, "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.”
7 BookMyShow founder & CEO, Ashish Hemrajani joined as an honorary juror, stating, "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."
Led by BookMyShow COO - cinemas, Ashish Saksena, the festival is more than a cinematic showcase; it is a platform for fostering creative talent and celebrating storytelling’s transformative impact. Saksena shared, "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. The 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."
Cinephiles can secure their festival passes exclusively on BookMyShow, starting at Rs 750. With a lineup that includes cultural performances, food zones, and tech showcases, the event promises an unforgettable cinematic journey.
Key highlights of Red Lorry Film Festival 2025
1 Competition Segment: Celebrating exceptional films in two categories.
2 Music Concert: Featuring a top artist on Valentine’s Day.
3 Global Cinema: Over 120 titles across languages and genres.
4 Immersive Experiences: Cultural performances, travel competitions, and more
For filmmakers and cinema lovers, true triumph lies not just in box-office millions but in the art of storytelling being seen, celebrated, and revered. This festival is your stage to shine, your story’s moment to connect with a global audience, and your chance to be part of a legacy of cinematic brilliance.
Don’t let this opportunity pass - submit your films, secure your tickets, and step into the spotlight of recognition.
The world is ready to applaud your story; all it takes is your first act.
https://in.bookmyshow.com/events/red-lorry-film-festival/ET00418784
