Event Coverage
South India Film Festival set to illuminate the cinema landscape with its inaugural edition
Mumbai: The inaugural South India Film Festival (SIFF), poised to be a beacon of creativity and innovation in the cinematic world, is all set to grace Hyderabad on 22 March 2024. With a fervent dedication to fostering emerging talents and uncovering the next wave of cinematic visionaries, SIFF promises an electrifying extravaganza celebrating the richness of South Indian cinema.
VP of revenue & monetisation Nitin Burman expressed, “SIFF is not just a festival; it’s a platform for the future of Telugu cinema. We are committed to providing a dynamic stage for budding talents, offering them unparalleled opportunities to showcase their creativity and connect with industry leaders. Additionally, we would like to extend our heartfelt gratitude to all the partners who have supported us in our efforts, without whom this endeavour would not have been possible.”
As a platform for emerging talents, SIFF is dedicated to becoming synonymous with opportunities for the next generation of content creators. “Our goal,” said Mr Burman, “is to discover and nurture the future directors who will steer Telugu cinema to national acclaim. SIFF will serve as the launchpad for their careers, propelling them onto the global stage.”
In addition to being a springboard for emerging talent, SIFF offers exclusive insights from industry leaders, providing invaluable knowledge and guidance to aspiring filmmakers. Through panel discussions and Q&A sessions, attendees will gain unparalleled access to the inner workings of the Telugu cinema industry.
“We are thrilled to offer a gala evening extravaganza,” added Mr Burman, “where attendees will be treated to a high-energy celebration of South Indian cinema. From captivating screenings to star-studded events, SIFF promises an immersive experience like no other.”
Arha Media & Broadcasting Pvt Ltd CEO Ravikant Sabnavis said, “The South India Film Festival celebrates South Indian Cinema, serving as a platform dedicated to nurturing creativity and showcasing the diverse talent within the Telugu film industry. Our collaborative initiative with People Media Factory underscores our commitment to deliver unique and riveting content to our audience. This Festival is the beginning of a legacy that we are crafting for future content creators. Join us on Friday, 22 March 2024, to witness this momentous occasion.”
With its unwavering commitment to nurturing talent, providing industry insights, and delivering unforgettable entertainment, the inaugural South India Film Festival is poised to make an indelible mark on the cinematic landscape. Join us on 22 March for a celebration of creativity, innovation, and the vibrant spirit of South Indian cinema.
For more information and ticket bookings, please visit: https://in.bookmyshow.com/events/south-india-film-festival/ET00377474
Event Coverage
Anime India announces Amazon MX Player as co-presenting partner for Anime India Kolkata 2026
MUMBAI: Riding high on the success of its blockbuster Mumbai debut, Anime India is accelerating its nationwide expansion with the announcement of Amazon MX Player as the co-presenting partner for Anime India Kolkata. The partnership marks a significant step forward in the festival’s mission to deliver large-scale, accessible, and fan-first anime experiences across the country.
Scheduled for 14 and 15 February 2026 at the iconic Biswa Bangla Mela Prangan, Anime India Kolkata will launch the first regional chapter of what is set to be a year-long, multi-city tour. As the curtain-raiser for the 2026 circuit, the Kolkata edition aims to fuse the energy of global Japanese pop culture with India’s fast-growing community of anime, manga, and pop-culture fans.
A household name in digital entertainment, Amazon MX Player brings unmatched reach and cultural relevance to the Anime India platform. With its expanding focus on anime and youth-driven content, Amazon MX Player’s involvement as co-presenting partner reinforces Anime India’s vision of making anime culture more inclusive breaking barriers of language, geography, and accessibility to connect with fans nationwide.
Anime India Kolkata 2026 will showcase cosplay competitions, interactive zones led by the Indian Gunpla Community, India-39 Vocaloid Community, The Japan Curry, and Adda-o-Otaku by The Otaku Guild. Fans can join tournaments across fighting games, Pokémon VGC, and more. Acclaimed Japanese director Susumu Mitsunaka (Haikyu!!) will attend as guest of honour, appearing in panels and live sessions. Positioned as an immersive celebration of fan culture and industry collaboration, the Kolkata edition marks the beginning of Anime India’s nationwide expansion.
Sharing their perspective on the partnership, Amazon MX Player director Aruna Daryanani expressed, “Anime in India has evolved from a niche interest into a mainstream cultural movement, driven by an increasingly engaged and passionate fanbase. At Amazon MX Player, our focus is on expanding access by bringing anime to audiences across the country for free and in multiple local languages. Our association with Anime India reflects our commitment to supporting the growth of anime in India and deepening connections with fans, while continuing to build Amazon MX Player as a trusted destination for free, high-quality entertainment.”
“Anime India Kolkata is a celebration of how anime has grown beyond entertainment into a powerful cultural and creative force. By bringing fans, creators, and industry leaders onto one shared platform, the festival is helping define the future of pop culture in India,” said Anime India co-founder and director Neha Mehta.
The debut edition of Anime India 2025 in Mumbai attracted over 29,000 fans, quickly cementing its status as a landmark celebration of anime and Japanese pop culture. Riding on this overwhelming response, the Kolkata chapter is projected to draw more than 40,000 visitors across two days, positioning it as one of the biggest anime conventions ever held in eastern India.
Anime India is focused on bringing together fans from across the country to create a truly pan-India celebration of anime, manga, cosplay, gaming, and Japanese culture. With plans to expand into four key metropolitan hubs in 2026—east (Kolkata), north (Delhi), west (Mumbai), and south (Hyderabad)—the festival seeks to deliver globally benchmarked experiences while supporting and uplifting creators, artists, and fan communities throughout India.
