Hindi
JINX by Mansha Totla to represent India at Venice’s Reply AI Festival
Mumbai: Filmmaker and producer Mansha Totla has achieved a milestone with her short documentary film, JINX, which has been selected as a finalist in the top 12 at the Reply AI Film Festival in Venice, Italy. The festival, known for its focus on storytelling through AI technology, received over 5,000 submissions from filmmakers worldwide. JINX will be the only film representing India as a finalist.
JINX explores the true story of a 90-year-old Holocaust escapee, Jinx Akerkar. The film highlights the fragility of life and the importance of trusting one’s intuition. It is a dedication to the lives lost during the war and those who may still suffer because of it.
To authentically represent World War II, Mansha created war footage from scratch using AI technology, setting a new benchmark for integrating AI in documentary filmmaking.
Mansha has also been invited to walk the red carpet at the 81st Venice International Film Festival, alongside Hollywood celebrities including Angelina Jolie, Brad Pitt, and Jenna Ortega.
Reflecting on her selection, Mansha said, “It is an honour to have my film ‘JINX’ recognized at a platform that champions innovative storytelling and technology. My goal was to tell a story that resonates with people and leaves them with a positive feeling. Using AI for the first time and blending history with technology has been a significant step, and I am thrilled that my efforts have resonated with the festival’s jury. Representing India and premiering my film in Venice is a dream come true, and I am excited to share JINX with the world soon.”
Mansha’s selection as a finalist at the Reply AI Film Festival marks a significant moment in her career and for Indian cinema, as she continues to explore new dimensions in storytelling.
Hindi
MIFF 2026 to return to Mumbai; film entries open till April 12
19th edition to host WAVES Doc Bazaar, spotlighting global documentary talent
MUMBAI: The 19th edition of the Mumbai International Film Festival 2026 is set to take place from June 15 to 21 at the NFDC Complex, with film submissions currently open and the deadline fast approaching on April 12.
Organised by the National Film Development Corporation under the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting, the biennial festival remains one of South Asia’s most prominent platforms for documentary, short fiction and animation films.
Filmmakers, producers and content creators from across the globe have been invited to submit entries via the Film Freeway platform for the Competition Section. Offline submissions will not be accepted, reinforcing a fully digital entry process.
MIFF 2026 continues to sweeten the deal with a robust awards pool of Rs 55 lakh. The coveted Golden Conch for Best Documentary carries a top prize of Rs 10 lakh, alongside multiple awards across categories, making it one of the most lucrative non-feature film festivals in the region.
A key highlight this year will be the second edition of the WAVES Doc Bazaar, scheduled from June 16 to 18 alongside the festival. Designed as a hub for collaboration, the Doc Bazaar will feature a co-production market, viewing rooms and a work-in-progress lab, bringing together global buyers, sellers and creators under one roof.
Since its inception in 1990, MIFF has built a reputation as a serious showcase for non-feature cinema, drawing participation from filmmakers worldwide. The previous edition saw over 350 films from more than 30 countries, underlining its growing international footprint.
With submissions closing soon and preparations underway, MIFF 2026 is shaping up to be a vibrant meeting point for storytelling, collaboration and cinematic craft, offering filmmakers both a stage and a springboard.
