Hindi
Joyguru: A cinematic tribute to the inspiring journey of Parvathy Baul!
Mumbai: Indian actor-filmmaker Soumyajit Majumdar’s latest venture, Joyguru, a Hindi feature film, marks a significant step in the global cinema arena. Following the acclaim of his multi-award-winning debut film ‘Homecoming’, Majumdar embarks on a new cinematic journey to narrate the extraordinary life of internationally renowned singer and mystic artist, Parvathy Baul.
Recently announced after Parvathy Baul’s enthralling performance at Times Square during a Bengali New Year celebration, “Joyguru” promises to be a musical odyssey. Largely based on Parvathy Baul’s life, the film captures Radhika Das Baul’s collaboration with Bollywood music director Ritwik on a groundbreaking album of Baul songs transcreated in Hindi. Their unique bond unfolds just before her sudden disappearance from her ashram near Shantiniketan, India.
Parvathy Baul’s artistic legacy extends beyond performance; she is a torchbearer of the Baul tradition, recognized by UNESCO as the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity. Her spiritual journey, spanning over two decades and forty countries, reflects a commitment to preserving and sharing Baul wisdom.
Set to commence filming in 2025, “Joyguru” stands as the first Indo-UK-USA-France co-production. Renowned cinematographer Ravi Varman will capture the essence of Parvathy Baul’s journey on screen. With backing from Adited Motion Pictures and LOK Arts Collective, alongside co-producers from London and Paris, “Joyguru” boasts a global production team. The film’s narrative traverses Shantiniketan, Kolkata, Vrindavan, and Kerala in India, as well as locations in the UK, USA, and France.
As “Joyguru” gears up for representation at the Cannes Film Festival, it represents a convergence of cultures and a celebration of universal themes. Through captivating storytelling, the film invites audiences worldwide to experience the transformative power of Baul music and philosophy.
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.
