Young filmmakers reshape documentary storytelling at MIFF 2026 panel

MUMBAI: The next generation of documentary filmmakers is rewriting the rules of non-fiction storytelling, blending personal journeys with social realities and emerging technology, according to a panel discussion at the Mumbai International Film Festival 2026.

Titled “Are Young Filmmakers Redefining Documentaries?”, the session brought together filmmaker Prabal Khaund, writer-filmmaker Preety Sharma, emerging filmmaker Samapti Das and veteran academician-filmmaker Prof. Himansu Sekhar Khatua, and was moderated by Pankaj Saxena.

The discussion highlighted how young creators are moving beyond traditional reportage to explore more personal, emotional and socially rooted narratives, while also embracing digital platforms and new-age tools to reach wider audiences.

Speaking at the panel, Prof. Khatua said young filmmakers today benefit from unprecedented access to tools and platforms, allowing them to create and distribute content more independently. He noted that digital platforms and emerging technologies, including AI, are expanding the possibilities of documentary storytelling and improving creative quality.

He also expressed confidence in the new generation’s commitment to socially relevant cinema, saying they are deeply introspective and engaged with real-world issues.

Filmmaker Samapti Das called for greater awareness and recognition of documentary filmmaking among young creators. She stressed that documentaries are not merely an alternative to commercial cinema but a powerful medium capable of offering meaningful opportunities for storytellers, while also highlighting the need for stronger support systems for emerging talent.

Writer and filmmaker Preety Sharma underlined the challenges faced in documentary production, pointing to long timelines, limited funding and resource constraints. She emphasised the need for stronger distribution ecosystems beyond digital platforms to ensure wider audience reach.

National Award-winning filmmaker Prabal Khaund shared insights from his work documenting indigenous communities in Northeast India, highlighting the importance of patience, cultural sensitivity and perseverance in non-fiction storytelling. He also pointed to the potential of technology in enhancing the craft and reach of documentary cinema.

Moderator Pankaj Saxena observed that audience perceptions have shifted significantly, noting that documentaries are no longer seen as slow or inaccessible. Instead, he said, young filmmakers are bringing authenticity through stories rooted in lived experience, human struggle and social change.

The panel also explored evolving formats such as hybrid documentaries and docu-fiction, with speakers agreeing that contemporary documentary cinema is increasingly defined by emotional authenticity, experimentation and a stronger connection with audiences worldwide.