Anora, Cannes Palme D'Or Winner, To Close MAMI Mumbai Film Festival In October 2024

The MAMI Mumbai Film Festival will conclude with the South Asia Premiere of Anora on 24 October 2024. Directed by Sean Baker, this film promises a captivating end to the festival. Anora, featuring Mikey Madison as Ani, a Brooklyn sex worker involved with the Russian mafia, has already won acclaim, including the Palme d'Or at the 2024 Festival de Cannes.

Scheduled from 19 to 24 October 2024, the MAMI Mumbai Film Festival is set to be a six-day celebration of cinema and culture. With over 110 films in more than 50 languages, it aims to bring diverse cinematic experiences to Mumbai. The inclusion of Anora, distributed by Warner Bros. Discovery in India, highlights the festival's dedication to showcasing impactful stories.

Sean Baker is known for spotlighting society's marginalised individuals in his films. His previous works like Tangerine and The Florida Project have similarly focused on those living on the edges of society. Baker's commitment to these narratives has earned him recognition in cinema, further solidified by his role as head of the jury for MAMI's International Competition section in 2018.

Anu Rangachar, Head of International Programming at MAMI, shared her excitement about Anora being chosen as the festival's closing film. She stated, "It's a fitting tribute to close the festival with one of MAMI's most loved alumni Sean Baker's Cannes Palme d'Or winner Anora - a searing critique on wealth, privilege and the American dream, brought to life by Mickey Madison's luminous performance."

This year's festival is expected to attract film enthusiasts from all over the world. With its diverse lineup, it aims to present stories that resonate deeply with audiences. Anora’s selection not only celebrates Baker’s achievements but also reflects on societal issues and aspirations.

The decision to feature Anora as the closing film highlights MAMI Mumbai Film Festival’s dedication to exploring complex human experiences through cinema. Under Sean Baker’s direction, this film promises a compelling conclusion to an event that honours filmmaking and storytelling that unites us all.