The Mumbai Academy of the Moving Image (MAMI), a premier institution dedicated to Indian and global cinema since 1997, has announced a new logo and brand identity. This development marks a significant transformation for the organisation, widely recognised for organising the annual Mumbai Film Festival. The rebranding reflects MAMI’s evolving role within the film industry as a community-driven platform that supports diverse cinematic voices and encourages discourse through storytelling.
Launch of MAMI Independent to Promote Non-Mainstream Cinema
As part of this new phase, MAMI has also introduced MAMI Independent, a continuous initiative aimed at spotlighting contemporary independent cinema from India and across the world. The year-round programme will offer weekly theatrical screenings that provide a platform for films often overlooked in traditional distribution circuits. Screenings are scheduled to begin from 25 February 2026 and will take place every Wednesday at 7 p.m. at PVR Lido in Santacruz, Mumbai.
Supporting Filmmakers and Expanding Audiences
MAMI Independent is designed to strengthen the ecosystem for independent filmmaking by offering an avenue for bold and original works to connect with broader audiences. The initiative will feature curated selections of feature films, documentaries, short films, and experimental cinema. Through regular screenings, MAMI aims to nurture dialogue among filmmakers, cinephiles, industry professionals, and emerging talent, fostering engagement around unique and challenging narratives.
A Platform for Diverse and Unconventional Storytelling
The films showcased through MAMI Independent are expected to reflect a wide range of perspectives and styles, including stories that challenge norms, explore underrepresented experiences, and provoke thought and reflection. These works, often created with limited resources but strong creative intent, are set to receive greater visibility through the programme. MAMI aims to highlight such cinema and connect it with audiences that seek alternatives to mainstream productions.
Festival Leadership on the Vision Behind the Changes
Festival Director Shivendra Singh Dungarpur expressed enthusiasm for this new direction, stating that the updated visual identity and the MAMI Independent initiative embody the festival’s core belief in the power of cinema to bring people together and spark meaningful conversations. He emphasised that MAMI remains firmly committed to being a platform for storytellers and audiences alike, celebrating film as both art and dialogue.
Ongoing Commitment to Cinematic Excellence
With this rebranding and the launch of MAMI Independent, the institution aims to further its mission of supporting creative freedom and discovering new voices in cinema. MAMI continues to position Mumbai as a vital hub for both Indian and international film communities, offering sustained engagement with cinema beyond the confines of the annual festival.
