'MAMI Select: Filmed on iPhone' returns for 3rd edition with four acclaimed mentors

The Mumbai Academy of Moving Image (MAMI), organisers of the prestigious MAMI Mumbai Film Festival, on Thursday announced the third edition of its acclaimed “MAMI Select: Filmed on iPhone” initiative, which will feature Sriram Raghavan and Dibakar Banerjee among its four mentors.

The platform, aimed at empowering aspiring filmmakers by providing them with the tools and resources needed to create compelling short films, also includes award-winning directors Geetu Mohandas and Chaitanya Tamhane as mentors.

From pre-production to post-production, the mentors will guide filmmakers in pushing the boundaries of storytelling using cutting-edge technology.

Aspiring filmmakers can submit their applications until January 4. The completed short films will premiere at a special screening event, followed by their release on the MAMI YouTube channel, ensuring wide accessibility and audience engagement.

“After a very successful edition of MAMI Select: Filmed on iPhone this year, I am delighted to announce the third edition of this programme, through which MAMI supports emerging independent filmmakers with technological support, a fantastic cohort of mentors and a platform to showcase their work,” festival director Shivendra Singh Dungarpur said in a release.

“This year, we are fortunate to have four superb mentors on board - Sriram Raghavan, Dibakar Banerjee, Geetu Mohandas and Chaitanya Tamhane. Once again, we are looking for regional short films in Hindi, Marathi and Malayalam, and for the first time, in Bengali,” he added.

Raghavan, who is awaiting the release of Ikkis, said, “A short film can go a long way. I really look forward to the MAMI Select: Filmed on iPhone programme. It’s a terrific opportunity for budding filmmakers. I hope to learn a few things too.”

Banerjee, director of films such as Khosla Ka Ghosla, Shanghai and Sandeep Aur Pinky Farar, said, “This is one of the most exciting mentorship roles I’ve ever stepped into. A young filmmaker, an iPhone, and the sky is the limit. I wish I had this when I was starting out. Kudos to MAMI.”

Mohandas, known for Liar’s Dice and Moothon, said she was excited to mentor filmmakers as part of the programme.

“Filmmaking isn’t defined by equipment, but by intention, imagination and courage. What excites me most is not just the technical exploration, but the opportunity to witness each filmmaker discover their own voice. I’m looking forward to learning together, questioning together, and most importantly, making cinema together. Being able to pass that energy forward is an honour,” she said.

Tamhane, who has earned international acclaim for Court and The Disciple, said, “I’m thrilled and honoured to associate with MAMI and be part of this endeavour. It’s a programme that empowers filmmakers to tell their stories using imagination, clarity and the tools at hand. It embodies the true spirit of independent filmmaking, and I’m eager to see what emerges from this year’s edition.