The 5th edition of the Yellowstone International Film Festival is set to take place from 15th to 20th November 2024, with an exciting opening in Mumbai and the closing ceremony at DLF Promenade, Delhi. Throughout the festival, screenings will take place simultaneously at both locations, offering an immersive cinematic experience for audiences in both cities. The festival has attracted over 2,490 submissions from 120 countries, with 140 films officially selected, showcasing diverse narratives, genres, and cultures from around the worldwide.
The festival will kick off with the Indian premiere of the short film ‘Hema’ directed by ‘Ritvik Dhavale’ starring ‘Rajshri Deshpande’ Followed by the Indian Premiere of ‘Dead Dead Full Dead’ a feature film directed by ‘Pratul Gaikwad’ starring ‘Swastika Mukherjee’, following its success at the 28th Fantasia Film Festival. The festival will be closing with the Indian Premiere of the multiple award-winning film “Wakhri: One of a Kind”, directed by Iram Parveen Bilal,. One of the most anticipated premieres of the festival will be “Celebrating Laughter: The Life and Films of Colin Higgins”, a documentary executive produced by Dolly Parton and directed by two time Emmy winning Nicholas Eliopoulos, celebrating the life of the filmmaker behind American classics like “9 to 5”.
Over the past five years, the Yellowstone International Film Festival has earned recognition for its focus on independent cinema, offering a platform for films that spark meaningful conversations on global issues. With a growing reputation, the festival has screened films from prestigious international festivals like Cannes, Berlinale, and SXSW. The festival’s programming has consistently included Oscar-qualifying short films, compelling LGBTQI+ stories, and numerous films that have won major international awards.
This year’s lineup features the Indian premiere of Cannes winner and Toronto International Film Festival nominee “Rrugës (On The Way)”, which follows a young boy on a transformative journey. Other notable films include “Breaking Silence”, a documentary about three deaf women of color fighting for justice, and “Black Girls Play: The Story of Hand Games”, which explores the cultural significance of hand games. The documentary “The Orchestra Chuck Built” will also make its Indian debut, chronicling the rise of Chuck Brown’s legendary go-go orchestra.
Additional films like “Mash Ville” from Korea, the Australian documentary The Blind Sea, and “Caura Sana”, a Berlin International Film Festival winner, further enrich the lineup. The festival also includes a strong representation of LGBTQI+ films, such as “DL Guy”, “Sister Wives”, and “Maghreb’s Hope”, each presenting unique stories of identity, resilience, and community.
Festival Founder, Tushar Tyagi remarked, “The Yellowstone International Film Festival continues to grow in its mission to bring thought-provoking cinema to global audiences. This year’s selection reflects the diversity of voices and perspectives that make the festival a powerful platform for independent filmmakers.”
With simultaneous screenings across Cinépolis Mumbai & Delhi a captivating array of films, the 2024 edition promises to be a standout celebration of world-class cinema.