Red Lorry Film Festival 2025 unveils jury panel, including Vikramaditya Motwane, Ashwiny Iyer Tiwari and more-OxBig News Network

The organisers of Red Lorry Film Festival, a premiere international film festival curated by BookMyShow, have announced the jury panel for the upcoming second edition of the festival.

Leading the panel this year is acclaimed filmmaker Vikramadiya Motwane, best known for titles such as Udaan, Lootera and Sacred Games. While expressing his enthusiasm on the announcement, Motwane said in a statement, “Festivals like these provide a platform for innovative voices and stories that push the limits of creativity and it’s an honour to be part of a space that celebrates and nurtures such bold, transformative storytelling.”

Celebrated filmmaker Ashwiny Iyer Tiwari is also part of the esteemed panel. Tiwari is best known for award-winning films like Nil Battey Sannata, Amma Kanakku, Bareilly Ki Barfi, Ghar ki murgi and Panga. Her debut novel ‘Mapping Love’ received praise for its nuanced storytelling. “As a filmmaker, I believe in the power of stories to inspire, evoke change and bring us closer to our roots. Film Festivals like these not only encourage unique voices but also nurture and give an equal platform to the next generation of storytellers, ensuring that the magic of cinema continues to thrive and evolve from India to the world,” she said.

Joining her is writer-director extraordinaire Atul Sabharwal, known for helming Berlin, Aurangzeb and Class of 83 and for writing Jubilee. “Cinema is a mirror to society, capturing its complexities, dreams and unspoken truths. Red Lorry Film Festival stands as a beacon of innovation in cinema, celebrating bold storytelling and emerging talent that challenges perspectives and sparks meaningful conversations. I look forward to celebrating and amplifying voices that are redefining storytelling on the global stage and to witnessing the impact of stories that resonate deeply with audiences worldwide,” said Sabharwal.

Renowned journalist and author Kaveree Bamzai is also part of the panel. A notable film critic, Kaveree has penned noteworthy books like ‘The Three Khans: And the Emergence of New India,’ ‘No Regrets: The Guilt-Free Woman’s Guide to a Good Life’ and ‘Bollywood Today.’ “This festival is a celebration of stories that connect us all, transcending boundaries and bringing us closer through shared experiences and emotions. In a world that is increasingly complex, I am thrilled to explore narratives that not only reflect its multifaceted beauty but also challenge us to think deeper, empathise more and celebrate the richness of human expression.”

The jury also includes Sanjeev Kumar Bijli, Executive Director of PVR-INOX Cinemas and the Co-Founder of PVR Cinemas. “At PVR INOX, we have always strived to push the boundaries of storytelling and offer audiences an unparalleled cinematic experience. Red Lorry Film Festival perfectly aligns with our vision by celebrating creativity, diverse narratives and the transformative power of films. I am delighted to be part of a platform that not only showcases exceptional talent but also nurtures innovation and inclusivity in cinema,” he said.

Also joining the list is Prachee Shah Paandya, an acclaimed Kathak dancer and actor. She has starred in popular TV shows and films like Student Of The Year, Kyun Ki Saas Bhi Kabhi Bahu Thi, Mulk, Judwaa 2 and Netflix’s Do Patti. She holds a Master’s in Kathak as well as a Guinness World Record for 93 Kathak spins in a minute. She expressed, “Cinema, much like dance, is a powerful expression of life — both are art forms that transcend words, evoke deep emotions and bring stories to life in a way that resonates universally. I am truly honoured to be part of a festival that fosters and celebrates emerging voices in filmmaking, providing a platform for fresh talent to shine and contribute to the ever-evolving narrative of cinema.”

Completing the distinguished panel is Ashish Hemrajani, Founder & CEO, BookMyShow, who joins as an Honorary Juror. Hemrajani added, “At BookMyShow, we love storytellers, recognising the ability to inspire, connect and question the status quo. Red Lorry Film Festival perfectly embodies this ethos — serving as a platform that celebrates cinematic excellence and also lends a voice to what’s pushing the boundaries of creativity.”

Spearheading the festival is Festival Director Ashish Saksena, COO – Cinemas, BookMyShow. “We are thrilled to have such an exceptional panel of jurors, each bringing a unique perspective and deep understanding of storytelling. Their expertise and passion for cinema will undoubtedly enrich the festival and set the stage for discovering ground-breaking talent. Red Lorry Film Festival is not just a celebration of films; it’s a platform that champions diverse voices, nurtures creativity and showcases the transformative power of storytelling. Audiences can look forward to an extraordinary experience that pushes the boundaries of cinematic innovation and inspires meaningful conversations,” said Saksena.

The panellists will govern the Competition Segment, a segment that aims to honour ground-breaking cinematic craft by providing a global stage for emerging and established filmmakers across two key categories: The Front Runners (Best Film), recognising the best feature film that showcases ground-breaking storytelling and technical mastery; and Fresh Frames (Best Debut Film), honouring first-time filmmakers who bring new visions and bold narratives to the screen.

Aspiring filmmakers can submit their work can head to the ‘Submit Your Film’ section on the RLFF website for the detailed submission process. The deadline for submissions closes on January 14th, 2025. Cinephiles wishing to purchase passes for the festival can do so exclusively on BookMyShow, with prices starting at Rs. 750.

Set to take place from March 21 to 23, the festival is set to showcase over 120 titles across languages, genres and cultures. Interestingly, the festival, apart from dazzling audiences in Mumbai, is also set to make its debut in Hyderabad this year. The second edition of Red Lorry Film Festival is brought to you by BookAChange, a BookMyShow Foundation.