Mumbai & New Delhi, November 2024 – The 5th edition of the Yellowstone International Film Festival (YIFF) successfully wrapped up on November 20, 2024, after a six-day celebration of independent storytelling and cinematic brilliance. Held simultaneously across Mumbai and New Delhi, the festival showcased a diverse lineup of 140 films from 2,490 submissions across 120 countries, cementing its reputation as one of the premier platforms for independent cinema globally.
The festival opened on November 15 at Cinépolis Andheri West Mumbai, with the Indian premiere of Hema, directed by Ritvik Dhavale and starring Rajshri Deshpande. This was followed by Dead Dead Full Dead, directed by Pratul Gaikwad and starring Swastika Mukherjee. The closing ceremony on November 20 in Delhi was held at Cinépolis DLF Avenue featuring the Indian premiere of Wakhri: One of a Kind, directed by Iram Parveen Bilal, which left audiences captivated. The festival also screened Celebrating Laughter: The Life and Films of Colin Higgins, an inspiring documentary executive produced by Dolly Parton.
This year’s program featured a stellar lineup of critically acclaimed films, including Rrugës (On the Way), Breaking Silence, Black Girls Play: The Story of Hand Games, The Orchestra Chuck Built, Mash Ville, The Blind Sea, Caura Sana, DL Guy, Sister Wives, Maghreb’s Hope, Night Queen, Resentment, and Nayab. These films represented a wide spectrum of narratives and cultures from countries such as India, Korea, Finland, Canada, Italy, Bahrain, Pakistan, Mexico, Australia, Palestine, the UK, and the US.
The award night, held on November 14, celebrated exceptional talent across a variety of categories. Manjot Singh was awarded Best Comedic Talent in an Ensemble for Wild, Wild Punjab, while Chhaya Kadam received the Best Independent Spirit Award for Laapata Ladies and Sister Midnight. Aasif Khan and Sachin Vidrohi won Best Supporting Actor (Film) for Kakuda and Dead Dead Full Dead, respectively, while Taha Shah Badussha took home Best Performance (Male) for Heeramandi. Mahima Makwana won Best Actress (Series) for Showtime, and Krystle D’Souza was honored as Best Actress (Film) for Visfot.
Technical brilliance was also celebrated, with Nitin Zihani Choudhary (Kalki) and Mayur Tripathi (Gullak 4) honored for Best Production Design. Rick Roy was awarded Best Costume Designer (Series) for Dil, Dosti, Dilemma, while Niharika Bhasin earned Best Costume Designer (Film) for Tum Se Na Ho Payega. Cinematography awards went to Sunny Lahiri (Barah by Barah) and Tanveer Mir (Ranneetti: Balakot & Beyond). Uorfi Javed was recognized for Best Follow Reality Show for Follow Kar Lo Yaar, and Sayani Gupta received Most Impactful Cameo Role for Call Me Bae.
Festival Founder Tushar Tyagi expressed his gratitude, stating, “The Yellowstone International Film Festival continues to serve as a vital platform for global storytelling, connecting audiences to diverse perspectives and voices. This year’s festival reflects our commitment to fostering meaningful conversations through the power of cinema.”
YIFF 2024 reaffirmed its role as a cornerstone of independent filmmaking, bringing filmmakers and audiences together to celebrate the art and impact of storytelling.
