Celebrating Independent Cinema at the Heart of Mumbai

2nd – 6th October 2025 | Rangshila Theatre, Versova

Where Stories Find Their Shore

Welcome to the Waterfront Indie Film Festival (WIFF) Mumbai, a new wave in Indian cinema. Set in the vibrant cultural hub of Aram Nagar, Versova, WIFF brings together filmmakers, storytellers, and audiences to celebrate independent voices from India and across the world. With film screenings, exclusive Applause Entertainment panels, workshops, performances, and a buzzing film market, WIFF is more than a festival – it’s a movement to spotlight authentic storytelling and cultural exchange.

Waterfront Indie Film Festival (WIFF), debuting from October 2nd to 6th, 2025, is India’s first truly hyperlocal, ground-up celebration of independent cinema and storytelling. Located in Aram Nagar, Versova, Mumbai—India’s very own “cinema village”—WIFF lives and breathes where cinema is actually made. From the vibrant Rangshila Theatre (with three auditoriums), which is home to the festival, to Sathe’s Café, to the Silk Road and Versova Social, and within a 3km radius teeming with micro-theatres, studios, networks, casting hubs, rehearsal spaces, and creative cafés, WIFF will activate this unique ecosystem for three days of discovery and dialogue.

INTRODUCING WIFF – WHERE CINEMA COMES HOME

Why WIFF, Why Now?

Independent cinema thrives on courage and authenticity. WIFF Mumbai was born out of a passion to create a platform for stories that matter, amplify diverse voices, and strengthen India’s position in the global indie movement.

Located in Aram Nagar, home to 75% of the entertainment industry, and hosted at Rangshila Theatre (with three auditoriums), WIFF is uniquely positioned to connect filmmakers with industry leaders, emerging talent, and a dynamic audience.

WIFF is India’s answer to Coke Studio—but for cinema.

Just as Coke Studio mainstreamed regional music, WIFF will:

Spotlight raw, powerful filmmaking from untapped regions
Support creators through training, exposure, and networking
Offer content to the world via digital, social, and curated screenings
Inspire a generation to create with what they have—and tell stories that matter

From village to Vimeo. From rooftops to reels. From community to global consciousness.

FROM GRASSROOTS TO GLOBAL

FESTIVAL PROGRAM

CURTAIN RAISER 25TH SEPTEMBER 2025

The festival begins with a curtain raiser hosted by AVID Learning at NGMA, Mumbai, on 25th September 2025:

The Art of Independent Cinema: Curating for Change

Moderator: Richa Chadda
Speakers: Sudhir Mishra, Bobby Bedi, Shoojit Sircar, Rajat Kapoor, Deepa Gahlot, Sridhar Rangayan

This powerful conversation stresses WIFF’s commitment to nurturing indie cinema as a catalyst for cultural and social change.

PARTNERS

PANEL DISCUSSIONS

SCREENINGS

WORKSHOPS

MASTERCLASSES

OPENING & CLOSING FILMS

PRIME

FOUNDERS

WIFF Mumbai is the creation of a group of passionate film professionals committed to giving independent cinema its rightful place in Mumbai’s cultural landscape.

ADVISORY BOARD

WIFF's Advisory Board comprises distinguished voices in cinema, literature, and culture who provide direction and wisdom to the festival's long-term vision.