Sudhir Mishra, Pankaj Kapur, Bhuvan Bam, Mukesh Chhabra and Rajpal Yadav Come Together to Celebrate JFF 2024

The Jagran Film Festival (JFF), the world’s largest traveling film festival, is set to kick off its grand journey on December 5th at Delhi’s iconic Siri Fort Auditorium. With its tagline, "Good Cinema for Everyone," JFF continues to be a unique platform celebrating the magic of cinema while fostering cultural exchange and inclusivity. This year’s festival showcases an extraordinary lineup selected from an impressive pool of 4,787 submissions, with 292 outstanding films—including feature films, shorts, and documentaries—representing 78 languages from 111 countries, highlighting the richness of global diversity. Over 100 days, the festival will travel across 11 states, reinforcing its unparalleled reach and commitment to inclusivity. The 2024 edition will present 102 remarkable films, including Indian and international works, spanning short films, documentaries, and OTT content from 29 countries in 34 languages.
Adding to the excitement, several celebrated personalities are set to grace the festival’s opening in Delhi. Veteran actor Pankaj Kapoor, social media sensation Bhuvan Bam, comedy maestro Rajpal Yadav, acclaimed actor Rajat Kapoor, esteemed director Sudhir Mishra, and renowned casting director Mukesh Chhabra will join the celebration, among many others. Sharing their thoughts, the stars expressed their excitement about being part of this grand cinematic journey, emphasizing how JFF stands out as a true celebration of storytelling, diversity, and meaningful cinema. The Jagran Film Festival 2024 promises to be an unforgettable experience, bringing together filmmakers, audiences, and cinema enthusiasts to celebrate the transformative power of good storytelling.
Pankaj Kapur says, "It is an honor to be part of the Achiever’s Talk at the 12th edition of the Jagran Film Festival, an event that truly celebrates the spirit of cinema and its enduring influence on our lives. For me, acting has always been about delving into the depths of human emotions, understanding the intricacies of characters, and portraying them with honesty and depth. Each role I have played has been a journey of discovery, a chance to connect with audiences and reflect on the realities of life through storytelling. I look forward to sharing my experiences, discussing the art and craft of acting, and celebrating the transformative power of cinema with fellow enthusiasts and cinephiles."
Rajpal Yadav elaborated, “The 12th Edition of the Jagran Film Festival in Delhi beautifully reflects the joys and dreams of society, emphasizing the powerful impact of storytelling. With its focus on the "Good Cinema for Everyone" theme, the festival unites people from diverse backgrounds and fosters the development of impactful storytellers. I am excited to be a part of various discussions, from Stealing the Spotlight: Supporting Roles and Laughter for Powerful Storytelling to the conversation around A Son of Himalaya, which explores the crucial role of key characters in enriching narratives. These elements add depth and social relevance to stories. It is an honor to be part of an event that celebrates cinematic excellence and brings meaningful stories to audiences across the nation.”
Rajat Kapoor added, "Being part of the 12th Jagran Film Festival is a wonderful opportunity to celebrate the magic of cinema and engage with passionate audiences. I’m especially looking forward to a heartfelt conversation with Manoj Bajpayee in Achiever’s Talk, an actor I deeply admire, as we delve into the craft of acting, the nuances of storytelling, and the shared experiences that make cinema such a pivotal force in our lives."
Bhuvan Bam said, "My journey from being a content creator to making my mark as an actor and producer has been full of exciting challenges and growth. It's been an incredible experience to connect with people through my content, and now, stepping into the world of acting has opened new horizons for me. I'm genuinely thrilled to be a part of the 12th edition of the Jagran Film Festival in Delhi. This festival celebrates the power of storytelling and brings together creators from various walks of life. I’m excited to engage with fellow artists and share my journey, while also exploring the diverse and vibrant world of cinema that continues to inspire me every day."
The acclaimed Director, Writer, and Producer Sudhir Mishra shares said, "It’s a pleasure to return for the 12th edition of the Jagran Film Festival, a remarkable platform that continues to celebrate the power of cinema in bringing people together and sparking meaningful conversations. I am thrilled to participate in this event once again, as it brings together filmmakers, storytellers, and audiences united by their passion for meaningful cinema. Each year, this Festival celebrates the diversity of narratives and highlights the transformative role of storytelling in shaping society. I look forward to sharing my experiences and insights on filmmaking, which are deeply rooted in my personal journey, and engaging with fellow filmmakers to discuss the evolving landscape of cinema and its cultural impact. This time, I am particularly excited to explore how innovative storytelling methods are connecting with wider and more diverse audiences.”
Mukesh Chhabra added, "I am truly excited to be part of the Jagran Film Festival, a platform that celebrates cinema and its powerful ability to bring stories to life. This festival plays an important role in promoting not only the craft of filmmaking but also the artistry behind casting. As a casting director, I have had the privilege of discovering some incredibly talented actors, and I look forward to engaging with the new wave of talent that will be showcased here. It's an honor to contribute to a festival that continues to highlight the significance of creative collaboration in cinema. Beyond just the actors on screen, it's the team behind the scenes—the casting, the direction, the writing—that truly shapes the essence of any film. The Jagran Film Festival provides an invaluable opportunity to highlight these often-underappreciated aspects of filmmaking. I am eager to be a part of the conversations on the next breakout face and to witness the exchange of ideas that this platform fosters. The future of Indian cinema lies in nurturing talent and promoting diverse stories, and I believe this festival is helping to pave the way for the next generation of cinematic creators."
The esteemed festival will also be graced by esteemed personalities such as Manoj Bajpayee, Bhumi Pednekar, Taapsee Pannu, Rahul Rawail, Renowned directors including Padma Shri, Padmabhushan Anil Prakash Joshi, Aaditri Dipika, Onir, and Hari K Sudan. This season, the Jagran Film Festival is travelling to 18 cities, beginning with its grand opening in Delhi and moving through major locations such as Prayagraj, Varanasi, Raipur, Ranchi, Indore, Siliguri, Kanpur, Lucknow, Agra, Meerut, Gorakhpur, Patna, Ludhiana, Dehradun, Hissar, and Darbhanga, before concluding with a grand finale in Mumbai.
This 12th season, we aim to build on the overwhelming response from past seasons and deliver an unforgettable cinematic experience that resonates with audiences across India. Get ready for the world’s largest travelling film festival! The Jagran Film Festival kicks off in Delhi from December 5th to 8th at the Siri Fort Auditorium.