Mumbai is set to host the latest edition of Round The Frame, an annual showcase of independent cinema. The event, will bring together filmmakers, actors, critics, and audiences in a celebration of alternative storytelling.Launched to provide visibility to independent voices, the festival includes screenings of short films, ad films, music videos, and poster designs. Alongside the screenings, a panel discussion will feature actor-activist Rajeshri Deshpande, writer-director Shazia Iqbal, actor Siddharth Menon, and film critic Rahul Desai, with Shilajit Mitra moderating. The programme also incorporates a dance recital by Nalanda Bharatnatyam Nritya Niketan, a live band act, and an awards segment recognizing works across multiple categories.The jury includes names from both Indian and international film circuits. Among them are Kiki Fung of the Hong Kong Film Festival, Malaika Bova of Raindance Film Festival, and actor Vinay Pathak for the Short Film (Professional) category. Student entries will be judged by academics and critics including Gauri Chakraborty and Monika Rawal. The ad film and poster competitions will be evaluated by industry professionals such as Hemant Bhandari, Surya Balakrishnan, Milindo Taid, and Kailash Nayak.In addition to the main event, the festival will screen its top 10 recommended films offering audiences another chance to engage with new and diverse cinematic perspectives.
