Mumbai: The MAMI Mumbai Film Festival has announced that the highly anticipated Closing Film for this year’s festival will be Anora, directed by acclaimed filmmaker Sean Baker. Set to take place on October 24, 2024, the screening will mark the South Asia premiere of the film, concluding a week-long celebration of global cinema.
Anora has already garnered significant acclaim, having won the prestigious Palme d’Or at the 2024 Festival de Cannes. Distributed by Warner Bros. Discovery in India, the film presents a blend of Baker’s signature empathy and screwball dramedy. It follows the story of Ani, played by Mikey Madison, a Brooklyn sex worker who becomes entangled with the Russian mafia.
Baker, who previously served as the head of the jury for MAMI’s International Competition in 2018, is known for his focus on marginalized communities, a theme evident in his earlier works like Tangerine and The Florida Project.
Anu Rangachar, Head of International Programming at MAMI, expressed enthusiasm about the selection, stating, “It’s a fitting tribute to close the festival with one of MAMI’s most loved alumni, Sean Baker’s Cannes Palme d’Or winner Anora—a searing critique on wealth, privilege, and the American dream, brought to life by Mikey Madison’s luminous performance.”
Scheduled from October 19 to 24, 2024, the MAMI Mumbai Film Festival will feature over 110 films in more than 50 languages, showcasing a diverse array of features and short films across all genres. The festival aims to highlight cinematic excellence and foster community engagement in the vibrant city of Mumbai.
