Mumbai, October, 2024: Celebrate Cinema 2024, hosted by Whistling Woods International (WWI), concluded its 12th edition on a high note, welcoming over 5,000 cinema, media, and creative arts enthusiasts for three days of cinematic immersion, creative learning, and thought-provoking discussions. The event celebrated Indian cinema’s growing global footprint, offering participants the chance to engage with leading voices in the industry. This year’s theme, Indian Cinema on the World Stage, set the tone for a dynamic lineup of panel discussions, workshops, and exhibits, underscoring the creative and cultural impact of Indian cinema worldwide.
Subhash Ghai, Founder & Chairman of Whistling Woods International, stated, “Celebrate Cinema is not just an event; it is a movement that brings together cinema lovers and creators from around the world. This year’s event, with its focus on Indian cinema and sustainability, reflects the future of filmmaking in India. Further adding to this cause, through our scholarship initiative, we are proud to nurture the next generation of storytellers who will carry Indian cinema forward on the world stage.”
The event featured a stellar lineup of panel discussions and masterclasses with some of the most celebrated names in the industry, including Anil Sharma, Utkarsh Sharma, Simratt Kaur Randhawa, Mithoon, Sunil Sirvaiya, Amar Kaushik, Aparshakti Khurana, Abhishek Banerjee, Niren Bhatt, Kiran Rao, Sneha Desai, Nitanshi Goel, Vikrant Massey, Medha Shankr, Imtiaz Ali, Yashika Sikka, Sajid Ali, and Suraj Paraswani.
One of the key highlights of Celebrate Cinema 2024 was the panel titled Cinema for Earth, which focused on environmental consciousness in filmmaking. The session, featuring Guneet Monga (The Elephant Whisperers) and Richie Mehta (Poacher), offered a compelling exploration of
Meghna Ghai Puri, President of WWI, shared her thoughts on the event’s success, “It is heartwarming to see so many passionate individuals come together to share their love for films, media, and the creative arts. Each year, we witness the power of cinema to break boundaries, unite people, and inspire change. We are grateful for the opportunity to continue this journey of learning and inspiration, and we look forward to many more such enriching experiences in the future.”
The event also featured an exclusive Tech Talk by Guru Vaidya from Adobe, providing insights into The Future of Creative AI. Attendees also enjoyed a Meet & Greet with Be YouNick, a popular content creator. Additionally, interactive, hands-on workshops on Mobile Filmmaking, Sustainability & Upcycling, Acting Improv, and Character Design, among others, offered participants a unique opportunity to learn about various facets of filmmaking, media, and the creative arts. Unique exhibits further enriched the experience, with installations dedicated to Indian films that have made an international impact, alongside creative displays promoting awareness towards environmental issues through storytelling.
As part of the closing ceremony, scholarships were awarded to 32 meritorious students who demonstrated outstanding talent and passion. These scholarships are a testament to Whistling Woods International’s commitment to nurturing young storytellers and equipping them with the knowledge and resources to shape the future of the media and entertainment industry.
Celebrate Cinema 2024 was a resounding success, serving as a vibrant platform for creative exchange, learning, and inspiration. The event was made possible with the support of its sponsors and partners, including Adobe(Associate Sponsor), Mukta Cinemas (Multiplex Partner), and Radio City (Radio Partner), whose contributions were instrumental in bringing this cinematic celebration to life.