independent filmmaking

Malayalam classic 'Amma Ariyan' earned a standing ovation at Cannes Classics, nearly 40 years after its 1986 release. The restored 4K version, a testament to John Abraham's bold vision and experimental style, was showcased to a global audience. This screening marks a significant moment for Malayalam cinema, bringing a cult favorite to international acclaim after years of inaccessibility.

Indian independent film Aranya Dhara is gaining international acclaim. The mini-film, a collaboration between Siva Patcha and Baalu Naidu, has won multiple awards. It recently received an Honorable Jury Mention at the Dada Saheb Phalke Film Festival. Aranya Dhara is praised for its bold storytelling, blending mythology, fantasy, and thriller elements.

Legendary actor Kirk Douglas, who carved his own path in Hollywood, famously declared, "I don’t need a critic to tell me I’m an actor." Rising from poverty, he championed independence and self-belief, proving that true worth comes from within. Douglas's remarkable career, marked by grit and passion, inspired many to live life on their own terms.

Tribeny Rai's debut feature, "Shape of Momo," is set for a theatrical release in India and Nepal on May 29, 2026, backed by Spirit Media and executive produced by Zoya Akhtar, Reema Kagti, and Payal Kapadia. The film, set in a Himalayan village, explores generational female relationships and the complex connection to home. It has garnered international acclaim and awards.

Tamil cinema has shifted from hyper-violent narratives to intelligent investigative dramas, reflecting changing audience tastes and the rise of streaming. This evolution, marked by films like 'Dhuruvangal Pathinaaru' and 'Ratsasan', emphasizes complex plots and psychological tension over gratuitous violence, with upcoming releases continuing this trend.

Dairy brand Amul has marked the release and growing buzz around Saif Ali Khan's latest film 'Kartavya' with a new topical, continuing its long-running tradition of responding to major moments in Indian pop culture.

From bold career choices and evolving as an actor to embracing motherhood and marriage, Kiara Advani opens up about the moments shaping her life today. On Bombay Times Lounge, she reflects on love, ambition, growth and finding balance amid stardom.

A city lawyer filed a complaint against actors Parambrata Chatterjee and Swastika Mukherjee over a five-year-old social media post allegedly inciting post-poll violence. This follows a meeting where Chatterjee spoke about industry grievances and his "forced compromises," drawing criticism for alleged hypocrisy and opportunism.

Canon has launched the EOS R6 V camera and RF 20-50 F4L IS USM lens in India, targeting video creators with a "future-ready" ecosystem. The camera boasts a 32.5MP full-frame sensor with 7K Open Gate recording and a built-in cooling fan for extended use. The new lens features Canon's first professional Power Zoom for smooth cinematic transitions.

Actor-entrepreneur Akshay Jha is taking independent cinema beyond traditional theatrical spaces with his initiative, Cinema Salon. After working in films like Mission Mangal and Class of '83, Jha shifted focus towards creating a platform that connects filmmakers directly with audiences through curated screenings and discussions. Speaking about the challenges faced by indie films, he says distribution remains tougher than filmmaking itself. With Cinema Salon expanding internationally to cities like Madrid, Cannes and Berlin, Jha hopes to create a more immersive and community-driven film-viewing experience that prioritises storytelling and audience engagement.

David Morrissey revealed his battle with severe anxiety and alcoholism, which began in his teenage years after his father's death. The actor, now sober for 21 years, discussed his self-destructive behavior and the challenges of quitting. He found a path to recovery and a sense of self-worth through acting.

Canon is redefining AI in imaging by embedding it into hardware to enhance, not replace, human creativity. Their new EOS R6V camera and RF 20-50mm Power Zoom lens are designed for hybrid workflows, offering features like native vertical shooting and advanced thermal management. This approach prioritizes capturing user intent and real-world moments with precision.

Everyday sexism, often disguised as humor or concern, pushes women into silence, speakers noted at a #StandWithHer campaign event. Panelists, including filmmakers and police officials, discussed how casual remarks and workplace dynamics impact women's emotional safety and self-censorship, emphasizing the need for societal and workplace change.

The Investigator has won the Special Jury Prize for Best International Film at the Yokohama International Film Festival 2026, where it represented India as the only competing feature film. Directed by Kamil Shaikh, the independent psychological thriller was made by a seven-member crew and has been receiving strong responses at international screenings.

Google celebrated Sir David Attenborough's 100th birthday with a special Doodle, featuring animal animations. The renowned naturalist is marking the milestone with family before a BBC tribute event at the Royal Albert Hall. His legacy, including his 1979 'Life on Earth' series and a stark warning about human impact on nature, was highlighted.

The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences has updated its rules for the Oscars. AI-generated performances and scripts will not be eligible for awards. Human actors must consent to their roles. Screenplays must be human-authored. The Academy will verify AI usage. This move follows concerns about AI in filmmaking and recent Hollywood strikes.

Runa Laila, celebrating 50 years in Hindi films, continues to bridge India and Bangladesh through her music. Her powerful voice, first heard in 'Ek Se Badhkar Ek,' has been a constant amidst political shifts. Receiving the Minar-e-Dilli award, she emphasized music's healing power, a sentiment echoed by fans who find solace in her melodies.

Aamir Khan revealed he lets his son Junaid forge his own path in Bollywood, with Junaid independently pursuing theatre and auditions. Aamir learned of Junaid's debut in 'Maharaj' from Aditya Chopra. He also shared a touching anecdote about his close bond with his children, particularly his son.

The Oscars are embracing AI, emphasizing human authorship for 2027 awards while not banning the technology. Performances require human consent, and screenplays must be human-authored. Significant changes also expand international film eligibility, recognizing top festival winners directly, not just country submissions, and honoring filmmakers over nations.

Excitement is building for 'Awarapan 2', the sequel to the 2007 hit, releasing August 14, 2026. Emraan Hashmi reprises his lead role, joined by Disha Patani. Director Nitin Kakkar helms the project, as Mohit Suri confirms he wasn’t offered the film but remains supportive of his frequent collaborator, Emraan Hashmi.