What does this mean for Mumbai?
Being a part of the international UNESCO Creative Cities Network means that our city can
- share and learn from other network cities and create avenues for collaboration.
- open opportunities for filmmakers, students and film aficionados from network cities to experience the film making process in Mumbai.
- have a ripple effect on allied industries and would aid local economic development, bringing expertise, employment and inward investment to the local film industry. The recognition would encourage access and participation of all sections of the society in the field of films.
- strengthen Mumbai's place in world cinema through sharing and exchange of creative assets in film sector with network cities in achieving SDGs.
What makes Mumbai a City of Film?
Film Festivals
Mumbai hosts a number of national and international film events every year. The MAMI Film Festival showcases a variety of cinema from Bollywood and Hollywood. KASHISH, the Mumbai International Queer Film Festival is the first Indian LGBT festival and attracts some 8500 visitors a year. The Kala Ghoda Arts Festival is a 9-day event screening national, international cinema, and documentaries.
Film Education
As a hub for the Indian film industry, Mumbai encourages new and future talent in 50 film schools, colleges and institutes offering film-related learning. Mumbai University has a series of film-making courses, while private school and colleges, headed by industry professionals, offer world-class learning in the field of acting, drama, theatre art, sound mixing, editing, cinematography and more.
Filming Infrastructure
Filmcity was established in 1977 by the Govt of Maharashtra in Mumbai. The complex is spread over 500 acres and has over 40 outdoor locations, 16 studios, film processing facilities and much more, along with a Single Window Portal for film-shooting permissions. Mumbai has a thriving post-production infrastructure at a world-class level, supported by specialised animation and VFX institutes.
Film Production
A new state-funded project is working to overhaul the present Filmcity complex to provide world-class pre and post production facilities all in one place. The “Bollywood Square” will be a visual emblem depicting the excellence of cinema at Filmcity and offering a guided tour covering all aspects of filmmaking, from script to screen.
Industry Support & Initiatives
Mumbai City of Film champions accessibility to the film industry, a key sector providing employment opportunities. As part of a state-wide development plan, by 2034, Mumbai is working to create theatres, museums, parks, playgrounds, theme gardens, old age homes, shelters for the homeless, and encourage local economic development within the media sector.
City-wide Development
Mumbai will soon have the Maharashtra School of Drama and the National Centre of Excellence in Animation, Visual effects, Gaming and Comics, adding even more opportunities for media and arts education. Alongside these spaces, a new crime unit will focus on intellectual property rights, working to protect the interests of the growing creative community in the city.
Recent Filming
Want to find out more about Mumbai?
Discover more about Mumbai's work with fellow Cities of Film and Creative Cities on the International Collaboration pages.
Visit the Mumbai City of Film website for the latest on Creative City activity in Mumbai.