New York Indian Film Festival wraps up glittering 2025 edition

New York: The 25th annual New York Indian Film Festival (NYIFF) concluded last weekend to resounding applause, with packed theaters, emotional premieres, and a glittering red carpet that drew major names from both Indian Cinema and Hollywood. Taking place June 19–22 at the Village East by Angelika, NYIFF 2025 saw its most successful editions ever—with most screenings sold out and nearly every other program at capacity. 

A special appearance by Robert De Niro at the North American Gala Premiere of Tanvi the Great—directed by his longtime friend Anupam Kher—was one of the most unforgettable moments of the festival. The event, attended by Anupam and lead actress Shubhangi, drew a full house and set the tone for an exhilarating three-day celebration of cinema. Audiences packed the Village East by Angelika theater to experience bold, original, and deeply resonant films from India’s most exciting filmmakers. 

Esteemed artists including Nawazuddin Siddiqui, Rasika Dugal, Rahul Bhat, Anurag Kashyap, Shonali Bose, Nilesh Maniyar and Rituparna Sengupta joined the celebration, along with a majority of the festival’s directors, screenwriters, and producers—many of whom traveled internationally to present their work. 

Suman Gollamudi, Executive Director of the Indo-American Arts Council, said, “We’re deeply grateful to New York audiences for their energy, generosity, and love. NYIFF is a home for Indian storytellers—and this year, we felt that bond more than ever.” 

IAAC Chairman Dr. Nirmal Mattoo added, “This festival began with a dream to elevate Indian voices on the global stage. Twenty-five years later, that vision is lighting up America.” 

Presented by the Indo-American Arts Council, NYIFF is the longest-running festival in the U.S. dedicated to independent Indian cinema. Since 2001, it has championed voices that reflect the complexity, beauty, and urgency of India’s cinematic tradition.