Mumbai, September 2025: The Dadasaheb Phalke International Film Festival Awards (DPIFF) will return to Mumbai on 29th & 30th October 2025, marking ten years of celebrating the grandeur of Indian cinema and its expanding global footprint.
Dedicated to the legacy of Late Shri Dhundiraj Govind Phalke, the Father of Indian Cinema, DPIFF 2025 will showcase how India’s storytelling traditions have transcended borders, uniting cultures and audiences worldwide. From honouring iconic legends to empowering new voices, the festival continues to be a prestigious symbol of India’s cinematic heritage.
The organisation is steered by a leadership team rooted in vision and legacy. Mr. Abhishek Mishra, CEO, has served as a Consultative Committee Member at the Food Corporation of India under the Ministry of Consumer Affairs, Food & Public Distribution, and has contributed across ministries including Telecom and Information & Broadcasting. Mr. Anil Mishra, Managing Director, brings over four decades of expertise across Parliamentary and Entertainment sectors. Mr. Chandrashekhar Pusalkar, Jury President, is the grandson of Dadasaheb Phalke and custodian of his enduring cinematic heritage. Together, they ensure DPIFF remains a torchbearer of cultural celebration and cinematic recognition.
The annual ceremony is devoted to celebrating the enduring contributions of Shri Dadasaheb Phalke Ji while spotlighting the finest achievements of the film fraternity. From megastars to emerging filmmakers, every talent is honoured under one unified emblem. The platform harmonises mainstream and technical accolades, ensuring recognition is solely based on contributions to cinema.
The 2024 edition of DPIFF was a glittering affair, attended by icons including Shah Rukh Khan, Kareena Kapoor Khan, Nayanthara, Rani Mukerji and Shahid Kapoor, reaffirming the festival’s standing as a platform that celebrates both stardom and artistry. Alongside industry legends, the event also hosted ministry delegates, government dignitaries and cultural leaders, cementing its reputation as a unique convergence of cinema, governance, and society.
This year, the 10th edition promises to be grander than ever, featuring captivating performances and a cinematic tribute to India’s rich film heritage, uniting stories from North to South and beyond. The occasion will bring together celebrities, international personalities, industry veterans and aspiring filmmakers under one roof in an unprecedented celebration of storytelling.
As part of its vision to nurture emerging voices, DPIFF continues to champion young talent through the Global Short Film Festival, one of the most dynamic highlights of the annual programme. Each year, the Top 15 Short Films are showcased at a Screening Gala, from which one outstanding submission is selected for the grand award. The winner is honoured with a prestigious trophy and a cash prize of INR 1,00,000/-, reinforcing DPIFF’s commitment to supporting the next generation of filmmakers. Submissions are welcomed in all creative forms, including music videos, documentaries, anime and more.
Beyond the silver screen, DPIFF has consistently embraced a leadership role in the sustainability movement. Through its registered foundation We For World (under NITI Aayog), the organisation drives impactful environmental and social initiatives under CSR, supporting causes such as “Vocal for Local”, tourism promotion and sustainable societal development. In partnership with the Ministry of Tourism’s Incredible India campaign and the Ministry of Culture’s Pradhanmantri Sangrahalaya, DPIFF has showcased the heritage of over 15 venerated states, highlighting India’s diverse cultural richness and achievements on a grand stage.
Speaking about this landmark edition, Mr. Abhishek Mishra, CEO of DPIFF, shared:
“As we step into our 10th year, the Dadasaheb Phalke International Film Festival Awards will celebrate the universal magic of cinema like never before. This edition will be a grand gathering where legends, emerging creators and audiences unite to honour the stories that move the world.”
The Dadasaheb Phalke International Film Festival Awards 2025, taking place on 29th & 30th October in Mumbai, promises to be a magical convergence of talent, storytelling, culture and spectacle, a true celebration of cinema’s enduring legacy and its global impact. The theme for DPIFF 2025 is “A World Stage: The Global Legacy of Indian Cinema”. This year’s edition will honour the lasting influence of Indian films on international cinema, celebrating both their historical significance and contemporary relevance. The festival will acknowledge contributions across three major segments – the Indian Film Industry, the Indian Television Industry and the International Film Fraternity. Alongside the awards, the occasion will present a cultural extravaganza with folk dance, folk music, handloom exhibitions and world-famous Indian cuisine, presenting India’s multicultural spirit on a truly global platform.
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