SEATTLE (Diya TV) — The first Festival of Indian Cinema in Seattle was launched with a grand opening ceremony at the Museum of Pop Culture (MOPOP), co-hosted by the Consulate General of India in Seattle. The three-day festival from March 21-23, 2025, celebrated the richness of Indian cinema and the storytelling ability of India, attracting dignitaries, movie buffs, and community leaders to mark its global contribution.
The opening ceremony featured a short documentary on the Maha Kumbh at Prayagraj and highlights from Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s podcast with Lex Fridman, which delves into India’s foundational philosophy of unity in diversity. Among the attendees were U.S. Congresswoman Pramila Jayapal, King County Council Vice Chair Sarah Perr, Port of Seattle Commissioner Sam Cho, and MOPOP CEO Michele Y. Smith.
“This festival is a demonstration of the strength of Indian cinema to connect cultures and to bring a more profound understanding of India’s rich heritage,” said Prakash Gupta, Consul General of India in Seattle. “We celebrate resilience, identity, and universal themes that unite us through these films.”
The festival’s programming featured critically successful English Vinglish (March 21), Zindagi Na Milegi Dobara (March 22), and Raksha Bandhan (March 23). MOPOP’s Sound + Vision Theater offered an immersive experience for moviegoers to immerse themselves in Indian storytelling on the large screen. The three-day event also showcased a special photo exhibition entitled “History of Indian Cinema,” which captures the history of Indian filmmaking. The display will be open at MOPOP until March 23, 2025.
All 39 cities of King County, including the Greater Seattle region, formally declared March 21-23 as “Indian Cinema Festival Days,” celebrating Indian cinema’s impact on international storytelling and culture. MOPOP CEO Michele Y. Smith underscored the museum’s dedication to presenting diverse voices in pop culture. “Film can cross borders and build bridges,” she stated. The Indian Film Festival provides Seattle viewers with a chance to experience India’s filmmaking artistry and cultural storytelling.
Meanwhile, the Consulate General of India in Seattle extended the festival to Montana, collaborating with the Montana World Affairs Council to organize the first-ever Festival of Indian Cinema in the state. The event, held at the University of Montana in Missoula from March 2-4, attracted more than 500 students from 33 schools participating in the Montana Academic World Quest 2025.
The Montana edition included screenings of the same three films and interactive sessions on Indian classical dance, music, and India’s digital payment advancements. The Missoula opening ceremony hosted important dignitaries such as the Mayor of Helena Wilmot Collins and Montana World Affairs Council Executive Director Nikki Geiszler.
“India’s designation as the Theme Country for the Academic World Quest highlights the importance of cultural exchange in education,” Gupta explained. “This program aids young minds in learning about India’s traditions and recent advancements through film.”
Winning participants from the Academic World Quest will visit India in the latter half of this year as part of an educational exchange program. As a competition dating back to its launch in 2005, it has brought more than 4,000 students into participation, making it one of the top international education programs in America.
