Indian Filmmaker Shivendra Singh Dungarpur Joins Prestigious Berlinale International Jury
The Berlinale Film Festival has extended a significant invitation to Indian director, producer, and archivist Shivendra Singh Dungarpur to serve as a member of the International Jury at its upcoming 76th edition. This appointment marks a notable achievement, as very few Indian film professionals have been honored with such a role at this globally renowned festival.
A Rare Honor for Indian Cinema
Shivendra Singh Dungarpur expressed his gratitude, stating, "To be a jury member at the Berlinale is a rare honour, as very few Indians have been invited to serve on the festival's jury." He emphasized Berlin's status as one of the world's most prestigious film festivals, historically frequented by legendary Indian filmmaker Satyajit Ray.
The festival's invitation reportedly stemmed from admiration for the work of the Film Heritage Foundation, which Dungarpur is associated with. Festival director Tricia Tuttle highlighted the foundation's efforts in bringing classic films to Indian audiences and noted the encouraging turnout, particularly among younger viewers, which she sees as a hopeful sign for cinema's future.
Jury Responsibilities and Composition
The International Jury, chaired by acclaimed filmmaker Wim Wenders, will be tasked with selecting the winners of the coveted Golden Bear and Silver Bears awards. Dungarpur shared his enthusiasm for this role, saying, "As an archivist, it is a rare honour to be part of the jury. I am really looking forward to watching some of the best films right at the beginning of the year, and to working alongside Wim Wenders, a filmmaker of that stature."
This year, 22 films are competing in the festival's Competition section. The jury comprises a diverse panel of international talents:
- Director and producer Min Bahadur Bham from Nepal
- Actor Bae Doona from South Korea
- Director, screenwriter, and producer Reinaldo Marcus Green from the USA
- Director, screenwriter, and producer HIKARI from Japan
- Producer Ewa Puszczyńska from Poland
Additional Highlights at Berlinale 76
Beyond his jury duties, Shivendra Singh Dungarpur will also present the world premiere of the Film Heritage Foundation's restoration of the 1989 film "In Which Annie Gives It Those Ones" at the Berlinale Classics segment. This screening will feature director Pradip Krishen and Booker Prize-winning author Arundhati Roy, who both contributed to the original film as writer and actor.
This dual involvement underscores Dungarpur's multifaceted contributions to film preservation and contemporary cinema, positioning him as a key figure in bridging India's cinematic heritage with global platforms.
