Kiran Rao appointed as jury member for 27th Shanghai Film Festival

Kiran Rao appointed as Jury

Renowned Indian filmmaker Kiran Rao has added another prestigious accolade to her impressive career, having been appointed as a member of the international jury at the 27th Shanghai International Film Festival (SIFF).

SIFF, regarded as one of Asia's premier film festivals, is praised for its international presence, exhibiting a wide range of talent and promoting intercultural narrative. Rao's appointment to the jury demonstrates her rising prominence on the global scene and solidifies her standing as an important voice in Indian and foreign film.

Kirron's recent critical triumph with Laapataa Ladies (Lost Ladies), India's official submission for Best International Feature Film at the 96th Academy Awards, preceded the appointment.

The film, which was produced by Aamir Khan Productions, Jio Studios, and Kindling Pictures, received praise for its nuanced yet impactful depiction of women's stories in rural India, balancing humour, compassion, and social criticism. Its widespread acclaim is evidence of Rao's distinct storytelling sensibilities and cinematic voice.

Rao will serve on a panel of eminent jurors from around the world for the 27th edition of SIFF, which will be chaired by Giuseppe Tornatore, the Oscar-winning director and screenwriter of Cinema Paradiso, an Italian. Argentine filmmaker Iván Fund, well-known Chinese actor and filmmaker Huang Bo, Greek producer Thanassis Karathanos, Chinese documentary filmmaker Yang Lina, and actress Yong Mei are also on the jury. Together, the panel will assess submissions from around the globe, highlighting the top films from around the world.

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Sharing her thoughts on the honour, Rao said, “It’s an honour to be part of a festival that champions international cinema and storytelling. I look forward to experiencing the wide range of voices and perspectives on screen, and to engaging with my fellow jurors from around the world.”

The 27th Shanghai International Film Festival will run from 13 to 22 June 2025 in Shanghai, China. The event remains a significant platform for fostering cinematic excellence and international collaboration, providing a space where seasoned auteurs and emerging filmmakers alike come together in celebration of film as a global language.