Indian-American independent filmmakers Hemant M. Pandya and Nita Pednekar represented their creative work at the 79th Cannes Film Festival 2026, participating as officially accredited delegates and engaging in a wide range of global cinema activities. The duo attended film premieres, gala screenings, and industry networking sessions while promoting independent filmmaking on an international platform.
Pandya, founder of the New Jersey Indian and International Film Festival (NJIIFF) and Friday Films LLC, along with filmmaker Nita Pednekar, emphasized that Cannes was not just about red carpet appearances but primarily about storytelling, artistic exchange, and global collaboration. They highlighted the festival as a space where filmmakers from across the world come together to share ideas and inspire new creative directions.
The filmmakers noted the smooth organization of the festival, which hosted tens of thousands of participants from various countries while maintaining efficient event management across the city. They also expressed admiration for the diversity of films showcased, particularly independent and socially driven narratives that resonated with global audiences regardless of production scale or budget.
During the festival, they took part in multiple sessions at the Bharat Pavilion, a key hub for Indian cinema at Cannes. The pavilion facilitated discussions on co-productions, international partnerships, and the expanding global presence of Indian filmmakers in the world film industry.
Several international films left a strong impression on them, including Nepal’s “Elephants in the Fog” and India’s “Shadows of the Moonless Nights (Parchave Masseah Rataan De),” both praised for their storytelling depth and emotional impact.
At Cannes, Pandya and Pednekar also introduced their upcoming international projects. One of their films, “Love, Loathe & Life,” is based on a real-life hate crime and explores themes of identity, humanity, and emotional healing. Another project, “She Was…//?,” is a psychological thriller centered on trauma, guilt, and the consequences of road rage.
They emphasized that independent cinema continues to thrive globally due to its focus on meaningful storytelling. Pednekar noted that honest and emotionally grounded films always find audiences, regardless of geographical or commercial limitations.
Through Friday Films LLC and NJIIFF, the filmmakers continue to develop internationally oriented projects while fostering cultural exchange and supporting independent cinema on a global scale.
