FFI President Abhay Sinha on India’s Oscar Entry: ‘We Are Ready to Write to The Government to Advocate For Financial Backing For Our Chosen Entry’

The Film Federation of India (FFI) is gearing up to select India’s official entry for the Academy Awards, with screenings set to begin in Mumbai on September 7. FFI president Abhay Sinha, who previously served as the organization’s vice president, says he pushed to bring the screenings back to Mumbai, where a large part of the Indian film industry is based. The jury selection is currently underway, with around 16 to 17 members expected to represent different regional film industries. Sinha said filmmakers whose own films are in contention are not considered for the jury. “We only select jury members whose own films are not submitted for nomination. We pick around 16 to 17 members from across all regional industries. Every decision is made with collective consent.”

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Sinha also wants veteran filmmakers, acclaimed directors and Oscar winners to participate in the selection process. “We send invitations to many industry veterans, but jury duty requires commitment, which includes watching two to three films daily over 10 days,” he says.

The FFI will also extend financial assistance to independent filmmakers who may struggle to pay the submission fee for their entries. “If a filmmaker with a promising entry faces genuine financial hardship regarding the submission fees, all FFI members come together to manage and support it. Such cases are rare, but we ensure they are taken care of. If requested, the FFI is also ready to write official letters to the government to advocate for financial backing for our chosen entry,” he shares. 

Sinha further stresses the importance of government support in taking India’s official entry to international audiences. “Marketing a film internationally requires substantial resources, and not every producer has massive backing. Producers should approach the government for assistance. If requested, the FFI is also ready to write official letters to the government to advocate for financial backing for our chosen entry.”

The screenings will begin on September 7, with the jury expected to comprise 16 to 17 members. The FFI is scheduled to announce India’s official entry for the Academy Awards on September 19.