Independent Filmmakers Association of India (IFAI), a not-for-profit collective that came into formation in late 2025, made its formal debut at the ongoing Cannes Film Festival. Actor-producer Anshuman Jha and filmmaker Devashish Makhija represented the body on the occasion.
The group’s formation was instigated in late 2025 after a public outreach from filmmaker Kanu Behl whose film Agra, after its debut at Cannes 2023, struggled to get any theatrical screenings or backing from exhibitors. Agra had its streaming debut a few weeks ago, on Prime Video. Part of the joint statement from IFAI read, “What started as a small WhatsApp conversation between a handful of filmmakers organically grew into a larger movement. We realized that independent films in India are surviving not because of the system, but often in spite of it. What we needed was a collective voice.”
IFAI consists of more than 120 Indian filmmakers and producers who have united to improve the overall situation for independent filmmakers in India in terms of theatrical release, distribution and streaming accessibility.
Founded as a democratic entity, IFAI hopes to address advocacy, exhibition, distribution, public policy, mentorship and audience development. Additionally, the collective also plans to organise workshops, mentorship programs, and community initiatives for emerging talent.
The IFAI members include some of the most prominent names in indie sector like Nandita Das, Abhay Deol, Arati Kadav, Alankrita Shrivastava, Harsh Agarwal, Honey Trehan, Parth Saurabh, Bauddhayan Mukherji, Ruchi Narain and Sudhanshu Saria among others.
