Kiran Rao joins international jury at 2025 Shanghai Film Festival

Kiran Rao | Photo Credit: PTI

Filmmaker Kiran Rao has been named to the international jury of the 27th Shanghai International Film Festival (SIFF), set to take place from June 13 to June 22, 2025, in Shanghai, China.

Rao, whose most recent directorial Laapataa Ladies received critical acclaim, joins a panel led by Italian filmmaker and Oscar-winner Giuseppe Tornatore, best known for Cinema Paradiso. The jury also includes Argentine director Iván Fund, Chinese actor-director Huang Bo, director Yang Lina, actress Yong Mei, and Greek producer Thanassis Karathanos.

In a statement shared with the media, 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.”

Laapataa Ladies was selected as India’s official entry for the Best International Feature Film category at the 96th Academy Awards, though it did not make the final shortlist.

The Shanghai International Film Festival is one of Asia’s leading film events and offers a platform for both emerging voices and established filmmakers. The jury will evaluate entries in the festival’s main competition, which features works from across the globe.

Published - May 21, 2025 10:36 am IST