Young Bollywood Director, Amol Bhagat Selected as Judge for 2025 Syracuse International Film Festival, USA

Renowned Marathi filmmaker Amol Bhagat has been selected as a jury member for the prestigious 2025 Syracuse International Film Festival in the USA. The selection, as a judge, marks his growing prominence in the international film community, and his expertise will play a key role in evaluating films from around the world. His participation highlights the growing prominence of Indian cinema, especially Marathi films, on the international stage, including the vibrant film world of Hollywood.

Bhagat’s journey has been marked by numerous milestones, with his career in Marathi cinema earning him accolades across various platforms. From his early works to his directorial masterpiece “Pune to Goa,” Bhagat has consistently left an indelible mark. His contributions reflect his passion for storytelling and his vision of bringing Marathi cinema to a global stage.

The 2025 Syracuse International Film Festival will take place in person, marking its 22nd year. Scheduled for September 2025, it promises an exciting lineup of films from all corners of the world. This year, the festival introduces new categories such as Indigenous Cinema, Christian-Based Films, and Supernatural, broadening its already diverse selection. Filmmakers from different regions are eager to present their works, hoping to impress the festival’s panel of esteemed judges, including Bhagat.

This year, the Syracuse International Film Festival has introduced several exciting new categories for its 2025 edition. Along with its existing diverse selections, the festival is now accepting submissions for Indigenous Cinema Showcase, OZ Reimagined - 2025, Christian-Based Films, and more. Audiences can expect a variety of genres, including Comedy, Action, Thriller, Romance, and Christmas-themed films. Additionally, thought-provoking categories such as Prison Reform, Environmental, Human Trafficking, and the Underground Railroad will provide filmmakers with a platform to explore pressing social issues through the lens of cinema.

The festival is known for its inclusiveness, with genres ranging from animation and horror to social justice. The new categories are expected to bring even more creativity to the forefront. The 2025 lineup will feature a blend of established filmmakers and fresh voices, with Bhagat contributing his expertise in evaluating these works.

Bhagat’s experience as a filmmaker, particularly with his focus on narratives rooted in social issues, makes him an ideal judge. His unique perspective will help shape the festival’s offerings. As a judge, Bhagat will assess films in various categories, ranging from short films to documentaries, ensuring the festival maintains its reputation for diversity and cinematic excellence.

Before his selection for the Syracuse Festival, Bhagat had already made waves internationally. In 2024, he served as the youngest judge at the International Film Festival of Malaysia. His participation in this esteemed event further established him as a filmmaker to watch on the global stage. His selection for the Malaysia festival was based on his extensive experience and his ability to understand the nuances of global cinema.

The Syracuse International Film Festival has always been a platform that celebrates the creative spirit of filmmakers worldwide. It provides a space for dialogue between established industry professionals and emerging talent. With Amol Bhagat now part of the jury, the festival is set to reach new heights of innovation and cinematic brilliance.

Bhagat’s passion for cinema doesn’t end at his role as a judge. He is working on his next project, which will tell the story of a young boy from rural Maharashtra chasing his dreams. His love for stories rooted in real-life struggles and triumphs shines through his work, offering viewers narratives that resonate on a deeply personal level.

Film festivals like Syracuse serve as a bridge, connecting different cultures and cinematic traditions. By highlighting films from various genres and regions, the festival fosters a global appreciation of diverse storytelling methods. Bhagat’s inclusion further reinforces the global reach of Indian cinema, especially Marathi films, on such international platforms.

With the festival’s return in 2025, Bhagat is excited about the range of films that will be presented. The inclusion of new categories like War, Comedy, and Environmental films reflects the ever-evolving nature of cinema. Bhagat’s role in shaping this year’s selection will undoubtedly have a lasting impact on the festival and its audience.