Cinekari – Multi-Arts Festival

Celebrate Cinema & Arts

May 02-03, 2026

An Initiative by Sudeep Sohni Films In collaboration with Alliance Française de Bhopal

 

About the Festival

Cinekari returns with its 8th edition, continuing its journey as a distinctive platform dedicated to independent cinema and interdisciplinary art forms. Conceptualized by Sudeep Sohni Films, the festival brings together filmmakers, litterateurs, artists, and audiences to explore the many dimensions of creative expression.At its core, Cinekari celebrates the idea that cinema does not exist in isolation—it evolves through its dialogue with poetry, literature, visual arts, and culture. This edition promises an immersive experience that reflects the vibrancy, diversity, and creative spirit of Bhopal.

 

📅 Event Details

  • Dates: May 02–03, 2026
  • Venue: Alliance Française de Bhopal
  • Format: Two-day multi-art festival

What to Expect?

Day 1:

Cinema Meets Poetry

The opening day sets the tone with the screening of short film ‘Jaggu Aur Magahari’ produced & directed by Sudeep Sohni, followed by a collective poetry reading featuring six eminent poets from Bhopal. Hosted in a unique open-air canopy setting, the evening will carry a subtle French cultural essence, adding an international flavour to the experience.

  • 07:00-07:15 PM: Inauguration session
  • 7:30 – 8:10 PM: Film Screening and Q&A
  • 8:15-9:15 PM: Poetry

Day 2:

Dialogue, Learning & Participation

  • 10:30 am-11 am : Lecture-cum Film Screening: A deep dive into cinematic craft and storytelling techniques. Film clippings by Rajendra Jangley.
  • 11 am:Special Lecture:Cinema and Its Relationship with Other Art Forms by Udayan Vajpeyi—an insightful session exploring how cinema intersects with and draws inspiration from diverse creative disciplines.
  • 12:30 onwards: BYOF (Bring Your Own Film): A pioneering concept in Bhopal’s independent cinema landscape. Participants are invited to showcase their own films, fostering a collaborative environment of sharing, dialogue, and discovery. To participate in Bring Your Own Film (BYOF) click here: https://forms.gle/CVRmJ9rECuysfLEz5 (BYOF Details in next section)

Why Attend?

Cinekari is more than a festival—it is a creative ecosystem that encourages:

  • Meaningful artistic exchange
  • Exploration of independent voices
  • Community-driven cultural engagement
  • A shared celebration of cinema and the arts

Entry is by registration only.  Fill your details to attend: https://forms.gle/h5BDufqr9RJxt5hK8

Stay Connected

Have any questions? Write us to [email protected]

Follow us for updates, schedules, and announcements as we approach the festival dates.

Bring Your Own Films (BYOF)

Filmmakers —get ready to showcase your film in a truly unique way.

Introducing “Cinekari – Bring Your Own Film”, an initiative by Sudeep Sohni Films in collaboration with Alliance Française Bhopal. This one-of-a-kind concept marks a first in the history of independent cinema in Bhopal (MP), offering filmmakers an open platform to voluntarily present their work.

There’s no registration fee, no competition, and no prizes—just a pure celebration of cinema.

Bring your film, your passion, and your enthusiasm. Connect with fellow filmmakers, artists, and creatives from the community. Watch films together, exchange ideas, appreciate each other’s work, and help build a vibrant and supportive cine culture.

Join us with your film—and let’s celebrate cinema, together.

Please read the instructions carefully and submit your film details accordingly.

Guidelines for Submission:

  • The maximum duration of the film should be 10 minutes.

  • Accepted formats include short fiction, animation, and documentary films.

  • AI-generated films are permitted.

  • Filmmakers from Bhopal are encouraged to submit and will be given priority. * (organizers can showcase any film from a filmmaker outside Bhopal if they find suitable)

Selection Process:

  • Maximum 10 films will be selected. * (subject to change upon the organizers discretion)

  • There is no need to submit your film link initially. At this stage, only basic details are required.

  • After reviewing all entries, the internal committee will shortlist the films.

  • Selection will be based on the filmmaker’s independent approach, subject matter, artistic merit, and overall quality of the film.

  • Shortlisted filmmakers will be contacted and requested to submit their film link.

  • The final decision will be made by the internal committee, and it will be considered final and binding for all filmmakers.

Content Guidelines:

  • Films must not contain content that is offensive or may harm communal or religious sentiments.

  • Content involving political propaganda, pornography, child abuse, or anything that may disturb peace and harmony or with the vision and mission of Cinekari will not be accepted.

Additional Information:

  • Each selected filmmaker will receive a Certificate of Participation.

  • Last date to submit your film details: Sunday, April 26, 2026, by 11:59 PM. Selected filmmakers will be notified by April 28, 2026.

Note:

This is not a competition or a judging platform. The initiative is purely intended to celebrate independent cinema and to create a space for filmmakers to showcase their work, connect, and engage in meaningful discussions. The facility of showcasing the films is also limited. Kindly please note all these before sending your film details.

As the time slots are limited, maximum 10 projects will be selected.

The organizers reserve the right to modify the rules at any time. The internal committee may also review and adjust the duration of films based on the submissions received and curate the program accordingly.

To participate, please fill your details here: https://forms.gle/CVRmJ9rECuysfLEz5