Must-Attend Festivals in November 2024

November 2024 brings together an array of festivals showcasing the best in art, literature, music, film, and design. From thought-provoking installations to captivating performances and engaging literary discussions, this is a perfect opportunity to immerse yourself in diverse cultural experiences.

Emami Art Experimental Film Festival 2024
The Emami Art Experimental Film Festival (EAEFF) is a platform focused on curating and fostering discussions around alternative and experimental films, video art, and the moving image practices of artists. In its third edition, EAEFF 24 showcases works from internationally recognized artists and filmmakers, along with recent critical films from India selected through an Open Call. From November 6 to 10, 2024, the festival will highlight innovative practices and critical perspectives through a variety of screenings, workshops, masterclasses, and performance screenings. EAEFF embraces an expanded format that unites diverse moving image practices across different forms, mediums, and geographies.

Prithvi Festival
The Prithvi Festival is an annual event held by Mumbai’s Prithvi Theatre to celebrate its anniversary from November 3 to 18. Launched in 1983, the festival features a mix of new, emerging, and established theater performances. Notable theater groups such as Adishakti, Ansh, Complicite, Motley, Naya Theatre, Rage Productions, and Theatre Unit have showcased their productions at the festival, with many making their premieres there. In addition to plays, the festival also includes discussions and music concerts.

Design Mumbai
The inaugural Design Mumbai, launching from November 6-9, 2024, will celebrate the city’s vibrant legacy in film, fashion, design, and music through a four-day trade show. Held at Jio World Garden, the exhibition will showcase a diverse range of products including furniture, kitchen and bathroom fixtures, materials, outdoor items, and surface coverings. The event will feature contributions from renowned designers and brands such as Zaha Hadid Design, industrial designer Michael Young, Swiss leather furniture brand de Sede, Italian furniture maker Poltrona Frau, and artist and textile designer Naja Utzon Popov.

Dharamshala International Film Festival
For four days each November, the picturesque mountain town of Dharamshala comes alive with filmmakers and film enthusiasts from India and beyond, all gathering for the Dharamshala International Film Festival. This vibrant celebration of independent cinema fosters a unique cultural exchange. Founded in 2012 by filmmakers Ritu Sarin and Tenzing Sonam, the festival aims to inspire the local Himalayan communities to engage with contemporary global cinema and art. It also seeks to foster dialogue and practices that support the creation and distribution of local films. The next edition of the Dharamshala International Film Festival is scheduled to take place from November 7 to 10, 2024.

Art Mumbai
Art Mumbai, the city's leading art fair, is poised to return for its second edition from November 14 to 17, 2024, at the renowned Mahalaxmi Racecourse. This year’s fair builds on the success of its inaugural edition, promising a broader and more immersive experience that combines the venue's timeless charm with an extensive and diverse showcase of modern and contemporary art from South Asia and beyond.

International Film Festival of India
From November 20 to 28, 2024, Goa will host the 55th edition of the International Film Festival of India (IFFI). Established in 1952, IFFI has held 54 editions to date, featuring both competitive and non-competitive segments. The festival has been an annual event since 1975. The upcoming edition will include a competition for feature films directed by filmmakers from around the globe. The previous year's festival, its 54th edition, showcased 278 films from 79 countries, out of over 3,574 entries from 106 nations. Highlights included 21 world premieres, 17 international premieres, 62 Asia premieres, and numerous India premieres.

Majuli Music Festival
The Majuli Music Festival (MMF) is an annual not-for-profit event held on the beautiful island of Majuli in Assam. Founded in 2019 by the Majuli Music Festival Foundation, the festival features over 30 artists from across India. Last year's lineup included performers such as Bishrut Saikia, Doctor Lincoln, Joi Barua, Lucky Ali, Nilotpal Bora, Salman Elahi, Trishna Gurung, the duo O Daapun, and bands like Avora Records, Jutimala and the Tai Folks, Madhouse Mongrels, Motherjane, Naalayak, The Midnight Taxi, and The Sleeping Satellite. The upcoming edition of the festival is scheduled for November 21 to 24, 2023, in Majuli, Assam.

Festival of Architecture and Interior Designing
Festival of Architecture and Interior Designing (FOAID), which began its journey in 2014, has become a premier event for the architecture and design community. This platform fosters a rich exchange of ideas and expressions through a range of conversations and conferences. This year, FOAID will take place in New Delhi on November 22-23 at the NSIC Grounds, Okhla. Known for its dynamic presentations and discussions, FOAID has featured over 70 design shows across India and hosted more than 1,000 inspirational talks, reaching an audience of over 50,000 worldwide. The festival aims to bring together diverse voices and perspectives in design, celebrating innovation and excellence in the field.

Words Paridhi Badgotri
Date 29.10.2024