University of Montana hosts first-ever Indian film festival, engaging hundreds of students
By: Vandana Jhingan
The University of Montana recently became a hub of Indian culture and cinematic artistry, hosting the inaugural “Festival of Indian Cinema” from March 2nd to 4th, 2025. Organized by the Consulate General of India in Seattle, in partnership with the Montana World Affairs Council, the festival aimed to broaden the cultural horizons of Montana’s students.
The three-day event drew over 500 students from 33 schools participating in the Montana Academic World Quest 2025. The University Center Theater served as the venue for screenings of popular Indian films, including “English Vinglish,” “Zindagi Na Milegi Dobara,” and “Rakshabandhan.” These films were carefully selected to showcase the diversity and richness of Indian storytelling.
The festival’s opening ceremony was a notable affair, attended by Helena Mayor Wilmot J. Collins, Consul General of India in Seattle, Mr. Prakash Gupta, and World Affairs Council Executive Director, Ms. Nikki Geiszler. The event highlighted the importance of cultural exchange and understanding through cinema.
This year’s Academic World Quest, an annual multi-day conference hosted by the Montana World Affairs Council, featured India as its theme country. In addition to the film screenings, students participated in interactive sessions on Indian classical dance and music, presentations on India’s digital payment platforms, and discussions on the recent Maha Kumbh.
Consul General Prakash Gupta led an interactive panel discussion with students on the theme “Country India.” The event also featured a lecture-demonstration on Indian music and dance by the Prashanti Chitre Institute of Performing Arts (PCIPA).
A highlight of the event was the felicitation of the winning students of the India Theme Country Academic World Quest, who are expected to visit India later this year. The University of Montana’s President, Mr. Seth Bodnar, was also felicitated on the sidelines of the festival.
The festival provided a unique opportunity for Montana students to immerse themselves in Indian culture, fostering a deeper appreciation for its diverse traditions and contemporary advancements.