Indian Film Festival Begins in Seattle with PM Modi’s Podcast Excerpts
The 1st Indian Film Festival in Seattle, Washington, took place from March 21 to March 23, 2025, celebrating India’s cinematic excellence and cultural heritage. The festival was held at the Museum of Pop Culture (MOPOP) and was jointly hosted by the Consulate General of India in Seattle and MOPOP.
A major highlight of the inaugural ceremony was the screening of excerpts from Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s podcast featuring AI researcher and MIT scientist Lex Fridman. In this podcast, the Prime Minister discussed the foundational idea of India and its message of unity in diversity. Additionally, a short documentary about the recently concluded Mahakumbh at Prayagraj was presented, showcasing India’s deep-rooted traditions.
The festival attracted prominent film and media personalities from Seattle, along with key dignitaries, including U.S. Congresswoman Pramila Jayapal (D-Washington), King County Council Vice Chair Sarah Perry, Port of Seattle Commissioner Sam Cho, and MOPOP CEO Michele Y. Smith.
Following the inaugural ceremony, the festival featured screenings of three iconic Indian films:
– March 21: English Vinglish
– March 22: Zindagi Na Milegi Dobara
– March 23: Raksha Bandhan
In recognition of India’s cinematic legacy, the King County administration officially declared March 21-23 as “Indian Cinema Festival Days” across all 39 cities in the Greater Seattle area.
A special photo exhibit titled “History of Indian Cinema” was also displayed at MOPOP Seattle, chronicling the evolution of Indian films and highlighting legendary titles and renowned filmmakers. The exhibit remained open to visitors until March 23, 2025.
The Indian Consulate in Seattle shared highlights of the event on social media, stating, “Excerpts of the Prime Minister’s podcast with Lex Fridman were viewed by participants at the inaugural ceremony of the 1st Indian Film Festival at MOPOP Seattle today.“
PM Modi’s vision of India, as shared in his March 16 podcast with Lex Fridman, served as a fitting introduction to the festival, reinforcing the connection between India’s cultural, historical, and cinematic identity.
With a mix of thought-provoking discussions, film screenings, and historical retrospectives, the Indian Film Festival in Seattle successfully brought Indian cinema closer to an international audience, leaving a lasting impact on the city’s cultural landscape.
