Missoula, Montana: The Consulate General of India (CGI) in Seattle, in collaboration with the Montana World Affairs Council, hosted the inaugural Festival of Indian Cinema at the University of Montana in Missoula from March 2-4, 2025.

Nearly 500 students from 33 schools participating in the Montana Academic World Quest 2025 attended the festival, which featured screenings of acclaimed Indian films such as English Vinglish; Zindagi Na Milegi Dobara; and Rakshabandhan on March 2nd, 3rd, and 4th, respectively, at the University Center Theater.

The festival’s opening ceremony was graced by the Mayor of Helena, Wilmot J. Collins, Consul General of India in Seattle, Prakash Gupta, and Montana World Affairs Council Executive Director, Nikki Geiszler.

“The Film Festival aimed to provide high school and university students from Montana with a better understanding of the richness and cultural diversity of India through the medium of Indian cinema,” said a statement from CGI, Seattle.

India was also the Theme Country for this year’s Academic World Quest, an annual multi-day conference offering high school students across Montana an immersive global experience, added the statement. 

Beyond film screenings, the event featured interactive sessions on Indian classical dance and music, along with presentations on India’s digital payment platforms and the recently concluded Maha Kumbh. Winning students from this year’s India Theme Country Academic World Quest are expected to visit India later this year.

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