With a mission to celebrate Indian cinema and elevate it globally, Anil Mishra’s leadership continues to shape DPIFF into a world-class cultural platform.

Anil Mishra, the Founder and Managing Director of the Dadasaheb Phalke International Film Festival (DPIFF), has dedicated his career to honoring cinematic brilliance and preserving the rich heritage of Indian film. Under his stewardship, DPIFF has grown into one of the most respected and widely recognized film festivals in the country — and now, globally. With a deep-rooted passion for the arts and a clear vision for India’s cultural future, Anil Mishra has positioned DPIFF as a premier platform that not only acknowledges legendary contributions to cinema but also empowers emerging talent across borders. His commitment to authenticity, transparency, and creative integrity remains the cornerstone of DPIFF’s continuing success.

A visionary leader, social reformer, and cultural ambassador, Anil Mishra has dedicated his life to service, nation-building, and the empowerment of the creative arts in India. From humble beginnings in a small village in Uttar Pradesh, where he was raised in a police family, Anil’s journey is a remarkable testament to resilience, grit, and unwavering determination. At the age of 15, he moved to Mumbai with a heart full of dreams and began his career by selling fruits near Film City, gradually transitioning to roles as a spot boy, celebrity assistant, and eventually a production manager—each step shaping his unbreakable work ethic and love for cinema.

Fuelled by a desire to bring meaningful change, Anil entered government service in 2001, and over the years, served in key advisory roles across prestigious ministries including Textiles, Telecom, Consumer Affairs, and Information & Broadcasting. His strategic insights and grassroots experience earned him positions on multiple advisory and consultative boards where he contributed to national policy-making with a strong focus on rural development, industry diversification, and cultural diplomacy.

In 2016, his passion for cinema culminated in the founding of the Dadasaheb Phalke International Film Festival (DPIFF)—India’s only independent international film festival honoring the legacy of cinema’s founding father. Under his leadership, DPIFF has grown into one of the most respected platforms for filmmakers globally, promoting storytelling excellence, Indian heritage, and cinematic innovation.

Beyond his entrepreneurial pursuits, Anil is widely celebrated as a committed social activist. Through the We For World Foundation, he has led countless initiatives—from tree plantations and beach clean-up drives to education and ration support for underprivileged communities, especially during the COVID-19 pandemic. A firm believer in Swadeshi, he works closely with the Ministry of Tourism to promote Indian destinations and attract global filmmakers to shoot on native soil.

A man of action and empathy, Anil’s professional skills span leadership, public speaking, administration, and strategic collaboration. Whether mentoring youth, launching CSR campaigns, or driving sustainable development, his mission remains clear—to uplift society, celebrate culture, and make India a beacon of creativity and progress on the global stage.