Under the patronage of the Swachh Bharat Abhiyan, Dadasaheb Phalke International Film Festival reaffirms its dedication to environmental sustainability through their Mithi River Clean-Up Initiative.

This impactful initiative empowered volunteers to focus their efforts on three major areas of concern: addressing liquid & solid waste management and transforming the mindset of the people living along the riverbanks. By tackling these key issues, the initiative aimed to create a sustainable environment and promote long-term positive change within the community.

Till date, more than 7 Million Kgs of plastic and filth have been removed from the River bed. Volunteers have strategically targeted three key locations, providing training to households adjacent to the river. The focus has been on addressing solid waste management and transforming the community mindset towards adopting a circular economy, reducing garbage generation and promoting sustainable living practices.

Volunteers visit three locations to train households living near the river, focusing on two main areas: solid waste management and changing people’s mindset. The main motive is to promote a circular economy, reduce waste, and encourage sustainable living.

The actions taken at the pre-litter and litter stages have led to training 500,000 citizens and 200,000 students through awareness campaigns to adopt a circular economy. They clean beaches, mangroves, and rivers weekly, helping reduce plastic pollution. Apart from that 70 million plastic pieces have been prevented from entering water bodies by reducing waste at the source. So far, over 700,000 kg of plastic waste has been recycled, thanks to a strong waste management system.

Over the years, DPIFF has received praise from many important leaders and government bodies in India. The Prime Minister, Home Minister, Finance Minister, and ministries such as the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting, Ministry of Education, and Ministry of Environment have all recognized the organization for its strong commitment to sustainable development.

As one of ten Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) initiatives planned for the year, this clean-up drive holds the potential to rejuvenate and restore Mumbai’s fragile river ecosystems. This ongoing commitment highlights DPIFF’s role as a catalyst for positive environmental change, made possible through the support of the 2025 edition’s Powered by Partner, Acer and Co-powered by Partners Tecno, Haldiram’s and Senco Gold & Diamonds.

“At Dadasaheb Phalke International Film Festival, we believe that cinema is not just a medium of entertainment, but also a powerful tool for driving positive change. Our Mithi River Clean-Up Drive is a testament to our unwavering commitment towards environmental sustainability and our determination to raise awareness about the fragile state of Mumbai’s waterways. By bringing together passionate volunteers and leveraging the influence of our platform, we aim to inspire collective action for a greener, cleaner future. This initiative, alongside our continued efforts in promoting sustainable development, reinforces DPIFF’s dedication to creating a lasting social impact.” — Abhishek Mishra, CEO of DPIFF and Consultative Committee Member of FCI, Ministry of Consumer Affairs, Food & Public Distribution   

The annual award ceremony has, over the years, highlighted 15+ revered states of India, showcasing their unique contributions alongside Incredible India and the Pradhanmantri Sangrahalaya. This celebration emphasizes the diverse cultural and historical richness of these states, reflecting the nation’s broad heritage and achievements. The occasion is a night of opulence and festivity, bringing together cultural brilliance from every corner of the country and paying tribute to the exceptional talent that graces the land. It is held in the presence of dignitaries from the Ministry, celebrities, industry heavyweights and media personnel.   

The theme ‘A World Stage: The Global Legacy of Indian Cinema’ will be exalted at Dadasaheb Phalke International Film Festival Awards 2025. The universal acclaim achieved by Indian cinema will be commemorated, along with its monumental contributions to the cultural and artistic elevation of international filmmaking. Legendary megastars and pioneering filmmakers will be celebrated with profound reverence under this emblem of unity and cinematic grandeur.   

For more information on Dadasaheb Phalke International Film Festival Awards 2025, please visit https://dpiff.in/