Three-day celebration of Indian cinema begins at Museum of Pop Culture with dignitaries in attendance and a special showcase of PM Modi’s podcast with Lex Fridman.
Seattle [US], March 23 – The vibrant spirit of Indian cinema lit up Seattle as the 1st Indian Film Festival kicked off at the Museum of Pop Culture, drawing audiences and dignitaries alike for a three-day cultural celebration of film, heritage, and dialogue.
The festival’s inaugural ceremony featured special excerpts from Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s recent podcast with AI expert and podcaster Lex Fridman, focusing on the PM’s reflections on the “Idea of India” — setting a philosophical and cultural tone for the event.
“PM’s vision of the ‘Idea of India’ provided an important prelude to the festival,” said the Consulate General of India, Seattle, in a post on X (formerly Twitter).
Dignitaries Join in Celebration
The opening night saw participation from prominent local leaders, including US Congresswoman Pramila Jayapal, King County Council Member Sarah Perry, and Seattle Port Commissioner Sam Cho, underscoring the importance of cross-cultural dialogue through cinema.
Showcasing India’s Soul Through Art
As part of the festival’s offerings, attendees were treated to a short documentary on the recently concluded Mahakumbh at Prayagraj, one of the world’s largest spiritual gatherings, and a photo exhibition tracing the history of Indian cinema, capturing India’s cinematic evolution from black-and-white classics to global blockbusters.
PM Modi’s Podcast Sets the Tone
In his March 16 conversation with Lex Fridman, Prime Minister Modi spoke on a range of topics including technology, spirituality, democracy, and his belief that India is not just a nation, but an enduring idea that thrives on diversity and unity.
Fridman, an MIT researcher and AI expert, is known for his long-form podcasts with global leaders, scientists, and thinkers.
The Indian Film Festival in Seattle continues over the weekend with film screenings, panel discussions, and cultural programming designed to foster cross-cultural understanding and highlight the growing global influence of Indian cinema.