IFF Stuttgart 2025 to host the premiere of Indian short film 'RU BA RU' in competition
The Indian short film "Ru Ba Ru", directed by Kapil Tanwar and produced by Anvita Gupta under her banner SHADAM Films, is set to make its international premiere at the Indian Film Festival Stuttgart 2025. The film, marking Tanwar's directorial debut, is a poignant and powerful story about two sisters—one a rudaali (a traditional professional mourner) and the other a dancer—who struggle to reclaim their agency in a society deeply influenced by caste dynamics.
The narrative explores themes of identity, cultural roles, and empowerment within this context. "Ru Ba Ru" is significant for its nuanced portrayal of marginalized voices and its artistic storytelling, which has earned it recognition on multiple international platforms. Its inclusion in the Stuttgart festival competition underscores its role in bringing Indian cultural stories—especially those addressing caste and women's roles—to a global audience, fostering greater understanding and dialogue on these issues through cinema.
Anvita Gupta, Producer of "Ru Ba Ru", emphasizes the importance of backing stories that are deeply Indian in soul but universally felt. She serves as the leader of an all-women leadership team, with Anita Gurnani as Co-Producer and Priyanka Chopra serving as Executive Producer. Anita Gurnani states that the film is a heartfelt project to amplify women's narratives that often go unheard.
"Ru Ba Ru" is rooted in folk tradition and cinematic flourish, showcasing the vibrancy of Indian cinema with song, dance, emotion, and deep-rooted storytelling. The film's richly textured narrative, cultural specificity, and resonant themes make it a moving reminder of the universal impact of local stories.
The film made an unforgettable impression at its Rajasthan State premiere at JIFF 2025, receiving a standing ovation and a special jury award. It has also been featured and competed in other notable festivals such as the International Kolkata Short Film Festival 2025 and the International Documentary & Short Film Festival of Kerala (IDSFFK).
The Spanish premiere of "Ru Ba Ru" is scheduled for September 2025. Esteemed author Mara Zaragoza Hidalgo praises the film for its honesty and universality. Kapil Tanwar, Director of "Ru Ba Ru", expresses his gratitude for the film's nomination at the Indian Film Festival Stuttgart 2025.
You can watch the trailer for "Ru Ba Ru" here. The film is heading to IFF Stuttgart on July 27th, marking another milestone in the global celebration of Indian independent cinema.
The Indian short film "Ru Ba Ru" has been recognized for its exploration of themes like women's leadership, cultural roles, andidentity, making it a significant entry in the global entertainment scene. In addition, the film's rich and moving narrative has been featured in various international events, including the Spanish premiere and the Indian Film Festival Stuttgart. Further, the film's crew consists of an all-women leadership team, highlighting women leadership in the movie-and-TV industry.
