Ava DuVernay will head the International Competition jury at the upcoming 17th Jio MAMI Mumbai Film Festival, organizers announced over the weekend.

"I’m thrilled to have been invited to head the international jury for MAMI and look forward to celebrating the work of a diverse array of filmmakers with energetic, engaged audiences in the dynamic city of Mumbai," Duvernay said in a statement.

“Ava DuVernay is one of the most exciting talents working in cinema today. Ava’s presence will inspire our filmmakers and energise our festival,” added MAMI festival director Anupama Chopra.

Filmmaker Hansal Mehta’s real-life inspired drama "Aligarh" has been selected to open the film festival, which runs from October 29 to November 5 in Mumbai, India, where some of the best in world cinema will screen for the people of Mumbai.

The International Competition section showcases the works of  debut filmmakers worldwide – a prestigious platform that shines a spotlight on new cinematic voices.

The festival is run by the Mumbai Academy of Moving Image popularly known as MAMI, its goal being to nurture and ignite a passion for movies. 

The 17th Jio MAMI’s Mumbai Film Festival will be held from October 29 to November 5, in the most populous and wealthiest city in India.

Today, Mumbai; tomorrow Cannes. Onward!