Globally Acclaimed Films to Watch at Yellowstone International Film Festival 2025

The Yellowstone International Film Festival (YIFF), taking place in Mumbai from November 13–20, 2025, is bringing some of the world’s most celebrated and thought-provoking films to Indian audiences. From festival favourites at Cannes, Berlin, and Venice to bold Indian indies making global waves, this year’s line-up reflects the power of cinema to question, connect, and inspire.

Here are seven standout films from YIFF’s 2025 official selection that have already earned global acclai

1. Holy Rosita (Belgium)

A darkly comic and deeply human story about a woman who hides her pregnancy from everyone around her, Holy Rosita explores the fragile boundary between desire, denial, and self-liberation. The film premiered at the Cannes Film Festival 2024 (Directors’ Fortnight) and went on to screen at Sarajevo Film Festival and BFI London, earning praise for its fearless storytelling and nuanced performance by lead actor Maaike Neuville.

2. Aurora (Estonia)

From celebrated filmmakers Rain Tolk and Andres Maimik, Aurora delves into faith, secrecy, and moral conflict through the story of a pastor’s daughter grappling with a crisis of conscience. Screened at the Tallinn Black Nights Film Festival (PÖFF) and Warsaw International Film Festival, it has been hailed for its bold narrative style and emotional depth.

3. Kaisi Ye Paheli (India)

Set in the misty hills of Northeast India, Kaisi Ye Paheli is a haunting murder mystery that follows a mother’s desperate attempt to reconnect with her estranged son, now investigating a crime that changes both their lives. After receiving critical acclaim at the Berlin Independent Film Festival and the Tokyo Lift-Off Global Network, the film brings regional Indian cinema into the global spotlight with its atmospheric storytelling and strong performances.

4. Caravan (Czech)

A deeply evocative film about migration, memory, and human resilience, Caravan follows the intertwined lives of travelers searching for belonging in a changing world. The film premiered at Cannes Film Festival and it received a theatrical release in the Czech Republic, where it was praised for its lyrical cinematography and poetic narrative. Its selection at YIFF 2025 further cements its place among the year’s most soulful global stories.

5. Aisha Can’t Fly (Egypt)

Aisha Can’t Fly is a tender and introspective drama that explores identity, freedom, and the invisible boundaries imposed by society. After premiering at the Cannes International Film Festival, the film has been applauded for its intimate storytelling and universal themes.

6. Beautiful Evening, Beautiful Day (Canada / Croatia)

A sweeping period drama about art, repression, and survival, Beautiful Evening, Beautiful Day revisits Communist-era Yugoslavia through the lens of four filmmakers whose freedom and identity are under threat. The film has been showcased at both the Venice International Film Festival and the Berlin International Film Festival, earning accolades for its layered narrative and exquisite production design.

Each of these films has travelled across the world’s top film festivals and now, through YIFF 2025, Indian audiences can experience them right here in Mumbai. From bold experiments in storytelling to emotionally charged performances, the line-up promises to make Yellowstone International Film Festival 2025 a truly global celebration of cinema.