Media Release
Mangaluru, Apr 18: The makers of 'September 21', a Hindi-Kannada feature directed by 22-year-old filmmaker Karen Kshiti Suvarna, have announced that the film has been officially selected for screening under the Marché du Film segment at the 79th Cannes Film Festival 2026, scheduled from May 12 to 23.
The selection marks a significant international milestone for the project, placing it on one of the world’s most prestigious film industry platforms.
Produced by Visica Films, FMD Productions and HumaraMovie in association with Filmsmax, the film is set for its world premiere at 5:45 pm on May 16, at the Palais Theatre, Cannes.
The announcement was shared by the team along with the release of the film’s official teaser.
In a statement, the makers said: “Presenting 'September 21' our debut film that dares to look beyond the patient to the caregiver’s invisible grief. To take this story to Cannes with a 22-year-old director at the helm… we’re overwhelmed and grateful to share this moment with all of you. This is a dream come true with our dream team.”
They added: “Thank you for the unconditional belief in a story about silence, Alzheimer’s, and love that stays even when memory fades. It means everything.”
Written by Rajshekhar with music by Vinayy Chandraa, 'September 21' explores the emotional world of a family affected by Alzheimer’s disease. The narrative follows a father living with dementia who believes his wife still resides next door, while his estranged son is forced to confront the conflict between personal ambition and familial duty.
The film stars Pravin Singh Sisodia, Priyanka Upendra, Zarina Wahab, Ajith Shidhaye and Amit Behl in key roles.
The project is endorsed by the Alzheimer’s and Related Disorders Society of India (ARDSI), lending medical and social credibility to its portrayal of caregiving and memory loss.
HumaraMovie, associated with Preety Ali, wife of film-maker Imtiaz Ali, and Vinay Mishra, has previously supported internationally screened independent films such as Follower and Tortoise Under the Earth. Visica Films is known for emotionally driven independent narratives.
At just 22, Karen Kshiti Suvarna’s debut marks one of the youngest Indian directorial entries to be showcased at Cannes, particularly in the Marché du Film, the festival’s largest global film market.
Speaking about the film’s theme, Suvarna said: “The struggles faced by caregivers are much greater than the struggles faced by Alzheimer’s patients. I wanted the audience to feel that silence and emotional weight.”
The 79th Cannes Film Festival will be held in Cannes, France, from May 12 to 23, featuring 21 films competing for the Palme d’Or, alongside sections such as Un Certain Regard and out-of-competition screenings.
Running concurrently, the Marché du Film (May 12–20) will function as the world’s largest film market, hosting thousands of industry professionals and film titles.