“The MAMI festival’s budget is only Rs 1.2 crore while big international festivals pump in more than Rs 5 crore,” says Sudhir Nandgaonkar, artistic director of the event.

However, the cinematic extravaganza, which was started by the late filmmaker Hrishikesh Mukherjee, hopes to get more sponsors as well as international flavour in the next few years.

When Saura visits, he will have a five-member Spanish delegation for company, apart from nearly 20 other international filmmakers. Spanish filmmakers were in focus in the last edition of the festival, too ,with films like Pedro Almodovar’s Volver showing. “They always respond warmly to our invitation,” says Shantaram, explaining the regular presence of Spanish delegations. Next year, the MAMI event is likely to play host to a Korean delegation.

Adding to the global parade will be the presence of Indian stalwarts. Dharmendra and Rishi Kapoor get Lifetime Achievement Awards while Gulzar will be honoured for his outstanding contribution and lyricist

Hitendra Ghosh for technical excellence. The spotlight will also be on Ritwik Ghatak.