Mumbai, June 22 (HS): Demography is Destiny, a documentary examining India's demographic landscape and the changing share of different communities in the population, was screened in the National Competition (Documentary) section of the 19th Mumbai International Film Festival (MIFF) 2026.

The documentary, directed by National Award-winning filmmaker Kamakhya Narayan Singh and Anshuman Shekhar and produced by Ravindra Sanghvi, was screened at the National Film Development Corporation (NFDC) venue in Mumbai on June 21.

According to the filmmakers, the documentary explores historical census data, demographic trends, fertility patterns, migration and their potential social, cultural and political implications. The film argues that long-term demographic changes could have a significant impact on India's future.

The screening was attended by Maharashtra Minister for Culture Ashish Shelar, Minister for Skill Development Mangal Prabhat Lodha and senior BJP leader Kirit Somaiya.

Speaking on the occasion, the dignitaries congratulated the filmmakers on the documentary's selection at MIFF and highlighted the importance of documentaries in encouraging discussion on issues of public interest.

Commenting on the film, director Kamakhya Narayan Singh said the documentary seeks to initiate a discussion on demographic trends and their long-term implications for society and public policy.

The documentary features interviews and perspectives from scholars, policymakers and public intellectuals, including Dr Jitendra Bajaj, Prof Santishree Dhulipudi Pandit, Vijaya Bharathi Sayani and Rajiv Malhotra.

Organised by the National Film Development Corporation under the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting, MIFF is among South Asia's leading festivals dedicated to documentary, short and animation films.

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Hindusthan Samachar / Indrani Sarkar