Karen Kshiti Suvarna’s September 21 Set for Cannes Premiere and May 22 Release

Young Kannada filmmaker Karen Kshiti Suvarna is set to mark a major milestone as she heads to the Cannes Film Festival. At just 22, she will speak at the ‘World Woman Cannes Agenda 2026’ alongside global voices like Moira Forbes, representing a rare achievement for a filmmaker from Karnataka.

Karen views this opportunity as more than a personal success, hoping it inspires young creators to think beyond boundaries and pursue global platforms.

Her debut feature September 21, starring Priyanka Upendra, marks a significant step in her career. The film also features Praveen Singh Sisodia, Zarina Wahab, Ajit Shidhaye, and Amit Behl in key roles.

September 21 will premiere at the Marché du Film on May 16, ahead of its theatrical release on May 22. Shot in both Kannada and Hindi, the film explores an emotional narrative centered on Alzheimer’s disease and the challenges faced by caregivers.

Karen previously gained recognition with her short film Hide and Seek, which was screened at the Cannes World Film Festival and earned accolades at the Dadasaheb Phalke Awards. In 2024, she was also honoured with the Best Female Debut Director award at the Dadasaheb Phalke Achievers Awards.

She is also scheduled to speak at the Cannes forum on May 12 and 13, addressing topics such as cinema, artificial intelligence, and social responsibility, with the session expected to reach a global audience.

The film had earlier generated buzz after being showcased in the Work-in-Progress section at the International Film Festival of Goa, further building anticipation for its release.