Vinod Kapri’s “Pyre” Marks Historic U.S. Premieres Across Three Cities

Indian filmmaker Vinod Kapri’s Pyre is carving a special place on the global stage. After collecting multiple international “Best Film” awards, the film is now scheduled to premiere across Washington D.C., Boston, and Chicago in September, making it the first Indian film to open in three major U.S. cities within one month.

The American journey begins on 7 September at the Washington D.C. South Asian Film Festival, where Pyre has been chosen as the Closing Night Film. It will then close the 8th India International Film Festival of Boston on 14 September, before reaching the Chicago South Asian Film Festival on 21 September.

Pyre's Director - Vinod Kapri

International Recognition

Earlier this year, Pyre secured five major awards in the space of a single month, including the Grand Jury Best Feature Film Award (“German Star of India Award”) at the 2025 Indian Film Festival in Stuttgart. In Spain and Britain, it collected four additional Best Film awards, with three chosen directly by audiences.

A Tale of the Mountain Elders

The film centres on Padam and Tulsi, an elderly couple left behind in their Himalayan village as younger generations move away. Troubled by the question of who will perform their last rites, their lives take an unexpected turn when a letter arrives from their estranged son after three decades of silence.

Still from the film Pyre

Kapri placed his trust in non-professional actors from the mountains, with 80-year-old Padam Singh and 70-year-old Heera Devi giving performances that have been warmly received across festivals.

Collaboration Across Borders

Pyre also carries an international creative team. Academy Award-winning composer Michael Danna, working with Amrita Vaz, created the score. Esteemed editor Patricia Rommel joined forces with Subhajit Singha, while celebrated poet and lyricist Gulzar wrote the songs. The film was produced by Kapri alongside Sakshi Joshi.

Still from the film Pyre

Festival Journey

The world premiere took place at the 28th Tallinn Black Nights International Film Festival in November 2024, where it won the Audience Choice Award. It was also the only Indian film in the official competition. In India, it opened the Bengaluru International Film Festival, earning a Jury Special Mention. The film has since travelled to Belgium’s MOOOV Film Festival and the New York Indian Film Festival, where both lead actors were nominated for Best Actor and Best Actress.

Through its sensitive story, natural performances, and cross-continental creative collaborations, Pyre affirms Kapri’s standing as a filmmaker whose work resonates with audiences far beyond its origins.