Indore Makes Its Mark on the Global Film Map: Uttera Singh’s Pinch Heads to Tribeca
TINA KHATRI
Indore
Indore is basking in pride as one of its own, director and actress Uttera Singh, takes a giant leap onto the international stage. Her debut feature film, Pinch, has been officially selected for the 2025 Tribeca Festival’s International Narrative Competition, placing the city of Indore on the global cinema map.
While the film’s trailer was recently unveiled at the Bharat Pavilion in Cannes, it is the upcoming world premiere at Tribeca in New York City this June that marks a true milestone — not just for Singh, but for the entire Indore creative community.
Set against the vibrant backdrop of Indian rural life, Pinch tells the story of Maitri, a young travel blogger whose spontaneous reaction to harassment sends ripples through her close-knit community. The film courageously addresses trauma, accountability, and the fight for dignity, weaving humor and poignancy into its narrative — all through a distinctly Indian lens.
Speaking about her journey from Indore to international recognition, Singh shared:
“It’s a surreal feeling. The film is deeply personal and rooted in my upbringing. To take this story from the streets and villages of Indore to one of the world’s top ten film festivals feels like a full-circle moment.”
A defining memory during production came while shooting a challenging overhead scene requiring a large crowd and a limited window of time with professional equipment. Despite the heat and logistical pressure, Singh recalled a moment of quiet encouragement from a local woman:
“She held my hand and said, ‘We’re here. Don’t worry. Get the shot.’ That support from my mother’s village reminded me why this film matters. It was made by, and for, my community.”
The film’s cast, a mix of talented newcomers and seasoned performers, brought depth and soul to the story. Singh called them “a dream to work with.”
Now, as Pinch prepares to premiere at Tribeca 2025, it carries with it not just a powerful narrative — but the spirit of Indore, a city increasingly being recognized for its contribution to India’s evolving cultural and cinematic identity.
“There’s no single path to success,” Singh said. “But if you trust your story and lean into your community, the world will listen.”
With Pinch, Uttera Singh has not only launched her international filmmaking career — she has also spotlighted Indore as a creative force, capable of shaping conversations far beyond its borders.
TINA KHATRI
Indore
Indore is basking in pride as one of its own, director and actress Uttera Singh, takes a giant leap onto the international stage. Her debut feature film, Pinch, has been officially selected for the 2025 Tribeca Festival’s International Narrative Competition, placing the city of Indore on the global cinema map.
While the film’s trailer was recently unveiled at the Bharat Pavilion in Cannes, it is the upcoming world premiere at Tribeca in New York City this June that marks a true milestone — not just for Singh, but for the entire Indore creative community.
Set against the vibrant backdrop of Indian rural life, Pinch tells the story of Maitri, a young travel blogger whose spontaneous reaction to harassment sends ripples through her close-knit community. The film courageously addresses trauma, accountability, and the fight for dignity, weaving humor and poignancy into its narrative — all through a distinctly Indian lens.
Speaking about her journey from Indore to international recognition, Singh shared:
“It’s a surreal feeling. The film is deeply personal and rooted in my upbringing. To take this story from the streets and villages of Indore to one of the world’s top ten film festivals feels like a full-circle moment.”
A defining memory during production came while shooting a challenging overhead scene requiring a large crowd and a limited window of time with professional equipment. Despite the heat and logistical pressure, Singh recalled a moment of quiet encouragement from a local woman:
“She held my hand and said, ‘We’re here. Don’t worry. Get the shot.’ That support from my mother’s village reminded me why this film matters. It was made by, and for, my community.”
The film’s cast, a mix of talented newcomers and seasoned performers, brought depth and soul to the story. Singh called them “a dream to work with.”
Now, as Pinch prepares to premiere at Tribeca 2025, it carries with it not just a powerful narrative — but the spirit of Indore, a city increasingly being recognized for its contribution to India’s evolving cultural and cinematic identity.
“There’s no single path to success,” Singh said. “But if you trust your story and lean into your community, the world will listen.”
With Pinch, Uttera Singh has not only launched her international filmmaking career — she has also spotlighted Indore as a creative force, capable of shaping conversations far beyond its borders.