Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar: “One must never accept defeat and keep fighting until everything comes together. During the 10th Ajanta-Ellora International Film Festival (AIFF) closing ceremony, renowned director and choreographer Farah Khan declared, “Where there is will and positivity, there is a way.” The film Santiniketan received this year’s coveted Golden Kailas Award. Amid cheers, Deepankar Prakash, the film’s director, accepted the prize.
In an atmosphere of excitement, the annual Ajanta-Ellora International Film Festival (AIFF), which celebrates critically acclaimed films from around the world, came to an end. A number of notable guests graced the closing ceremony, including Farah Khan, who engaged with the audience.
MGM University’s Chancellor Ankushrao Kadam, Festival Organizing Committee Chairperson Nandkishor Kagliwal, MGM University Vice-Chancellor Dr Vilas Sapkal, Festival Director Sunil Sukthankar, Artistic Director Chandrakant Kulkarni, Convener Nilesh Raut, Centre Director of Prozone Kamal Soni, Oscar-winning sound designer Rasool Pookutty, and Dhananjay Sawalkar, Joint Managing Director of the Maharashtra Film, Stage, and Cultural Development Corporation, were among the other dignitaries on the dais.
Farah Khan expressed her happiness at being a part of the festival by saying, “I am really happy to be a part of this festival.” It has been put together with unparalleled enthusiasm and gives local artists a stage. As soon as I learned about the festival, I decided to take part.
Ashutosh Gowariker, the honorary chairperson of the festival, said, “The audience here demonstrates immense enthusiasm for cinema. Marathwada is home to many talented artists. This is the first festival I’ve attended where I couldn’t watch a single film because the past five days were packed with so many activities. However, I attended all the masterclasses and discussions, which gave me an opportunity to learn a lot.”
Padma Shri Rasool Pookutty, the Oscar-winning sound designer, appreciated the festival, saying, “It is commendable that such a film festival is being organized in a region like Marathwada. The audience here has played an important role in the success of the festival, with their immense love and passion for cinema.”
“The festival’s five days went by quickly. Working with the jury, the audience, and the directors was a true pleasure. I want to express my sincere gratitude to everyone who helped make this festival a huge success, whether directly or indirectly. “It is incredibly touching to see the tremendous response from viewers to the films and masterclasses,” Festival Director Sunil Sukthankar said.
The festival’s artistic director, Chandrakant Kulkarni, emphasized the wide range of attendees, stating, “This festival attracted audiences from 30 cities, from Nanded to New York. Viewers ranging in age from 18 to 85 attended the screenings of films from 24 different countries. This festival is unique because a number of directors are actively involved as organizers, creating films while learning and applying what they learn to make it better.
“Having recently been to film festivals in Pune and Mumbai, I can say with confidence that the Ajanta-Ellora International Film Festival is in no way less attractive and important,” stated Dhananjay Sawalkar, Joint Managing Director of the Maharashtra Film, Stage, and Cultural Development Corporation. The local audience is incredibly enthusiastic. The state government will continue to support such initiatives, as it has in the past.
“The Ajanta-Ellora International Film Festival, inspired by the motto ‘This world is a home,’ has consistently connected Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar to global cultural movements for the past nine years,” said Ankushrao Kadam, Chancellor of MGM University, in reference to the festival’s wider cultural impact. It was an honor to watch renowned filmmaker Sai Paranjpye, who is 87 years old, accept the festival’s honor this year. Her passion emphasized the value of film as a source of inspiration and vitality as well as a form of entertainment. One of the movies here, in my opinion, will make it to the Oscars.
A newsletter prepared by MGM University’s School of Journalism and Mass Communication students – MGM Inspire was also released at the hands of dignitaries on the occasion.
The last of the festival began with the screening of Oscar-winning sound designer Rasool Pookutty’s film ‘Otta’ followed by the documentary on Kumar Gandharva ‘Phool Ka Chand’. It was followed by a masterclass by the multifaceted Farah Khan, known for her work as an actress, producer, director, and choreographer. The festival closed with the Screening of ‘The Seed of the Sacred Fig’ by director Mohammad Rasoulof.
The program was moderated by director Jayaprad Desai and Priyanka Shah, while the vote of thanks was delivered by Prof. Shiv Kadam.
10th Ajanta-Ellora International Film Festival 2024: Award Winners
1. Golden Kailas Award (Best Indian Film):
Film: Shantiniketan
Director:Deepankar Prakash
Award comprises: ₹1,00,000, Golden Kailas Trophy, and Certificate
2. Silver Kailas Award (Best Actor – Indian Film):
Winner: Neeraj Saidawat
Film: Shantiniketan
Director:Deepankar Prakash
Award comprises: ₹25,000, Silver Kailas Trophy, and Certificate
3. Silver Kailas Award (Best Actress – Indian Film):
Winner: Bhanita Das
Film:Village Rockstars 2
Director: Rima Das
Award comprises: ₹25,000, Silver Kailas Trophy, and Certificate
4. Silver Kailas Award (Best Script – Indian Film):
Winner: Subhadra Mahajan
Film: Second Chance
Award comprises: ₹25,000, Silver Kailas Trophy, and Certificate
5. Special Jury Mention (Indian Films):
Film:Village Rockstars 2
Director: Rima Das
6. Special Jury Mention (Actress):
Winner: Nanda Yadav
Film: Shantiniketan
Director:Deepankar Prakash
7. Best Short Film (Marathwada Competition):
Film: Thokala
Director: Vaibhav Nirgut
Award Includes: ₹25,000, Silver Kailas Trophy, and Certificate
8. MGM Short Film Competition (Best Short Film):
Film: Janiv
Director: Swapnil Sarode
Award Includes: ₹25,000, Silver Kailas Trophy, and Certificate
9. FIPRESCI India Award (Best Film):
Film: In the Arms of the Tree
Director: Babak Khajepasha
10. Audience Choice Award (Best Film):
Film: Savanna and the Mountain
Director: Paolo Carneiro