Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar | The 11th Ajanta-Ellora International Film Festival (AIFF), a celebration of acclaimed films from around the world, concluded with a grand closing ceremony at Prozone Mall. In the highlight of the evening, the prestigious Golden Kailas Award for the best film in the Indian Film Competition was conferred upon the film Parajya directed by Mahadev Hadapad.
The ceremony was graced by a distinguished lineup of guests, including renowned filmmaker Aanand L. Rai, Oscar-winning sound designer Resul Pookutty, Organizing Committee Chairman Nandkishor Kagliwal, MGM University Chancellor Ankushrao Kadam and Vice-Chancellor Dr. Vilas Sapkal. Also present on the occasion were the Festival Director Sunil Sukthankar, Artistic Director Chandrakant Kulkarni, Creative Director Jayprad Desai, Dnyanesh Zoting, Convener Nilesh Raut, FIPRESCI India Jury Chairperson C.S. Vyankateshwaran, MGMU Registrar Dr. Ashish Gadekar, Director of Prozone Mall Kamal R. Soni, Dr. Shiv Kadam and several other prominent figures from different walks of life.
Speaking at the event, director Aanand L. Rai shared an inspirational message with the audience, “True living is doing what your heart loves. Success and failure are inevitable parts of any journey but the most important thing is to never stop learning from both experiences. I learnt many things during my time at this festival and I look forward to returning here again and again.”
MGM University Chancellor Ankushrao Kadam expressed happiness over the festival’s growing national reputation. “The Ajanta-Ellora Film Festival is expanding every year and is now a subject of national conversation. This year, we welcomed film enthusiasts from across the country, from Kolkata and Delhi to Hyderabad, Kerala, and Chennai. The festival goes far beyond entertainment and serves a larger purpose. It educates us, creates awareness about arts in society and broadens our understanding of life.”
Nandkishor Kagliwal, Chairman of the Organizing Committee, noted the high level of participation from filmmakers. Unraveling the power of cinema, he said, “Cinema has a unique ability to touch the human heart.” He also announced the introduction of Marathi Film Competition from the next year. The best film in this competition will be rewarded with the Suvarna Shalivahana Award.
Resul Pookutty expressed his admiration for the region’s passion for art. He said that it is truly commendable to see a film festival of this calibre thriving in a region like Marathwada. The audience here plays an important role in its success. “I am so moved by this experience that I intend to be a part of this festival every single year,” he added.
The 11th edition of the festival showcased a diverse range of global and Indian cinema, further cementing its place as a premier cultural event. The ceremony concluded with a vote of thanks, celebrating the spirit of cinema that continues to thrive in the heart of Maharashtra.
The Director of the festival Sunil Sukthankar expressed happiness on the overwhelming turnout this year. “The response from film lovers has been incredible. It was heartening to see so many veterans from the film industry attending screenings just like ordinary fans. I want to extend my deepest gratitude to everyone who contributed, directly or indirectly, to making this edition a success,” he said.
The Artistic Director Chandrakant Kulkarni expressed a deep sense of fulfilment at the closing ceremony. “There is a great feeling of satisfaction today. A unique aspect of this festival is that it is organized by a dedicated team of directors. Its reach is expanding every year. Today, the Ajanta-Ellora Film Festival is a recognized name across India, drawing audiences from every corner of the country.”
The ceremony also featured the launch of ‘MGM Inspire,’ a special festival newsletter curated by the students of the MGM College of Journalism and Mass Communication. The event was moderated by Prof. Shiv Kadam, while Festival Convener Nilesh Raut delivered the formal vote of thanks.
11th Ajanta-Ellora International Film Festival: Award Winners :
Winners in Indian Film Competition:
Golden Kailas Award (Best Film):
Film name: Parajya
Director: Mahadev Hadapad
Prize: ₹1,00,000, Golden Kailas Memento and Citation
Silver Kailas Award (Best Actor)
Winner: Prajwal Kollal
Film: Parjya
Prize: ₹25,000, Silver Kailas Memento, and Citation
Silver Kailas Award (Best Actress)
Winner: Naaz Sheikh (Thooya)
Film: Songs of Forgotten Trees
Prize: ₹25,000, Silver Kailas Memento, and Citation
Silver Kailas Award (Best Screenplay)
Winner: Anuparna Roy
Film: Songs of Forgotten Trees
Prize: ₹25,000, Silver Kailas Memento, and Citation
Special Jury Mention (Film)
Film: Magazine
Director: Shubham Sanjay Shevade
Special Jury Mention (Film)
Film: Secret of a Mountain Serpent
Director: Nidhi Saxena
Marathwada Short Film Competition
Best Film
Film: Mukta – Article 21 A
Director: Satish Dhutadmal
Prize: ₹25,000, Silver Kailas Memento, and Citation
Special Mentions
Bayaan (Director: Akash Wahtule)
Sultan (Director: Avinash Kambikar)
MGM Short Film Competition
Best Short Film
Film: Nirvana
Director: Kanha Chetna Dnyaneshwar
Prize: ₹25,000, Silver Kailas Memento and Citation
FIPRESCI India Award
Best Film
Film: Songs of Forgotten Trees
Director: Anuparna Roy
Special Mention (Film)
Film: Silent Rebellion
Director: Marie-Elsa Sgualdo
Audience Choice Award (Best Film)
Film: Sabar Bonda
Director: Rohan Kanwade