Ashutosh Gowariker At AIFF: Marathwada Has Potential To Become Preferred Destination For Filmmaking

Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar, January 8 - The Annual celebration of acclaimed cinema from around the world, the 9th Ajanta-Ellora International Film Festival concluded yesterday with a grand closing ceremony at Inox, Prozone Mall in the city. Interacting with the audience on this occasion, renowned film director Ashutosh Gowariker, highlighted Marathwada's potential to become a preferred film production hub at the national level.

Gowariker applauded the festival's progress over the years and expressed his delight at witnessing the 'Marathwada Short Film Competition' within the festival. Reflecting on his association with the region, he mentioned his visits to Ajanta and Ellora caves a decade ago and more recent visits during his reiki for Panipat film. Gowariker said that the festival's growth is a testament to the cultural advancement of the region.

The closing ceremony was graced by several other distinguished personalities, including Special Inspector General of Police Dnyaneshwar Chavan, Chhatrapati Sambhaji Nagar Municipal Commissioner G. Sreekanth, Indian Competition Jury Chairman Dhritiman Chatterjee, FiPresci India Jury Chairman N Manu Chakravarthy and members Sreedevi P. Aravind and Sachin Chatte.

Looking ahead, the Chairman of the Organizing Committee, Nandkishore Kagliwal expressed enthusiasm for the 10th year of the festival, anticipating a grand celebration in a larger format. Festival Director Ashok Rane credited the success of the festival to the dedicated organizing committee, fostering healthy competition between Marathwada films and international cinema. He said that a 'Young Critic Lab' will be formed this year for the students who are aspiring to become film critics.

The winners' list of the 9th Ajanta-Ellora International film Festival is as follows:

1. Golden Kailash Award (Best Indian Film) :
Sthal (A Match)
Director - Mr. Jayant Digambar Somalkar

2. Silver Kailash Award (Best Actor - Indian Film) :
Shri. Deva Gadekar (Valli)
Director - Manoj Shinde

3. Silver Kailash Award (Best Actress - Indian Film) Jointly given to,
a) Varsha S. Ajit (Valli)
b) Nandini Chikte (Sthal)

4. Silver Kailash Award (Best Script - Indian Film)
Nellier Kotha (the Nellie Story)
Written & Directed by: Parthajit Baruah

5. Special Jury Mention (Indian Film) :
Kayo, Kayo Color? (Which Color)
Director - Shah Rukh Khan Chawda

6. Best Short Film (Marathwada Competition):
Don Dhruva (Two Poles)
Director - Hrishikesh Daud

7. Marathwada Short Film Competition Special Mention:
Nayika (Heroine)
Director - Shriya Dixit and Rohit Nikam

8. Marathwada Short Film Competition Special Mention:
Infinite Nightmare
Director - Deepesh Bitke

9. MGM Short Film Competition (Best Short Film):
Talwar
Director - Siddhant Rajput

10. Fipresci India Award (Best Film):
Sweet Dreams
Director - Ena Sendijarević

11. Fipresci India Special Mention:
Where the Road Leads
Director -Nina Ognjanovic

12. Fipresci Special Mention Award:
Valli
Director - Manoj Shinde

13. Audience Choice Award (Best Film):
Fallen Leaves
Director - Aki Kaurismaki