Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar, Jan 16: The Ajanta-Ellora International Film Festival (AIFF) has demonstrated that cultural and artistic initiatives are no longer a prerogative of big cities like Pune and Mumbai, a small-town festival can also make its mark on the national and international level. The festival has also played an important role in educating the youth of Marathwada about cinema, said Padma Bhushan Sai Paranjpye during her address.

The grand inauguration ceremony of the 10th AIFF, which brings some of the world’s finest films to film lovers in Marathwada, was held at the Rukmini Auditorium of MGM University. The Padmapani Lifetime Achievement Award for 2025 was conferred upon the eminent screenwriter, producer, and director Padma Bhushan Smt. Sai Paranjpye for her invaluable contribution to Indian cinema during the event.The award comprised a Paithani shawl, a memento, a citation, and a cash prize of ₹2 lakhs. Sai Paranjpye graciously accepted the honour and shared her thoughts with the audience on the occasion.

The ceremony was graced by several prominent personalities including Vikas Kharge, Principal Secretary to the Chief Minister of Maharashtra, AIFF’s Honorary Chairperson and acclaimed filmmaker Ashutosh Gowariker,Chancellor of MGM University Ankushrao Kadam, AIFF’s organizing Committee Chairman Nandkishore Kagliwal, FIPRESCI Jury Chairperson Latika Padgaonkar, actress Seema Biswas, MGM University Vice-Chancellor Dr. Vilas Sapkal,AIFF Festival Director Sunil Sukthankar, Artistic Director Chandrakant Kulkarni, and Convener Nilesh Raut, among others.

Responding to the award, Sai Paranjpye said, “I simply want to say that although it came late, my work has finally been recognized, and it feels wonderful to receive the ‘Padmapani Lifetime Achievement Award’. It’s a great honour for me. I humbly and joyfully accept it.”

She added, “The AIFF is a unique initiative, a platform for the audience as well as artists from the region. It is their very own festival.” She further said that Marathi cinema is rebounding in the past 20 years. A large number of cinema are made every year in Marathi and most importantly many of them originate from the soil, far removed from urban culture. These films are born out of the passion, personal struggles, and social concerns of aspiring directors. While some may have technical limitations, their profound narratives strike a chord with the audience. The diversity of topics explored in these films is truly inspiring.”

Speaking on the occasion, Principal Secretary to the Chief Minister of Maharashtra Vikas Kharge underlined the importance of cinema in cultural landscapes and how it works as a soft power on both Indian and international platforms. He expressed his pleasure at the growth of international film festival in Maharashtra, stating, “This festival provide an opportunity to watch both Indian and international films. Highlighting the support from the state government, he added, “The Maharashtra government has always extended its support to filmmakers by offering several incentive schemes. Each year, ₹100 crore is allocated as grants for Marathi cinema.”

The Honorary Chairperson and acclaimed filmmaker Ashutosh Gowariker, reflected on the festival’s journey: “What began in a small town has now become a widely celebrated event across the nation. This festival is unique because several directors who are actually making films and working in the field are leading it. It not only entertains but also educates and inspires audiences and artists.”

Sunil Sukthankar, the Festival Director, shared his personal connection with the festival, stating, “I previously participated in the Ajanta Ellora International Film Festival as a jury member, and now, serving as its director brings me immense joy. Through this festival, we strive to narrate the journey of humanity through the lens of cinema.”

The Artistic Director of AIFF, Chandrakant Kulkarni said, “It is an honour for me that this festival is being held in my hometown. This is the landmark 10th anniversary. It is the only festival in the country leading to the establishment of a film school, MGM Film School. This festival ranks among the top 10 significant film festivals in India and has grown beyond being a local event to achieving national prominence.” He further added, “It is an essential platform for showcasing the talents of artists from this region.”

Nandkishore Kagliwal, Chairman of the organizing committee, warmly welcomed all film lovers attending the festival. He stated, “This festival has become synonymous with the city’s identity. Guided by five eminent directors, it provides a platform for talented artists from this region to shine.”

Following the inauguration, a globally acclaimed French-Tamil film ‘Little Jaffna’, was screened as the festival’s opening film at PVR-Inox, Prozone Mall.

Audience Relives the Century-Old Silent Film Kaliya Mardan

Prior to the inauguration ceremony, a special screening of the iconic silent film ‘Kaliya Mardan,’ directed by the father of Indian cinema, Dadasaheb Phalke, 105 years ago, was held. In keeping with the tradition of silent films being accompanied by live music, this screening was accompanied by a live musical performance by the Kolkata-based group Satabdir Shabdo. The talented artists of the musical group included Satyaki Banerjee, Suchal Chakraborty, Tirthankar Banerjee, Sumanta Guha, Soumalya Sareswari, Arunava Gupta, Dibyokamal Mitra, and Swaroop Mukherjee. Their live performance added a mesmerizing dimension to the silent classic and offered the audience a unique glimpse into the early era of Indian cinema.

The festival catalogue with detailed information about the films at the festival was unveiled. A journal on AIFF prepared by students of MGM’s School of Journalism and Mass Communication was also released during the ceremony. The program was elegantly moderated by Neeta Pansare and Priyanka Shah, while a vote of thanks was delivered by Prof. Shiv Kadam.