The North American Marathi Film Association (NAFA) was founded in the US last year under the visionary leadership of national award-winning producer Abhijeet Gholap—known for acclaimed films like Deool and Bharatiya. The debut festival, modeled after Hollywood’s grand celebrations, captured the attention of Marathi cinema lovers across the globe.
This one-of-a-kind celebration of Marathi cinema abroad will return even grander this year. The event will take place from July 25 to 27 at the majestic California Theatre in San Jose, California. Due to overwhelming demand, the two-day festival has now been extended to three days.
Day 1: July 25 – Red Carpet & Awards Night
The festival opens with Red Carpet registration, followed by a glamorous Red Carpet entry and the much-awaited NAFA Film Awards Night. U.S.-based audiences will get the rare opportunity to meet, interact, and click pictures with their favorite Marathi stars. The night will honor artists with various awards, including recognitions for local American talent and technicians. The prestigious event will feature a special appearance by Maharashtra’s Hon. Minister of Culture, Adv. Ashish Shelar.
Day 2: July 26 – World Premieres & Conversations
The day begins with registration at the main theatre, followed by a keynote by acclaimed actor Sachin Khedekar.
Under the NAFA World Premieres section, films like Sant Dnyaneshwaranchi Muktai and Snowflower will be showcased, with an engaging fireside chat featuring actor Swapnil Joshi and director Gajendra Ahire. Premieres of NAFA-produced short films Submission, Yogayog, and The Girl with the Red Hat will follow.
A panel discussion with U.S.-based talent featuring Shriyut Mirajkar, Harsh Mahadeshwar, and Sandeep Karanjkar, moderated by Dr. Gauri Gholap, will take place.
A special highlight will be the launch of new editions (Marathi, Hindi & English) of veteran actor-director Amol Palekar’s biography Aevaj. A fireside chat with Amol Palekar and Sandhya Gokhale will offer deeper insights.
This day’s events will be hosted by renowned filmmaker Vikram Watve.
Day 3: July 27 – Screenings & Masterclasses
The final day kicks off with recognition of the festival’s opening partners. Screenings of NAFA-winning short films like Dumpyard, Rada, and Biryani will take place, followed by the world premieres of feature films Chhabila, Ravsaheb, and Premachi Goshta 2.
The Student Spotlight segment will feature short films like Changing Room, Rebel, Kaju Katli, and The Anatomy of the Day.
A grand panel discussion with legends like Amol Palekar, Madhur Bhandarkar, Mahesh Kothare, Dr. Mohan Agashe, Sachin Khedekar, Sonali Kulkarni, Avadhoot Gupte, Adinath Kothare, and Vaidehi Parashurami will be held.
Parallel Events on July 26–27
NAFA has curated insightful programs across other auditoriums:
July 26:
Rhythm, Story & Truth with Avadhoot Gupte
Blending Narrative Art, Emotions & Tech in Film with Dr. Parag Havaldar
Crossing Borders: Cinema & Migration with Ashwini Bhave
Fantasy & Comedy in Marathi Cinema by Mahesh Kothare
Crafting Realism in Direction & Storytelling – Masterclass by Madhur Bhandarkar
July 27:
- So Cool Life: A Journey with Sonali Kulkarni
- Acting Transformations by Swapnil Joshi
- Voice, Presence & Truth by Sachin Khedekar
- Viewing Life Through the Camera Lens – Dr. Mohan Agashe’s Masterclass
Meet & Greet with Celebrities
On both days (July 26–27), fans can interact with their favourite celebrities:
- Lights, Camera, Kathak with Vaidehi Parashurami
- Film, Fame & Farm Fresh with Ashwini Bhave
- Stories That Matter with Sonali Kulkarni
- Romance, Roles & The Real Swapnil – from Swapnil Joshi himself
- Beyond the Spotlight with Sachin Khedekar
July 27:
- Tradition Meets Trends with Avadhoot Gupte
- Unfiltered Madhur – in conversation with Madhur Bhandarkar
- Kothare & Sons: A Filmi Family Affair by Mahesh Kothare
- Born to Be On Set by Adinath Kothare
Creators’ Meet-Up & Workshops
This year includes a youth-focused Creators’ Meet-Up:
July 26 (1–2 PM): Adinath Kothare and Aditya Patwardhan
July 27: Vaidehi Parashurami and Harsh Mahadeshwar discuss creative journeys of young talents.
Voice artist and actor Prasad Phanse will conduct dubbing workshops on both days, covering voice work for ads, films, and animation.
Meanwhile, a three-day Film Expo will run throughout the festival.
This NAFA Marathi Film Festival is being held in collaboration with 57 Maharashtra Mandals of BMM across the U.S.
For More Info & Detailed Schedule: Visit: https://northamericanfilmassociation.org
