Thanks to an overwhelming response from Marathi film enthusiasts across the US and Canada, the NAFA Film Festival 2025 was a resounding success. Over 2,500 attendees enjoyed the festivities at The California Theatre. Festival Founder and President Abhijit Gholap described the three-day celebration as a “Diwali of entertainment.”
The opening day featured a grand and glamorous red carpet followed by the Film Awards Night. Several artists from Maharashtra were honored with various awards, including the prestigious NAFA Lifetime Achievement Award, which was presented to veteran actor Amol Palekar.
Day two kicked off with the official film screenings, inaugurated by a compelling speech from actor Sachin Khedekar. His address, which garnered significant attention, explored critical questions about the current state of Marathi cinema—why films are struggling, who is responsible, and what must change. Using data, he laid out reasons for the industry’s decline and explained how organizations like NAFA can play a pivotal role in its revival.
Featured screenings included Sant Dnyaneshwaranchi Muktai directed by Digpal Lanjekar and Snowflower by Gajendra Ahire, along with three NAFA-produced short films. A special Meet & Greet session with Sonali Kulkarni, Swapnil Joshi, and Vaidehi Parshurami saw enthusiastic participation from fans. Workshops offered direct interaction between artists and attendees—Ashwini Bhave and Avadhoot Gupte led experience-based sessions, while Prasad Phanse and Rohan Phanse conducted an informative dubbing workshop.
Significantly, the U.S. launch of Amol Palekar’s autobiography Aivaj and its English translation Viewfinder took place on the NAFA platform, followed by an interview with Palekar and Sandhya Gokhale conducted by Vikram Watve. US cricketer Saurabh Netravalkar was present as a special guest during the session.
Day two of the festival began with a special moment: US Congressman Shri Thanedar presented an official Certificate of Recognition from the US Congress to Abhijit Gholap on the NAFA stage. This was followed by the screening of three new short films and a panel discussion moderated by Dr Gauri Gholap with the directors of previously shown films: Shreemirjkar (Yogayog), Harsh Mahadeshwar (Submission), and Sandeep Karanjkar (The Girl with the Red Hat).
Short films in the student/supporting category were honored with awards:
- Best Short Film: Dumpyard
- Best Screenplay: Durva Nandapurkar (Bhangi)
- Best Cinematography: Bhushan Pal (Dumpyard)
- Best Editing: Ruchir Kulkarni (Changing Room)
- Special Mentions: Prafulla Kharkar (Biryani), Gargi Khode (Submission)
Further screenings included Chhabila directed by Anil Bhalerao and Raosaheb by Nikhil Mahajan. Masterclasses by Sonali Kulkarni, Swapnil Joshi, Sachin Khedekar, and Dr Mohan Agashe received deep appreciation from the audience.
A panel discussion on Marathi Cinema – Present, Future, and the Way Forward featured Madhur Bhandarkar, Avadhoot Gupte, Dr Mohan Agashe, Gajendra Ahire, Swapnil Joshi, Sonali Kulkarni, and Adinath Kothare, moderated by Vaidehi Parshurami.
During the closing ceremony, NAFA President Abhijit Gholap, along with Archana Saraf, Riya Thosar, Anup Nimkar, Laxman Apte, Vrushali Malpekar, Mansi Devlekar, and other NAFA members, interacted warmly with the audience. Gholap shared insights about the future of NAFA—new countries it aims to reach and the organization’s next steps for 2026.
