“It is the perception that cultural and arts projects are implemented only in Pune and Mumbai. However, the Ajanta – Ellora International Film Festival has made the people of Marathwada cinema literate,” opined noted filmmaker and Padma Bhushan Awardee Sai Paranjape.
She was speaking during the inauguration of the 10th Ajanta Ellora Film Festival at the Rukhmini Hall in the MGM University Campus on Wednesday. The Lifetime Achievement Award during the festival was presented to Paranjape. The award included a Paithani saree, a memento, a citation, and Rs 2 lakh in cash.
AIFF 2025 ignites with a cinematic explosion of talent, culture, and youthful energy!
— Ajanta-Ellora International Film Festival (@aeiffest) January 16, 2025
Nandkishor Kagliwal Sir sets the tone, highlighting AIFF as a melting pot of diverse genres and cultural richness. This isn’t just a festival; it’s a celebration of our city’s soul!#AIFF2025 pic.twitter.com/yDHMvHxOSY
Chief Minister’s Additional Chief Secretary Vikas Kharge, Festival Chairman and film director Ashutosh Gowarikar, MGM University Chancellor Ankushrao Kadam, Organizing Committee Chairman Nandkishor Kagliwal, Jury Chairperson Latika Padgaonkar, Actress Seema Biswas, Vice Chancellor Dr. Vilas Sapkal, Director Sunil Sukthankar, Executive Director Chandrakant Kulkarni, Organiser Nilesh Raut, and others were present on the dais.
Interacting with the audience, Paranjape said, "The work done so far by me has finally been noted, and I have received this prestigious Padmapani Lifetime Achievement Award. I am very happy for it. The Ajanta Ellora Festival was started with a very distinct intention, and the people of Marathwada have benefitted through it. The Marathi film industry has taken a huge leap in the past 20 years, and every year around 50 Marathi films are being produced. These films are showcasing the woes of the people, social injustice, and rural life. The story of the film directly touches the heart," Paranjape said.
Other guests had this to say
Kharge said that the film sector is an important industry and works as a soft power at both national and international levels. "It is very satisfying that international film festivals are being organised in Maharashtra. The people of Marathwada, through this festival, can watch international films along with Indian films. The state government has implemented several encouraging schemes for filmmakers, and they should take advantage of it."
Gowarikar said that the festival started from a small city and today it has gained acclaim across the country. "This festival helps new filmmakers to showcase their films and also makes the people literate about cinema."
After the inauguration function, the French and Tamil film ‘Little Jafna’ was showcased at PVR-Ionox at Prozone Mall in the evening. Similarly, the silent film ‘Kaliya Mardan’, produced by Dadasaheb Phalke around 105 years ago, was also showcased at the Rukhmini Hall before the inauguration of the festival. The dignitaries also unveiled the catalogue of the films to be showcased during the festival.