Ajanta–Ellora International Film Festival to be inaugurated on Wednesday

Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar

The 11th edition of the Ajanta–Ellora International Film Festival, which brings the best films from around the world to audiences in Marathwada, is set to begin soon.

The five-day festival will be held from Wednesday, 28 January to Sunday, 1 February, at the INOX Theatre, Prozone Mall, featuring national and international filmmakers. Presented by Nath Group, MGM University, and Yashwantrao Chavan Centre, and organized by the Marathwada Art, Culture & Film Foundation, the festival is being conducted with the support of the Maharashtra Government’s Department of Cultural Affairs.

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Indian cinema competition:

The festival will feature a packed schedule over five days, including the Indian competition category as in previous years. Nine films in various Indian languages will be screened for a five-member national jury and the audience. The Best Indian Film will receive the Golden Kailash Award along with Rs 1 lakh, while individual awards will also be presented for Best Screenplay and Best Actor/Actress.

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Inauguration Ceremony:

The festival will be inaugurated on Wednesday at 6 pm at Rukmini Auditorium, MGM Campus, Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar, by secretary Dr Kiran Kulkarni Department of Cultural Affairs. This year, the prestigious Padma Pani Award will be presented to renowned musician and Padma Vibhushan recipient Ilayaraja (Rajya Sabha member) for his exceptional contribution to Indian cinema music. At 9 pm, the internationally acclaimed Oscar-contending film SIRAT will be screened as the festival’s opening film. The remaining four days of the festival will continue at INOX, Prozone Mall.