127th AAFT Festival Introduces Special Segment to Honour Outstanding Short Films

127th AAFT Festival Introduces Special Segment to Honour Outstanding Short Films

Noida, India: The 127th AAFT Festival of Short Digital Films, held at Marwah Studios, Film City Noida, marked a significant milestone with the introduction of a new segment dedicated to honouring exceptional short films from across the globe.

In this special initiative, a select group of films that have garnered appreciation from the film fraternity, critics, and audiences alike were recognized for their creative excellence and impactful storytelling. The awards for this edition were presented to the following films and filmmakers:

• “The Last Meal” by Ketkee Pande
• “The Silence Between Us” by Devansh Saraf
• “Kaala” by Adithya Shankar
• “Nurture” by Aviral Singh
• “Luxury Cobiz” by Vinky Singh

Announcing this new segment, Dr Sandeep Marwah, President of the festival, stated, “We have decided to honour a few outstanding films from outside the festival circuit that have performed remarkably well and have been appreciated by the film fraternity, critics, and definitely by audiences. This initiative is a step forward in recognizing meaningful cinema beyond conventional competition formats.”

Dr. Marwah further added that the festival will now invite short films from all over the world under this special category. As a unique gesture, these selected films will also be broadcast on MSTV, providing filmmakers with an extended platform to reach wider audiences.

The introduction of this segment reflects the festival’s continued commitment to promoting global talent, encouraging cinematic innovation, and celebrating excellence in short filmmaking.

The 127th edition once again reinforced AAFT’s position as a dynamic platform for nurturing creativity and recognizing impactful storytelling from across the world.

Exhibition of Paintings Connecting to Cinema Inaugurated at 127th AAFT Festival

Exhibition of Paintings Connecting to Cinema Inaugurated at 127th AAFT Festival

Noida, India: An inspiring exhibition of paintings themed around the world of cinema was inaugurated during the 127th AAFT Festival of Short Digital Films at Marwah Studios, Film City Noida. The exhibition was thoughtfully designed and presented by the AAFT School of Fine Arts, showcasing a unique blend of visual art and cinematic expression.

The exhibition featured a diverse collection of artworks that beautifully captured the essence of cinema—its emotions, storytelling, iconic moments, and cultural impact. Through colors, textures, and creative interpretations, the artists paid tribute to the powerful influence of films on society and human imagination.

The initiative highlighted the interdisciplinary approach of AAFT, encouraging students to explore connections between different art forms and push the boundaries of creativity. The event was supported by Asian Academy of Arts.

Speaking on the occasion, Dr Sandeep Marwah, President of Marwah Studios, appreciated the efforts of the young artists and emphasized the importance of integrating fine arts with cinema. He stated that such exhibitions not only enhance aesthetic sensibilities but also provide a platform for emerging talent to gain visibility and recognition.

The exhibition added a vibrant and intellectual dimension to the festival, attracting film enthusiasts, artists, and guests from various creative fields. It stood as a testament to the rich synergy between cinema and visual arts, making the 127th AAFT Festival a truly multidimensional cultural experience.

The exhibition remains a significant highlight of the festival, celebrating creativity, innovation, and artistic excellence.

International Documentary Film Festival Noida 2026 Poster Launched at Marwah Studios

International Documentary Film Festival Noida 2026 Poster Launched at Marwah Studios

Noida, India: The official poster of the 14th International Documentary Film Festival Noida 2026 was unveiled with great enthusiasm during 127th AAFT Festival of Short Digital Films at Marwah Studios, Film City Noida, in the presence of eminent personalities from the world of cinema, media, and arts.

The distinguished guests included noted documentary filmmaker Ajay Chitnis, acclaimed filmmaker Vinky Singh, socialite Madhavi Advani, renowned singer Renuka Gaur, classical dancer Mahima Freya Krishna, and philanthropist Dr N. S. Khurana. The event was hosted under the leadership of Dr Sandeep Marwah, President of Marwah Studios.

Speaking on the occasion, Ajay Chitnis appreciated the consistent efforts of the organizers in promoting documentary filmmaking and providing a vibrant platform for emerging and established filmmakers. He emphasized the importance of documentaries in reflecting reality and creating awareness on critical social issues.

Vinky Singh highlighted the growing significance of documentary cinema in today’s media landscape and lauded the festival for encouraging meaningful storytelling. He noted that such platforms are essential for nurturing creative talent and bringing impactful narratives to the forefront.

Addressing the gathering, Dr. Sandeep Marwah spoke about the remarkable journey of the festival over the years. He announced that the 14th edition promises to be bigger and more inclusive, inviting participation from filmmakers across the globe. The last date for film submission has been set as 31st May 2026.

Dr. Marwah further added that the festival has evolved into one of the most prominent documentary film festivals in this part of the country, continuously expanding its reach and influence over the last 14 years. Films are invited in four categories based on duration: up to 5 minutes, up to 10 minutes, up to 30 minutes, and up to 60 minutes, offering opportunities to a wide spectrum of storytellers.

The poster launch ceremony marked the beginning of yet another exciting chapter for the International Documentary Film Festival Noida, reaffirming its commitment to promoting the art of documentary filmmaking and celebrating creative excellence.

127th AAFT Festival of Short Digital Films Inaugurated at Marwah Studios, Sets New Benchmark

127th AAFT Festival of Short Digital Films Inaugurated at Marwah Studios, Sets New Benchmark

Noida, India: The 127th edition of the AAFT Festival of Short Digital Films was inaugurated with great enthusiasm and creative spirit at Marwah Studios, Film City Noida, marking yet another milestone in the history of short film promotion in India.

The grand inauguration was graced by an esteemed panel of distinguished personalities including filmmaker Ajay Chitnis, filmmaker Vinky Singh, Luxury Co. founder Madhavi Advani, renowned singer Renuka Gaur, classical dancer Mahima Freya Krishna, and Peace Ambassador N. S. Khurana.

Welcoming the guests and participants, Sandeep Marwah, President of Marwah Studios and the Festival, expressed his pride in the continued success of the festival. In his address, he highlighted that the festival is setting new records, stating that “today we are breaking our own world record of organizing the largest number of short-term film festivals.”

The AAFT Festival of Short Digital Films holds a unique distinction as the only festival to reach its 127th edition and is conducted four times a year. Over the years, it has provided an unparalleled platform to more than 3,000 directors to showcase their debut films, encouraging fresh talent and new voices in cinema.

All the eminent guests shared their experiences and insights on the importance of short films as a powerful medium of storytelling, appreciating the efforts of AAFT in nurturing young filmmakers and promoting meaningful cinema.

The festival continues to stand as a significant initiative by Asian Academy of Film and Television, reinforcing its commitment to education, creativity, and global outreach in the field of film and media.

The 127th edition promises an exciting lineup of short films, interactive sessions, and creative exchanges, further strengthening its reputation as a premier platform for aspiring filmmakers.

127th AAFT Festival of Short Digital Films Announced

127th AAFT Festival of Short Digital Films Announced

Noida, India: In a remarkable milestone for global film education and student-driven cinema, Dr. Sandeep Marwah proudly announced the 127th AAFT Festival of Short Digital Films, setting an unprecedented record in the history of film festivals worldwide.

The festival will showcase a curated selection of short films created by the students of the 127th batch of Asian Academy of Film and Television (AAFT). Known for nurturing some of the finest creative talents in the media and entertainment industry, AAFT continues to set benchmarks in practical film education through such consistent and large-scale cinematic initiatives.

Addressing the media, Dr. Marwah emphasized that no other film festival in the world has achieved such a feat of reaching its 127th edition. “This is a proud moment not only for AAFT but for the entire global film education community. The continuity, dedication, and creative output of our students have made this festival a historic phenomenon,” he stated. He also highlighted his role as Vice President of the Film Federation of India, reinforcing the festival’s strong connection with the broader film industry.

The grand screening of the films is scheduled for 27th April at Marwah Studios, Film City Noida. The event is expected to witness the presence of distinguished personalities from India and abroad, including filmmakers, artists, media professionals, and cultural ambassadors.

The AAFT Festival of Short Digital Films has become a significant platform for emerging filmmakers to present their work to an international audience, fostering creativity, innovation, and cultural exchange.