NJIIFF 2026: Surprising Wins, Global Films and Women Creators take charge

The 8th edition of the New Jersey Indian and International Film Festival wrapped up on March 29, 2026, closing a vibrant two day celebration of cinema, culture, and community. Organized by the Indian Arts and Culture Corporation, the festival brought together a diverse lineup of films and filmmakers, creating a lively space for storytelling that crossed borders.

With screenings hosted at Regal Hadley Theatre in South Plainfield and ITV Gold Auditorium in Edison, the festival delivered a packed schedule that blended regional cinema with international narratives, reflecting a growing appetite for stories that resonate across cultures.

Big Winners Take The Spotlight

This year’s top honour for best film went to Krantijyoti Vidyalay Marathi Madhyam, directed by Hemant Dhome, marking a proud moment for Marathi cinema on an international platform. In the short film category, Susu, directed by Shubham Rahul Karna and produced by Arya Menon, emerged as a standout winner, earning the best short film award.

The Festival Choice Award was claimed by Reverse, a short film directed by Kaustuv Mukherjee and backed by producers Vijay Kumar Mirchandani and Debpriya Sengupta. In acting categories, Gautham secured the best actor award for his performance in BMW 1991, while Shivali Parab took home best actress honours for Mangla, further highlighting the strong performances across the festival lineup.

Women Creators Make A Strong Impact

A notable addition this year was a dedicated category celebrating women technicians, signalling a conscious effort to spotlight female voices behind the camera. Actor Sai Deodhar made an impressive directorial debut with Na Avadti Goshta, winning the best director award in this category.

Sanya Date was recognised as best female writer for Tango Malhar, while Angela Page received the award for best woman producer for Harij weds Sajili. This new initiative not only honoured talent but also reinforced the festival’s commitment to inclusivity and representation in filmmaking.

Global Reach And Growing Influence

The festival witnessed submissions from multiple continents, showcasing a wide range of storytelling styles and cultural perspectives. Only a carefully curated selection made it to the final screenings, ensuring a high quality and engaging lineup for audiences.

NJIIFF also strengthened its global footprint by collaborating with the Marathi International Film Festival and the Florida South Asian Film Festival, expanding opportunities for filmmakers and widening its reach. With continued support from local arts bodies and community partners, the festival is steadily positioning itself as a significant platform for meaningful cinema that connects audiences worldwide.