Film: A Powerhouse for Personality Development – Minister Sudhir Mungantiwar

Mumbai : Cultural Affairs Minister Sudhir Mungantiwar emphasized that films are not just a means of entertainment but also a powerful tool for personality development. He stated that the actors in the film industry are the real Kohinoor diamonds of the country. Minister Mungantiwar made these remarks during the closing ceremony of the Mumbai International Film Festival.

Minister Mungantiwar highlighted that films reflect society, as seen in India’s first movie, Raja Harishchandra. He expressed pride in the Indian film industry’s roots in Maharashtra, crediting a Marathi man for its inception. He underscored the profound impact films have on human structure and mentality, citing examples where movie dialogues, songs, or verses guide individuals in life. He called upon the film industry to recognize its significant influence and urged attendees to instill pride in the country’s culture through their work.

He commended the Mumbai International Film Festival for its excellent organization and honored film industry luminaries like Shekhar Suman, Shaji Karun, Subbayya Nallamuthu, Poonam Dhillon, Chhaya Kadam, Amy Barua, Akshay Oberoi, and Vishal.

Jury Chief Bharat Bala and National Jury Chief Apoorva Bakshi also shared their insights at the event. The festival awarded the Golden Conch Award for Best International Documentary to “Golden Thread” by Nishta Jain. The Silver Conch Award for Best Short Film went to the Estonian film “The Sour Milk,” and Poland’s “Zima” won for Best Animated Film. Special Jury and Technical Awards were also presented to several notable films and filmmakers.

The Silver Conch Award for Best Indian Documentary was awarded to “6-A Galaxy,” and “Salt” won for Best Indian Short Film. “Nirjara” received the Silver Shank Award for Best Indian Animation Film. The Pramod Pati Award for Best Experimental Film was given to the Japanese film “The Young Old Crow.” Additional accolades included the Dadasaheb Phalke Chitranagari Award for Best Directorial Debut to Shrimoyi Singh for “Towards Happy Alleys,” which also received the International Jury Review Award. The IDPA Award for Best Student Film went to “Chanchisoa” (Expectation), and “Life in Loom” was recognized as the best short film under the “India in Amritkal” category.

Officials from the Union Ministry of Information and Broadcasting, Vikas Kharge, Principal Secretary of the State Cultural Affairs Department, and senior officers of the Cultural Affairs Department were in attendance. Pitul Kumar, Managing Director of the National Film Development Corporation and Director of the Mumbai International Film Festival, gave the vote of thanks.