News India Times

www.newsindiatimes.com – that’s all you need to know First Indie Film Festival Awards Concludes, Several Individuals Honored With Awards T he Indie Film Festival Awards, IFFA, a non-profit organization, held its opening ceremony June 2, at Quad Cinema in Manhattan, to launch its first 4-day festival of independent films ranging from features to shorts. It ended on June 5, with an awards ceremony in which several individuals were recognized for their contributions to cinema and media and communications. Among them were India’s Minister of State for Social Justice & Empow- erment Dr. Ramdas Athawale, who also inaugurated the event on June 2, Prasar Bharati Chair Navneet Kumar Seh- gal, and Padma Shri recipient Dr. Sudhir Parikh, chairman of ParikhWorldwide Media/ITV Gold. Also present on June 2 inauguration were Consul Gen- eral of India in NewYork Binaya Srikanta Pradhan, and Founder of IFFA Mukesh Modi, who hosted both the open- ing as well as the June 5 closing ceremonies. Another guest of honor was actor and producer JeffWallner. Modi, a recipient of the Dada Saheb Phalke Film Foun- dation Award, described the Festival as an international celebration dedicated to independent filmmakers. IFFA aims at recognizing, empowering, and promoting the cre- ative excellence of indie filmmakers from across the globe. Earlier, on the June 2 inauguration day, speakers praised the efforts made to establish IFFA, and the choice of films and shorts that distinguish this festival from others. On the final day June 5, the winners in the various cat- egories were announced. Also, awards were given out to the selected individuals at the closing event. The festival received 115 submissions from over 20 countries, with more than 50 films selected for theatrical screenings. “Behind the scenes, our diverse team of in- dustry professionals, film enthusiasts, and creative minds unite to curate an unforgettable film festival experience,” the website of IFFA says. “Our goal is to give indie filmmakers a platform to shine,” says Modi. “IFFA is here to make sure their voices are heard, their films are seen, and their efforts are cel- ebrated with pride.” The films screened from June 2-5, 2025, included a large number of shorts, and several full-length movies. By a StaffWriter PHOTO:provided by IIFA Some of the award recipients at the IIFA concluding day June 5. From left Prasar Bharati Chairman Navneet Kumar Sehgal, India’s Minister of State for Social Justice & Empowerment Dr. Ramdas Athawale, and Padma Shri recipient Dr. Sudhir Parikh. Looking on at right is host of the event and founder of IIFA Mukesh Modi. Founder of IIFA Mukesh Modi addressing the audience at the IIFA closing event June 5, 2025. Some of the actors and film makers at the IIFA concluding event with Founder of IIFA Mukesh Modi, 2nd from left, June 5, 2025. List of nominees for the IFFA inaugural festival. Winners are highlighted on the list of nominees. Mayor of NYC Eric Adams at the inaugural ceremony of the IIFA event June 2, 2025, along with other high profile invitees. PHOTO:X @IndiainNewYork Special Report News India Times (June 7, 2025 - June 13, 2025) June 13, 2025 16 PHOTOS: ITV Gold PHOTO: ITV Gold