Tag: Celebrating India Film Festival

Films

गुंतता हृदय हे (Entangled) Wins 11th Recognition, Shines at Maiden ‘Celebrating India Film Festival’

Tanisha Cardozo

The Film and Television Institute of India (FTII), Pune, proudly celebrates yet another international achievement by its alumni as the short fiction film गुंतता हृदय हे (Entangled) continues its inspiring journey across global film festivals. Directed by FTII alumnus Sainath Uskaikar and written and produced by esteemed faculty member and alumnus Dr. Milind Damle, Entangled has been awarded Best Film in the Short Fiction category at the inaugural Celebrating India Film Festival held in Delhi.

This prestigious recognition marks the film’s 11th award, reinforcing its reputation as a cinematic gem within the short film landscape. Entangled has previously won accolades such as Best Cinematography at the Mumbai International Film Festival 2024 (NFDC), Best Film at the 21st Kalpanirjhar International Short Fiction Film Festival in Kolkata 2023, and multiple honors at Paridrishya Short Film Festival in Mysore, including Best Actor Male, Best Cinematography, and Best Sound Design. It also secured Best Director and 2nd Best Film at Chitra Bharati Film Festival 2024.

In addition to its award tally, Entangled has been selected for screening at some of the world’s most respected film events, including the Nepal International Film Festival, INPUT Conference in the USA, Jaffna International Film Festival, Signs Film Festival, World Cinema Film Festival, South Asian Short Film Festival, Indian Film Festival of Stuttgart, and the Indo-German Week in Berlin.

The continued recognition of Entangled stands as a testament to the talent and creative vision nurtured at FTII. It exemplifies the institute’s enduring legacy of producing cinema that resonates across cultures and borders. The institute extends heartfelt congratulations to Sainath Uskaikar, Dr. Milind Damle, and the entire team behind Entangled for this remarkable achievement and looks forward to many more such milestones in their cinematic journey.

Films

‘Guntata Hriday He’ Wins Best Short Film at CIFF 2025, Felicitated by Delhi CM Rekha Gupta

Tanisha Cardozo

In a landmark moment for short filmmaking in India, ‘Guntata Hriday He’ (Entangled) directed by Sainath S Uskaikar clinched the Best Short Film award at the Celebrating India Film Festival (CIFF) 2025, held in Delhi from August 8–10. The award was presented by Delhi Chief Minister Rekha Gupta during the festival’s vibrant closing ceremony at NCUI Auditorium.

The short film stood out among over 700 submissions and was lauded for its compelling narrative and emotional resonance. Uskaikar’s direction was praised for its artistic depth and cultural authenticity, earning applause from industry veterans and young filmmakers alike.

The ceremony also saw tributes and performances from notable names including Grammy-winner Ricky Kej, veteran singer Hema Sardesai, and actor Kunal Goswami. CM Rekha Gupta, while addressing the audience, emphasized Delhi’s growing role in supporting arts and cinema, revealing plans for a new state film policy, film tourism initiatives, and aspirations to host major film events like the Filmfare Awards.

The festival showcased 35 films over three days and included masterclasses with over 20 industry professionals. Other major winners included ‘Humans in the Loop’ by Aranya Sahay (Best Feature Film) and ‘Life in Loom’ by Edmond Ranson (Best Documentary).

CIFF Director Alok Gupta described the event as a turning point for Delhi’s cultural narrative, “We want Delhi to become a launchpad for the Indian film industry,” he stated.

With initiatives like CIFF gaining traction, and with films like Guntata Hriday He shining bright, the future of Indian cinema—particularly short films—looks vibrant and unstoppable.