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NORTH AMERICAN Newsline JUNE 20, 2025 | The Indian Eye 24

Global Voices Dazzle as Mukesh Modi’s IFFA 2025

Wraps Up with a Starry Celebration in NYC

OUR BUREAU
New York, NY
he spirit of global storytelling lit
up New York City as the Indie
TFilm Festival Awards (IFFA)
2025 concluded in spectacular fashion
with a glittering awards ceremony at
the iconic Frederick P. Rose Audito-
rium. Following four exhilarating days
of screenings and cultural exchange,
the finale was a true cinematic celebra-
tion — spotlighting emerging voices
and seasoned talents from around the
world.
This year’s festival showcased
50+ nominated films, carefully select-
ed from a competitive pool of 116 in-
ternational submissions, all screened
at the legendary Quad Cinema. The
grand finale welcomed a galaxy of stars
including Amir Arison, Jade Shenkar,
Tania Rubis, Alyson Cambridge, Al-
bania Rosario, Lulu Lopez, Valerie
Greenberg, Rachel Leah, and Alena
Davids, who lit up the red carpet with
their presence.
Hosted by Ms. India/Actress
Simran Ahuja and charismatic emcee
Sharif Jones, the evening began with a
warm welcome followed by an inspir-
ing speech from IFFA Founder Mr.
Mukesh Modi. Thanking his family
— whom he called “the backbone of
IFFA” — Modi celebrated the festi-
val’s global reach and community-driv-
en ethos. “Even if you don’t take home
an award tonight, your film is already a
winner,” he said, honoring every nom- high-energy dance performance by
inee for making it through public and Varsha Naik & Team of Navrang Stu-
jury selection. dio, setting a vibrant tone that carried
The ceremony was graced by dis- through an evening filled with emo-
tinguished dignitaries including Hon. tional wins, heartfelt speeches, and
Ramdas Athawale, Social Justice cultural celebration.
and Empowerment Minister (Gov- IFFA Founder Mukesh Modi
ernment of India), and Mr. Navneet concluded the evening by thanking all
Sehgal, Chairman of Prasar Bharati filmmakers, sponsors, guests, volun-
and Waves OTT. Honored on stage teers and his family for their unwaver-
by IFFA Vice President Ms. Sudha ing support. Modi gave special Thanks
Deora, both leaders applauded IFFA’s to Ivan Rana for his unconditional
mission to amplify independent voic- support. “IFFA is not just a festival,
es. Mr. Sehgal invited filmmakers to it’s a global celebration of stories that
share their work via the Waves OTT deserve to be seen and heard,” said
platform, now a global powerhouse, Modi. “We look forward to making it
targeted over 500 million subscribers. even bigger next year.”
The evening also paid tribute to As the curtains closed on IFFA
key partners and media allies. Bronze Sky Hospitality Solutions), and Ms. Penny Sandhu (Jus TV), and Mr. Sunil 2025, one thing was clear: the world
Sponsors honored included Dr. Dipak Anuradha Kumar. Media pioneers Hali (The Indian EYE) were also rec- of indie cinema is alive, diverse, and
Nandi (Sun Knowledge), Mr. Naveen Mr. H.R. Shah (TV Asia), Mr. Sudhir ognized for their invaluable support. more connected than ever.
Shah (Navika Capital Group & Blue Parikh (Parikh Worldwide Media), Ms. The night came alive with a Continued on next page... >>

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