Indica Pictures is thrilled to announce the successful conclusion of the 4th Indic Film Utsav. This event showcased an impressive range of films — 8 features, 12 documentaries, and 42 shorts in 4 sub-categories — in 11 languages, each imparting a unique, thought-provoking message. Our diverse offerings have demonstrated the remarkable talent in the filmmaking community.
Our esteemed jury, comprising six professionals from film and theater arts, diligently selected the winners in each category. The jury members are:
- Renata Keller, an independent filmmaker and former CEO and Art Director of Evolve.
- Aditya Patwardhan, a renowned Los Angeles-based filmmaker.
- Vinay Varma, founder of Sutradhar with over thirty years in theatre and film.
- Dawn Sawyer, a professional with experience in advertising and theater arts.
- Pradeep Paga, a prolific and boundary-pushing filmmaker working in the US and India.
- Manouj Kadaamh, a passionate filmmaker and experienced festival jury member.
Danji Thotapalli, Co-founder and Chief Curator of Indica Pictures, expressed gratitude towards the filmmakers and outlined future plans, including events in Hyderabad, a documentary series on K Viswanath, and a coffee table book project involving street kids and Ganesh Utsav. He emphasized the festival's role as a platform for filmmakers to share their stories.
Nikita Hattangady, Head of Programming, announced 'Mi Draupadi Murmu' as the Best Documentary, praising its portrayal of education in tribal areas and tribute to Smt. Draupadi Murmu, Honorable President of India.
Aditya Patwardhan declared the Kannada film 'Kasina Sara' as the Best Feature Film, lauding its approach to a hard-hitting subject in an entertaining format.
Renata Keller spoke highly of 'Draupadi', the winning short in the Human Spirit category, emphasizing the film's immersive storytelling and powerful performances.
Dawn Sawyer announced 'Oru Thallu Case' as the Best Short in the Relationships category, highlighting its heartwarming portrayal of young love and stunning visuals.
Danji Thotapalli praised 'Kittu Katha', the winner in the K Viswanath Memorial Short Films category, a project from Annapurna Film School noted for its passionate storytelling.
'Waada', another Annapurna Film School production, was recognized as the best short film in the Relationships category, with its honest storytelling and potential for a full-length feature.
The popular Audience Choice awards were won by Inko Coffee (Best Feature), Kathakali, Behind The Superhuman Form (Best Documentary), Barota Bajleo Bajte Pare, A Happy Pizza Day, & Road Blocked Ahead (Best Shorts) and Sivaagnya under the K Viswanath Memorial Short Film category.
Indica Pictures extends heartfelt thanks to all participating filmmakers, whose passion is pivotal to our success in championing Indic-themed films with messages of hope and positivity. We are also grateful to the global audience whose presence made this festival a true celebration of Indic cinema.
