Miff Award Winners

International Competiton

Best Documentary Film of the Festival

Film: Silver (Poland)
Director: Natalia Koniarz
Producer: Maciej Kubicki
Citation: For its poetic yet uncompromising exploration of poverty, labor and dignity, transforming a local reality into a profound reflection on global injustice
The award carries a Golden Conch (given to the director of the film), certificate and a cash prize of Rs.10 lakh (to be shared equally between director & producer of the film).

Hon'ble Governor of Maharashtra, Shri Jishnu Dev Varma, presented the Golden Conch for Best International Documentary Film to Ms. Małgorzata Wejsis-Gołębiak, Minister Plenipotentiary and Director of the Polish Institute. She received the award on behalf of the film's director, Natalia Koniarz, and producer, Maciej Kubicki.

Best Short Fiction Film

Film: Under The Snow (Iran)
Director: Nafiseh Zare
Producer: Deepankar Prakash, Kottukathira Prakash, Nafiseh Zare, Pouya Saeedi
Citation: For it courageous and nuanced portrayal of a young woman’s struggle between personal truth and societal constraint, expressed through a subtle and deeply affecting cinematic language
The award carries a Silver Conch (given to the director of the film), certificate and cash prize of Rs.5 lakh (to be shared equally by the director & producer of the film)

Hon'ble Governor of Maharashtra, Shri Jishnu Dev Varma, presented the award to Deepankar Prakash, one of the producers of the film, who received it on behalf of the film's director, Nafiseh Zare, and fellow producers Kottukathira Prakash and Pouya Saeedi.

Best Animation Film

Film: Maya's Song (Germany)
Director: Franziska Schönenberger, Jayakrishnan Subramanian
Producer: Franziska Schönenberger
Citation: For its imaginative and emotionally resonant animation, eloquently portraying a profound journey of identity, belonging and self-discovery with universal appeal.
The award carries a Silver Conch (given to the director of the film), certificate & a Cash prize of 5 Lakh Rs. (To be shared equally by the director & producer of the film

Hon'ble Governor of Maharashtra, Shri Jishnu Dev Varma, presented the award to Sanika Kulkarni, Lead Animator and Studio Representative, who received it on behalf of the film's directors and producers, Franziska Schönenberger and Jayakrishnan Subramanian.
International Competition - Special Jury Award

Pramod Pati Special Jury Award for Most Innovative/ Experimental Film

Film: The Hoarders (Taiwan)
Director: Chuan-Ying LIAO
Citation: In recognition of its bold narrative experimentation and innovative cinematic vision, elevating a deep personal story into unique and though provoking work of art
Award is given to the director of the film. The award carries a Trophy, Certificate and a cash prize of 1 Lakh Rs.

Shri Prakash Magdum, Festival Director and Managing Director, NFDC, presented the award to Ms. Chuan-Ying Liao, director of the film.
International Competition – Technical Awards

Best Cinematographer

Film Name: Turtle Walker (India)
Cinematographer: Krish Makhija
Citation: For its masterful underwater cinematography transforming the depths of the ocean into a mesmerizing visual experience while illuminating the fragile world of sea turtles.
The award carries a Trophy, Certificate & a Cash Prize of Rs. 1.5 Lakh.

Shri Ashutosh Gowariker presented the award to Mr. Anil Makhija, father of Krish Makhija, who received the award on behalf of his son

Best Editor

Film Name: About The COW (Russian Federation)
Editor: Evgeny Smirnov & Maksim Smirnov
Citation: For its elegant craftsmanship where time, emotion and character flow with effortless precision, creating a deeply affecting and beautifully layered narrative with humor.
The award carries a Trophy, Certificate & Cash Prize of Rs. 1.5 Lakhs.

Shri Ashutosh Gowariker presented the award to Anton Simukhin, director of the film, who received it on behalf of Evgeny Smirnov and Maksim Smirnov.

Best Sound Designer

Film Name: Deva Aaj Pan Vhay (India)
Sound Designer: Abhay Rumde (Purple Haze Studio)
Citation: For crafting a powerful landscape that gives voice to the elements beautifully mirroring a young boy's journey through storm and terrain.
The Award carries a trophy, a certificate and a cash prize of 1.5 Lakh Rs.

Shri Ashutosh Gowariker presented the award to Mr. Abhay Rumde, (Purple Haze Studio).
NATIONAL COMPETITION

Best Documentary Film

Film Name: Waai Director
Name: Sainath S Uskaikar
Producer Name: Bharatbala Ganapathy
Citation: For its visually striking depiction of a fading nomadic musical tradition, for its compassion and sensitivity, and its representation of the modern day transfer of memory, voice, and inheritance, the award for Best Documentary is presented to WAAI.
The Best Documentary Film award carries a Silver Conch (given to the director of the film), certificate and cash prize of Rs. 5 lakhs (shared equally between director & producer of the film).

Shri Dhirendra Ojha, Principal Director General, PIB, presented the award to Mr. Sainath S. Uskaikar, director of the film, and Mr. Jawahar Sharma, who received it on behalf of the film's producer, Mr. Bharatbala Ganapathy.

Best Short Fiction Film

Film Name: Small Clouds
Director Name: Shubham Sumit
Producer Name: Film and Television Institute of India, Pune
Citation: Taking the viewer on a journey of growing up and growing apart amidst the haunting beauty of misty seascapes and rain-soaked backyards; for capturing the fragile bonds of childhood and the inevitable passage of time with remarkable sensitivity; and for its masterful storytelling, innovative cinematic style, and rich metaphorical depth, the Award for Best Short Film is presented to ‘Small Clouds’.
The award carries a Silver Conch (given to the director of the film), certificate and a cash prize of Rs. 3 lakhs (shared equally between director & producer of the film).

Shri Dhirendra Ojha, Principal Director General, PIB, presented the award to Mr. Shubham Sumit, director of the film, and Mr. Dhiraj Singh, producer of the film and Vice Chancellor, FTII.

Best Animation Film

Film Name: Armstrong from Angaalamman Temple Street
Director Name: Bunz
Producer Name: Bunz
Citation: For its daring depiction of a distant future, it’s social critique between old traditions and a changing world, and for using animation not merely as a visual form, but as a powerful cinematic language, the Award for Best Animation Film is presented to BUNZ for Armstrong From Angaalamman Temple Street.
The award carries a Silver Conch (given to the director of the film), certificate and a cash prize of Rs. 3 lakhs (shared equally between director & producer of the film).

Shri Dhirendra Ojha, Principal Director General, PIB, presented the award to Mr. Bhuvanesh M. Kumar (Bunz), director and producer of the film.
National Competition - Sponsored Awards

Dadasaheb Phalke Chitranagari Award for Best Debut Director

Film Name: Razaa
Director Name: Pooja Tolani
Citation: For sensitively unveiling a family secret through a woman’s lens, while exploring the unique characteristics of the short film medium to create a compelling and memorable experience of gender dynamics within human relationships, the Award for Best Debut Director is presented to Pooja Tolani for ‘Razaa’.
The award consists of a Trophy, a Certificate and a cash prize of 1 Lakh Rupees.

Shri Kiran Kulkarni Ji, Secretary, Marathi Language & Cultural Affairs, Government of Maharashtra, presented the award to Ms. Pooja Tolani in recognition of her debut work.

IDPA Award for Best Student Film

Film Name: The Old Bull knows, or Once Knew
Director Name: Milan Kumar
Citation: For its black-and-white portrayal of a fading nomadic tradition, and the quiet acceptance of separation between an ageing bull and its owner.
The award is instituted by the Indian Documentary Producers Association. The award carries a Certificate and a cash prize of Rupees One Lakh. It is given to director of the film.

Shri Sanskar Desai, President, IDPA, presented the award to Mr. Milan Kumar.

Special Award for Best short film on “Viksit Bharat/ 150 Years of Vande Mataram/ Bharat@2026”

Film Name: The Last Shelter
Director Name: Bharat Arora, Rajesh Bhatia
Citation: “The Last Shelter” is a film that sensitively portrays the hardships faced in Leh while highlighting India’s efforts to a resilient,empowered lives through inclusive development and better social support.
The award carries certificate and a cash prize of 1 Lakh Rs. and is given to Indian Filmmakers.

Shri Prakash Magdum, Festival Director and Managing Director, NFDC, presented the award to director of the film Mr. Bharat Arora and Mr. Rajesh Bhatia.
National Competition - Technical Awards

Best Cinematographer

Film Name: Small Clouds
Cinematographer : Ranadhir Biswas
Citation: For its exceptional use of camera movement, composition, and color… in a manner that truly elevates the story. A film whose images even without dialogue create a deeply emotional connection. The technical award for best cinematography is presented to SMALL CLOUDS.
The award carries a Trophy, Certificate & Cash Prize of Rs. 1.5 Lakh.

Shri Prabhat, Additional Secretary, MIB, presented the award to Mr. Shubham Sumit, director of the film, who received it on behalf of Mr. Ranadhir Biswas, Cinematographer.

Best Editor

Film Name:Mayday
Editor:Akhil Krishnan
Citation: For its exceptional use in creating tension, misdirection, and action, to highlight the powerful theme that without understanding and empathy, we are capable of great harm, even to those we love, the technical award for best editing presented to MAYDAY.
The award carries a Trophy, Certificate & Cash Prize of Rs. 1.5 Lakhs.

Shri Prabhat, Additional Secretary, MIB, presented the award to Mr. Sarath Ambatt, director of the film on behalf of Mr. Akhil Krishnan.

Best Sound Designer

Film Name:Kovarty
Sound Designer:Bigyna Dahal
Citation: For its immersive sound design that gently blurs the line between reality and fantasy, creating a world that is playful, emotional, and deeply alive, the award for best sound design is presented to KOVARTY.
The award carries a Trophy, Certificate and a Cash Prize of Rs. 1.5 Lakh.

Shri Prabhat, Additional Secretary, MIB, presented the award to Mr. Bigyna Dahal, Sound Designer, for the film Kovarty.
FIPRESCI AWARD

FIPRESCI Jury Award (Documentary Film)

Film Name:The Hug of Emptiness
Director: Pradeep Kenchanuru
Citation: Our award goes to a film that left us deeply moved by its portrait of a solitary fight for justice — a man who, stripped of everything, finds a way to survive and rebuild when his entire world falls apart. With a camera that never intrudes and a voice that simply tells its own story, the film turns twenty-four years of solitude into a quiet act of resistance.
The FIPRESCI International Critics Prize (FIPRESCI Prize) instituted by the International Federation of Film Critics and is given to the director of the film. The Award is determined by a 3 Member Jury and consists of a certificate and a cash prize of Rs. 1 lakh.

Mr. Premendra Majumdar, FIPRESCI General Secretary, presented the award to Mr. Pradeep Kenchanuru, Director, for his film The Hug of Emptiness.
International Competiton

Best Documentary Film of the Festival

Film: Silver (Poland)
Director: Natalia Koniarz
Producer: Maciej Kubicki
Citation: For its poetic yet uncompromising exploration of poverty, labor and dignity, transforming a local reality into a profound reflection on global injustice
The award carries a Golden Conch (given to the director of the film), certificate and a cash prize of Rs.10 lakh (to be shared equally between director & producer of the film).

Hon'ble Governor of Maharashtra, Shri Jishnu Dev Varma, presented the Golden Conch for Best International Documentary Film to Ms. Małgorzata Wejsis-Gołębiak, Minister Plenipotentiary and Director of the Polish Institute. She received the award on behalf of the film's director, Natalia Koniarz, and producer, Maciej Kubicki.

Best Short Fiction Film

Film: Under The Snow (Iran)
Director: Nafiseh Zare
Producer: Deepankar Prakash, Kottukathira Prakash, Nafiseh Zare, Pouya Saeedi
Citation: For it courageous and nuanced portrayal of a young woman’s struggle between personal truth and societal constraint, expressed through a subtle and deeply affecting cinematic language
The award carries a Silver Conch (given to the director of the film), certificate and cash prize of Rs.5 lakh (to be shared equally by the director & producer of the film)

Hon'ble Governor of Maharashtra, Shri Jishnu Dev Varma, presented the award to Deepankar Prakash, one of the producers of the film, who received it on behalf of the film's director, Nafiseh Zare, and fellow producers Kottukathira Prakash and Pouya Saeedi.

Best Animation Film

Film: Maya's Song (Germany)
Director: Franziska Schönenberger, Jayakrishnan Subramanian
Producer: Franziska Schönenberger
Citation: For its imaginative and emotionally resonant animation, eloquently portraying a profound journey of identity, belonging and self-discovery with universal appeal.
The award carries a Silver Conch (given to the director of the film), certificate & a Cash prize of 5 Lakh Rs. (To be shared equally by the director & producer of the film

Hon'ble Governor of Maharashtra, Shri Jishnu Dev Varma, presented the award to Sanika Kulkarni, Lead Animator and Studio Representative, who received it on behalf of the film's directors and producers, Franziska Schönenberger and Jayakrishnan Subramanian.
International Competition - Special Jury Award

Pramod Pati Special Jury Award for Most Innovative/ Experimental Film

Film: The Hoarders (Taiwan)
Director: Chuan-Ying LIAO
Citation: In recognition of its bold narrative experimentation and innovative cinematic vision, elevating a deep personal story into unique and though provoking work of art
Award is given to the director of the film. The award carries a Trophy, Certificate and a cash prize of 1 Lakh Rs.

Shri Prakash Magdum, Festival Director and Managing Director, NFDC, presented the award to Ms. Chuan-Ying Liao, director of the film.
International Competition – Technical Awards

Best Cinematographer

Film Name: Turtle Walker (India)
Cinematographer: Krish Makhija
Citation: For its masterful underwater cinematography transforming the depths of the ocean into a mesmerizing visual experience while illuminating the fragile world of sea turtles.
The award carries a Trophy, Certificate & a Cash Prize of Rs. 1.5 Lakh.

Shri Ashutosh Gowariker presented the award to Mr. Anil Makhija, father of Krish Makhija, who received the award on behalf of his son

Best Editor

Editor: Evgeny Smirnov & Maksim Smirnov
Citation: For its elegant craftsmanship where time, emotion and character flow with effortless precision, creating a deeply affecting and beautifully layered narrative with humor.
The award carries a Trophy, Certificate & Cash Prize of Rs. 1.5 Lakhs.

Shri Ashutosh Gowariker presented the award to Anton Simukhin, director of the film, who received it on behalf of Evgeny Smirnov and Maksim Smirnov.

Best Sound Designer

Film Name: Deva Aaj Pan Vhay (India)
Sound Designer: Abhay Rumde (Purple Haze Studio)
Citation: For crafting a powerful landscape that gives voice to the elements beautifully mirroring a young boy’s journey through storm and terrain.
The Award carries a trophy, a certificate and a cash prize of 1.5 Lakh Rs.

Shri Ashutosh Gowariker presented the award to Mr. Abhay Rumde, (Purple Haze Studio).
NATIONAL COMPETITION

Best Documentary Film

Film Name: Waai Director
Name: Sainath S Uskaikar
Producer Name: Bharatbala Ganapathy
Citation: For its visually striking depiction of a fading nomadic musical tradition, for its compassion and sensitivity, and its representation of the modern day transfer of memory, voice, and inheritance, the award for Best Documentary is presented to WAAI.
The Best Documentary Film award carries a Silver Conch (given to the director of the film), certificate and cash prize of Rs. 5 lakhs (shared equally between director & producer of the film).

Shri Dhirendra Ojha, Principal Director General, PIB, presented the award to Mr. Sainath S. Uskaikar, director of the film, and Mr. Jawahar Sharma, who received it on behalf of the film's producer, Mr. Bharatbala Ganapathy.

Best Short Fiction Film

Film Name: Small Clouds
Director Name: Shubham Sumit
Producer Name: Film and Television Institute of India, Pune
Citation: Taking the viewer on a journey of growing up and growing apart amidst the haunting beauty of misty seascapes and rain-soaked backyards; for capturing the fragile bonds of childhood and the inevitable passage of time with remarkable sensitivity; and for its masterful storytelling, innovative cinematic style, and rich metaphorical depth, the Award for Best Short Film is presented to ‘Small Clouds’.
The award carries a Silver Conch (given to the director of the film), certificate and a cash prize of Rs. 3 lakhs (shared equally between director & producer of the film).

Shri Dhirendra Ojha, Principal Director General, PIB, presented the award to Mr. Shubham Sumit, director of the film, and Mr. Dhiraj Singh, producer of the film and Vice Chancellor, FTII.

Best Animation Film

Film Name: Armstrong from Angaalamman Temple Street
Director Name: Bunz
Producer Name: Bunz
Citation: For its daring depiction of a distant future, it’s social critique between old traditions and a changing world, and for using animation not merely as a visual form, but as a powerful cinematic language, the Award for Best Animation Film is presented to BUNZ for Armstrong From Angaalamman Temple Street.
The award carries a Silver Conch (given to the director of the film), certificate and a cash prize of Rs. 3 lakhs (shared equally between director & producer of the film).

Shri Dhirendra Ojha, Principal Director General, PIB, presented the award to Mr. Bhuvanesh M. Kumar (Bunz), director and producer of the film.
National Competition - Sponsored Awards

Dadasaheb Phalke Chitranagari Award for Best Debut Director

Film Name: Razaa
Director Name: Pooja Tolani
Citation: For sensitively unveiling a family secret through a woman’s lens, while exploring the unique characteristics of the short film medium to create a compelling and memorable experience of gender dynamics within human relationships, the Award for Best Debut Director is presented to Pooja Tolani for ‘Razaa’.
The award consists of a Trophy, a Certificate and a cash prize of 1 Lakh Rupees.

Shri Kiran Kulkarni Ji, Secretary, Marathi Language & Cultural Affairs, Government of Maharashtra, presented the award to Ms. Pooja Tolani in recognition of her debut work.

IDPA Award for Best Student Film

Film Name: The Old Bull knows, or Once Knew
Director Name: Milan Kumar
Citation: For its black-and-white portrayal of a fading nomadic tradition, and the quiet acceptance of separation between an ageing bull and its owner.
The award is instituted by the Indian Documentary Producers Association. The award carries a Certificate and a cash prize of Rupees One Lakh. It is given to director of the film.

Shri Sanskar Desai, President, IDPA, presented the award to Mr. Milan Kumar.

Special Award for Best short film on “Viksit Bharat/ 150 Years of Vande Mataram/ Bharat@2026”

Film Name: The Last Shelter
Director Name: Bharat Arora, Rajesh Bhatia
Citation: “The Last Shelter” is a film that sensitively portrays the hardships faced in Leh while highlighting India’s efforts to a resilient,empowered lives through inclusive development and better social support.
The award carries certificate and a cash prize of 1 Lakh Rs. and is given to Indian Filmmakers.

Shri Prakash Magdum, Festival Director and Managing Director, NFDC, presented the award to director of the film Mr. Bharat Arora and Mr. Rajesh Bhatia.
National Competition - Technical Awards

Best Cinematographer

Film Name: Small Clouds
Cinematographer : Ranadhir Biswas
Citation: For its exceptional use of camera movement, composition, and color… in a manner that truly elevates the story. A film whose images even without dialogue create a deeply emotional connection. The technical award for best cinematography is presented to SMALL CLOUDS.
The award carries a Trophy, Certificate & Cash Prize of Rs. 1.5 Lakh.

Shri Prabhat, Additional Secretary, MIB, presented the award to Mr. Shubham Sumit, director of the film, who received it on behalf of Mr. Ranadhir Biswas, Cinematographer.

Best Editor

Film Name:Mayday
Editor:Akhil Krishnan
Citation: For its exceptional use in creating tension, misdirection, and action, to highlight the powerful theme that without understanding and empathy, we are capable of great harm, even to those we love, the technical award for best editing presented to MAYDAY.
The award carries a Trophy, Certificate & Cash Prize of Rs. 1.5 Lakhs.

Shri Prabhat, Additional Secretary, MIB, presented the award to Mr. Sarath Ambatt, director of the film on behalf of Mr. Akhil Krishnan.

Best Sound Designer

Film Name:Kovarty
Sound Designer:Bigyna Dahal
Citation: For its immersive sound design that gently blurs the line between reality and fantasy, creating a world that is playful, emotional, and deeply alive, the award for best sound design is presented to KOVARTY.
The award carries a Trophy, Certificate and a Cash Prize of Rs. 1.5 Lakh.

Shri Prabhat, Additional Secretary, MIB, presented the award to Mr. Sarath Ambatt, director of the film on behalf of Mr. Akhil Krishnan.
FIPRESCI AWARD

FIPRESCI Jury Award (Documentary Film)

Film Name:The Hug of Emptiness
Director: Pradeep Kenchanuru
Citation: Our award goes to a film that left us deeply moved by its portrait of a solitary fight for justice — a man who, stripped of everything, finds a way to survive and rebuild when his entire world falls apart. With a camera that never intrudes and a voice that simply tells its own story, the film turns twenty-four years of solitude into a quiet act of resistance.
The FIPRESCI International Critics Prize (FIPRESCI Prize) instituted by the International Federation of Film Critics and is given to the director of the film. The Award is determined by a 3 Member Jury and consists of a certificate and a cash prize of Rs. 1 lakh.

Mr. Premendra Majumdar, FIPRESCI General Secretary, presented the award to Mr. Pradeep Kenchanuru, Director, for his film The Hug of Emptiness.