The seven-day 5th Kashmir World Film Festival (KWFF) concluded in Srinagar with a grand closing and award ceremony, celebrating creativity, storytelling, and cultural exchange through cinema from across the globe.
Prominent political activist Ms. Safina Beig graced the occasion as the Chief Guest, lauding the festival’s efforts in promoting independent filmmaking. The Guests of Honour included Reena Choudhary (politician and entrepreneur) and Lalit Parimoo (Bollywood actor), whose presence added distinction to the event.
The concluding day began with screenings of selected films, including In a Framework, 43, Matric Pass, Parenting Special Needs Children: Cerebral Palsy, and Shushur. These films captivated audiences with their storytelling depth and artistic excellence.
In the afternoon, the much-awaited award ceremony honored filmmakers across multiple categories for their remarkable contributions to cinema.
List of Award Winners:
Best Student Fiction Film: Stitch
Jury Mention: Paper Boat
Best Student Documentary: Plastic Shahmar
Best Animation Film: In a Framework
Best Short Film: Last Drop
Jury Mentions: My Daddy is My Hero, I Won’t Cry Tomorrow, A Night After All
Best Short Documentary: Trans Kashmir
Jury Mentions: Aatish-e-Tilism, Parenting Special Needs Children: Cerebral Palsy, J. L. Kaul – A Man of Action
Best Feature-Length Documentary: Ricard Dance
Best Feature Film: Rasa
Jury Mentions: Love in Forties, Malavazhi, Shushur
Festival Director Mushtaq Ali Ahmed Khan expressed pride in the growing stature of the KWFF, noting that it has become “a vital platform not just for Kashmir but for filmmakers from across the world — where diverse stories, cultures, and experiences come together to enrich the global cinematic landscape.”
