OnlyKashmir.in News Desk
Srinagar: The 5th edition of the Kashmir World Film Festival (KWFF) drew to a magnificent close in Srinagar with an elegant closing ceremony and an evocative award presentation, marking the culmination of a seven-day celebration of world cinema, artistic ingenuity, and cross-cultural dialogue.
Over the course of a week, the festival showcased an eclectic blend of cinematic excellence from around the globe, reflecting the power of independent voices and the creative vibrancy of both emerging and seasoned filmmakers. Each screening reaffirmed KWFF’s growing stature as a vital cultural platform that bridges storytelling traditions and inspires artistic dialogue within and beyond Kashmir.
Prominent political Activist and former Chairperson of the J&K Hajj Committee, Safina Beig, graced the occasion as the Chief Guest, lauding the festival’s continued efforts in torching creative freedom, intellectual engagement, and aesthetic exploration in the Valley. She was joined by distinguished Guests of Honour, Reena Choudhary, politician and entrepreneur, and Mr. Lalit Parimoo, acclaimed Bollywood actor, whose presence added prestige and warmth to the ceremony.
Dr. Mehjabeen Nabi, President of the Care Foundation, also shared the stage, acknowledging the festival’s cultural and educational significance.
The final day commenced with screenings of critically acclaimed films such as In a Framework, 43, Matric Pass, Parenting Special Needs Children: Cerebral Palsy, and Shushur — each weaving narratives of human resilience, social consciousness, and emotional depth.
The afternoon’s Awards Ceremony served as the artistic crescendo of the festival, honouring remarkable cinematic achievements across diverse genres including short films, documentaries, animation, and feature-length productions.
Award Winners:
- Best Fiction Film (Student Section): Stitch
- Jury Mention: Paper Boat
- Best Documentary Film (Student Section): 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 Forti’s, Malavazhi, Shushur
As the evening drew to a close, the atmosphere was filled with applause and reflection, celebrating cinema’s enduring role as a medium of empathy, awareness, and transformation.
Festival Director Mushtaaque Ali Ahmad Khan, the driving force behind KWFF, expressed profound gratitude to all participating filmmakers, jurors, guests, and supporters. He reaffirmed the festival’s commitment to nurturing cinematic discourse in Kashmir, fostering collaborations, and celebrating the universal language of film.
With its growing international resonance, the Kashmir World Film Festival continues to illuminate the cultural landscape of the Valley, a testament to art’s power to transcend borders, evoke thought, and unite hearts through the shared language of storytelling.
