Global cinema shines at 8th Moonwhite Films International Film Festival

The 8th Moonwhite Films International Film Festival (MWFIFF) concluded on a high note after a vibrant two-day celebration, reaffirming its position as a growing global platform for independent cinema. Presented by Padma Shri Anup Jalota, the festival brought together Indian and international filmmakers under one roof.

The festival featured feature films, short films, documentaries, animation projects and music videos, with screenings and the awards ceremony at Mukkti Auditorium. From nearly 200 global entries, only 32 films were selected for nominations and awards, highlighting MWFIFF’s rigorous selection standards. Winners were announced by an eminent jury comprising Anup Jalota, Dr. Jaspinder Narula, singer Dilraj Kaur and Pt. Suvashit Raj. The festival was led by Founder & Director Devashish Sargam (Raj) and Co-Founder Shipra Raj.

Among the major winners was international feature film Stranded Pearl from the Cook Islands, which won Best Actor (Aunanda Naaido), Best Actress (Kristy Wright) and Best Supporting Actress (Aleisha Rose). The US music video “Marionette” earned Best Singer for Ava Della Pietra and Best Director for Nathan Levine-Heaney, while “Single for Life” won Best International Music Video (Pop/RnB) and Best Actress. Indian short film Nanak Chinta Mat Karo received a Special Festival Mention, and documentary The Tide Turns (India–Russia Federation) was also recognised.

A key highlight of the closing ceremony was New Zealand producer Anand Naidu’s announcement that he has signed Devashish Sargam (Raj) as director for his upcoming international feature film, a move that further strengthens MWFIFF’s role as a global launchpad for independent cinema.