TEAFF 22: Closing formalities

TEAFF 22: Closing formalities

The closing ceremony of the 22nd Third Eye Asian Film Festival, which unfolded over the week 09-15 January 2026, was held with great at the precincts of the P.L. Deshpande Kala Academy’s Ravindra Natya Mandir. This year’s festival, as always, offered audiences a rich and diverse cinematic experience, showcasing Asian film culture, through a wide range of films. Film lovers had the opportunity to watch around 56 films during the festival, held at two venues, the mini-theatre of the Academy and Cinépolis cinema in LakeShore Mall, Thane.

Prashant Sajnikar, Co-Managing Director of the Maharashtra Film, Theatre and Cultural Development Corporation, graced the occasion, as the Chief Guest. Speaking at the event, he emphasised that such festivals provide audiences access to some of the finest films from across the world. He highlighted the need for sustained efforts at various levels for the growth of cinema. Stressing the importance of reaching cinema beyond cities into rural areas, he mentioned that the government is actively working through various initiatives. As part of these efforts, the Dadasaheb Phalke Chitrapat Rasik Mandal has launched a special initiative dedicated to classic films. Additionally, three different courses have been introduced to provide a platform for emerging artistes. Praising the organisers, The Asian Film Foundation and Prabhat Chitra Mandal, Sajnikar noted that consistently organising the festival, for 22 years, is truly commendable, and reiterated the Maharashtra government’s commitment to the development of cinema.

While welcoming the guests, Festival President Kiran Shantaram expressed gratitude to all those who supported the festival and shared his happiness over the overwhelming response. Festival Director Santosh Pathare also thanked everyone for their co-operation and contributions, acknowledging that the festival’s success was the result of collective efforts. Executive Committee Member Shrikant Bojewar, Sandeep Manjrekar (Managing Director), along with film-makers Sandeep Sawant, Prabal Khaud, Vikas Patil, Supratim Bhol and other jury members, were present at the ceremony.

Many awards were presented at the closing ceremony.

*The Special Film Writing Award instituted in memory of Late Sudhir Nandgaonkar, the Director of the festival for 20 years, until his passing away.

*The competition section of this year’s festival featured films by young, emerging directors with fresh narrative styles. The results of the Indian Cinema competition were announced during the ceremony. Best Film, Best Director, Best Actor and Best Actress awards were given under this category.

Four Special Jury Awards were presented to a director, an actor, a debut director, and an actress.

On the occasion of the 125th birth anniversary of Dadasaheb Phalke, a new award for Best Directorial Debut was instituted this year, instituted at my behest, was also given away.

More wards were given, in the Contemporary Marathi Cinema category, for the Best Film award, Best Director (shared) for the same film, Best Actor (shared) and the Best Actress. Some more Special Jury Awards went to a Director, a story writer and a child artiste.

Festival Director Santosh Pathare presented an overview of the festival, while Sandeep Manjrekar delivered the vote of thanks. The 22nd Third Eye Asian Film Festival was organised with the support of the Department of Culture, Government of Maharashtra; Maharashtra Film, Theatre and Cultural Development Corporation and NFDC, NFAI.

Read the full list of award winners in my next instalment.