Maharashtra's First International Marathi Film Festival, 'Chitrapataka', Begins April 21; Cultural Affairs Minister Ashish Shelar Reveals Emblem
Mumbai: Maharashtra's first International Marathi Film Festival, 'Chitrapataka', will take place from April 21 to 24 at the P L Deshpande Maharashtra Kala Academy. The festival showcases 41 Marathi films and includes panel discussions, workshops, and an exhibition. It aims to celebrate and promote Marathi cinema globally.
The 'Chitrapataka' festival, the first international Marathi film festival, has been launched to promote successful Marathi films globally. Announced by Maharashtra's Cultural Affairs Minister Adv. Ashish Shelar, the festival is set to occur at P. L. Deshpande Kala Academy in Prabhadevi from April 21 to 24.
This initiative, backed by the Maharashtra Government's Cultural Affairs Department, the Maharashtra Film, Theatre and Cultural Development Corporation, and P. L. Deshpande Maharashtra Kala Academy, underscores the state's ambition to elevate Marathi cinema on an international stage.
At the festival's logo unveiling, Adv. Shelar highlighted ‘Chitrapataka,’ meaning 'a shining banner' for Marathi cinema. The logo features a Mavla, a traditional warrior, on horseback holding a banner and shield shaped like a film reel, symbolizing the unity of Marathi film workers.
Free-of-Cost Film Festival
Tickets for Maharashtra's inaugural film festival, 'Chitrapataka,' will be offered at no cost to participants, with information regarding ticket purchasing options coming soon in both online and offline formats for everyone. The specific dates for registration have not been revealed yet. Attendance is free, but prior registration is necessary, which can be completed online or in person at the Kala Akademi.
Maharashtra's First Film Festival 'Chitrapataka'
Over four days, the festival will showcase 41 full-length Marathi films from various genres, all released within the last five years. Attendees can participate in five seminars on cinema, two interviews, and various workshops, including one specifically for cine journalists along with an exhibition celebrating Marathi films. Attendance is free, requiring online registration or in-person signup at the venue, with Adv. Shelar is urging film lovers to join this celebration of Marathi cinema.
Reflecting on his first 100 days in office, Adv. Shelar noted the successful organization of 170 arts-related programs, including workshops and cinema-themed events. Looking ahead, he aims to host a total of 1200 programs statewide within the next year, reinforcing a commitment to enhance Maharashtra's cultural landscape and increase accessibility to diverse arts.
Aim Of 'Chitrapataka' Film Festival
Through the 'Chitrapataka' festival, the government aims to cultivate appreciation for Marathi cinema both locally and internationally, enhancing recognition of the region’s storytelling and creative talents, and promoting a vibrant cultural community.
Accompanying the inauguration is a four-day film festival showcasing 41 diverse Marathi films across various genres, including social issues, rural stories, historical narratives, environmental themes, women’s topics, children’s cinema, and comedy. The film selection was made by a committee including experts Dr. Santosh Pathare, Sukanya Kulkarni, Sameer Aathalye, and Purushottam Berde. The festival will also host five seminars, two interviews, and two practical workshops, with a focus on different facets of the film industry, including a special workshop for cine journalists.
The event will feature notable figures from the Marathi film scene, including Padmashree and Maharashtra Bhushan award winners, and celebrated actors. Its initiative 'Chitrapataka' aims to promote Marathi cinema globally and encourages enthusiasts to partake in this cinematic celebration.
Celebrities To Attend Film Festival
The festival seeks to unite audiences, writers, directors, and producers, showcasing the rich diversity of Marathi cinema while promoting discussions and education through seminars and workshops. Many dignitaries from the film industry including Padmashree Maharashtra Bhushan Ashok Saraf, Sachin Pilgaonkar, Mahesh Manjrekar, Mahesh Kothare, Varsha Usgaonkar, Subodh Bhave, Alka Kubal will be present at the festival, informed Cultural Affairs Minister Ashish Shelar.
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