NYIFF announces awards recognizing films, including Saudi Vellaka, Follower and Birha
Our Bureau
New York
New York Indian Film Festival (NYIFF), North America’s oldest and most prestigious festival which features cinema from the global Indian community announced it’s 2023 winners at a star studded event at the SVA theatre in New York City on Sunday May 14. Director Avinash Arun of Pataal Lok fame captured top honors for his film Three of Us winning Best Director, Best Actor and Best Actress awards for the leads, Jaideep Ahlawat and Shefali Shah respectively.
“On behalf of the entire board, I applaud all the winners and nominees. We are proud to continue our tradition of supporting and recognizing this stellar talent and bringing these acclaimed works to a new audience. This year, our aim was to reinforce the impact of Indian cinema on the global platform by bringing authentic storytelling reflecting the Indian experience.” said Dr. Nirmal Mattoo, Indo-American Arts Council (IAAC) Chairman.
Aseem Chhabra, Festival Director of NYIFF 2023, added, “I am delighted to announce that this year’s event has been very successful. A number of our screenings where completely sold out in our biggest theaters offering audiences a memorable experience. Not only did they get the opportunity to mingle with renowned celebrities such as Manoj and Sharmila, but they also engaged with numerous talented young filmmakers. It is with immense joy that we acknowledge an important milestone when a Malayalam film received the prestigious Best Film award at NYIFF. The selections made by our esteemed jury truly reflect the vast breadth and diversity of Indian cinema.”
Suman Gollamudi, Executive Director, added, “Our closing event was truly a testament to the New York connunity gathering together to celebrate Indian cinema. It is heartening to see all the positive messages streaming in and witness the incredible support we received from audiences and industry professionals alike.”added Suman Gollamudi, IAAC Executive Director. “It was personally a poignant and special moment to show a story centered around the relationship between a mother and her daughter on Mother’s Day”
The 23rd Annual NYIFF Award Winners
Best Film: Saudi Vellakka
Best Director: Avinash Arun Dhaware (Three of Us)
Best Actress: Shefali Shah (Three of Us)
Best Actor : Jaideep Ahlawat (Three of Us)
Best Screenplay: Follower
Best Documentary by a Woman Filmmaker awarded by NYWIFT to Dir. Leslie Shampaine – “CALL ME DANCER”
Best Documentary (Short & Feature): To Kill a Tiger
Best Short (Narrative): Birha
