Our Bureau
Niles, IL
Highly anticipated 4th edition of the Vadilal International Gujarati Film Festival kick-started on 7th July with the grand premiere of Malhar Thakar starring Gujarati Film ‘Locha Lapsi ‘at Cine Lounge. To witness this mega opening night, a large community of people gathered to celebrate Gujarati cinema, with their overwhelming response.
IGFF has left an indelible mark on the cultural landscape, attracting overwhelming responses in each of its previous editions. The festival was previously held in New Jersey in 2018, and Los Angeles in 2019, and made a triumphant return in Atlanta, GA, after a gap in 2022 due to the global pandemic. Garnering immense popularity, the festival drew in more than 5,000 attendees yearly.
On the opening night of 4th edition of IGFF many dignitaries of the town, along with festival Jury members Gopi Desai, Jay Vasavada and SJ Chiro, Gujarati Film Industry’s heartthrob Malhar Thakar, Legendry Gujarati Folk Singer Atul Purohit, Bollywood versatile actor Darshan Pandya, Gujarati Film Director Niraj Joshi, and Film Producer Milap Singh Jadeja have joined the red carpet and share their gratitude towards the iconic Gujarati Festival and its legacy.
Organizers of the festival Kaushal Acharya and Hemant Brambhatt has got the demand from the audience to have more screening of Gujarati films in their hometown every year. One day prior to the festival, IGFF hosted a pre-event ‘Bhajiya’ party at 41st floor of The North Fairbanks Condo Hotel, Chicago with the presence of Festival jury members and respected guests.
On 8th July, various Gujarati films were showcased, and the closing ceremony on 9th July featured an award ceremony of the official selected films along with the cultural musical performance by Shree Atul Purohit, legendary Gujarati singer, followed by the gala cocktail dinner.
