Our Bureau
Edison, NJ
The 8th New Jersey Indian & International Film Festival (NJIIFF), presented by the Indian Arts & Culture Corporation (IACC), concluded successfully on March 28 and 29, 2026, celebrating cinema, culture, and community at the Regal Hadley Theatre, South Plainfield, and the ITV Gold Auditorium, Edison, New Jersey.
This year, the festival received a strong response with submission s from across continents, showcasing diverse global storytelling. Following a careful selection process, a curated lineup of films was presented across the two – day program.
The festival opened on March 28 with a red carpet Opening Ceremony, featuring curated short film screenings and filmmaker interactions. The celebration continued on March 29, presenting a diverse selection of films and engaging audiences throughout the day.
The NJIIFF program also included collaborations with the 5th Marathi International Film Festival (MIFF) and the 4th Florida South Asian Film Festival (FL – SAFF), creating a broader platform for regional and international storytelling.
Speaking about the festival, Festival Director Hemant M. Pandya shared: “NJIIFF continues to grow as a platform for meaningful cinema that connects cultures and communities. We are grateful to all filmmakers, partners, and audiences who made this edition truly special.”
The festival was funded in part by the Arts Institute of Middlesex County, Middlesex County Board of County Commissioners through a County Arts Grant, along with continued support from partners, sponsors, and the community.
The jury and programming team recognized outstanding achievements in filmmaking across multiple categories. Selected award – winning films include:
Best Feature Film: KRANTIJYOTI VIDYALAY MARATHI MADHYAM
Director: Hemant Dayanand Dhome Producer: Kshitee Anant Jog, Viraj Ramakant Gawas, Ajinkya Vasant Dhamal
Best Short Film: SUSU
Director: Shubham Rahul Karna Producer: Arya A Menon
Best of the Best Film (Festival’s Choice Award): REVERSE
Director: Kaustav Mukherjee Producer: Vijaykumar Mirchandani & Debapriya Sengupta
NJIIFF remains committed to promoting independent cinema and creating opportunities for filmmakers across the globe.
