December – 27th, 28th & 29th at the end of this year 2024

The Maharaja Film Festival®️ has made a significant mark in the cinematic landscape, particularly with its introduction of dual category awards for male and female candidates. This innovative approach not only celebrates the exceptional talent of both genders in the film industry but also promotes inclusivity and representation.

Moreover, the dual award system encourages more filmmakers to participate, knowing their work will be recognised regardless of gender. This initiative reflects a broader trend in the film industry towards gender equality, aiming to dismantle the historical biases that have often marginalised female voices.

The awards are determined by a panel of industry experts, ensuring a fair evaluation based on merit. The festival’s commitment to showcasing both male and female talents serves as a platform for emerging artists, providing them with visibility and opportunities to network within the industry.

By celebrating the artistic accomplishments of all candidates, the Maharaja Film Festival not only honours individual talent but also champions the importance of diverse narratives in cinema, enriching the cultural tapestry of the film industry as a whole. This initiative is a step towards a more equitable future in filmmaking

Mumbai, Maharashtra – The renowned Maharaja Film Festival®️ is back for its second season, continuing its unique celebration of feature films, short films, documentaries, music videos, and web-series from around the world. Maharaja Film Festival has established itself as the largest film festival in India’s history, offering a groundbreaking platform with its Dual Category Awards—Maharaja & Maharani Awards®️—honouring filmmakers, technicians, and artists globally.

CEO & Founder Naushivkumar Varma shared the mission behind the festival, stating: “At Royal Family of Cinema, my goal is to present dual awards in each category to honor both male and female filmmakers, ensuring diversity is achieved. The Maharaja Awards are for male recipients and Maharani Awards are for female recipients. This opens doors for all filmmakers to exhibit their talent with equal opportunity.” Varma also revealed his ambition to promote Marathi Cinema, Marathi Culture, and Maharashtra Tourism at this year’s event, with the exciting introduction of a Cinema World Cup, a first-ever global competition in the film industry.


Festival Director Shree Dilip Dixit
 emphasized the importance of the festival, stating, “Events like the Maharaja Film Festival are going to cross language barriers and unite the film and entertainment world.”


Advisory Chief of the Committee Shree Lalit Thakkar Said:

This format allows audiences to appreciate the diverse storytelling perspectives brought by filmmakers of different genders.

Managing Director Mitali Jani highlighted the unique aspects of the festival, noting that the Maharaja & Maharani Awards are its main distinguishing features.

The festival prides itself on offering a vast number of award categories to recognise every facet of the performing arts. Jury members, all experts in their respective fields, ensure fair and generous evaluations of the projects. The festival even extends beyond cinema, acknowledging visual artists, digital creators, and painters who contribute to storytelling on screen. Importantly, there is no age limit or qualification required to participate—if you believe in your art, you stand a chance to win.

Submissions from a wide array of global cinema industries—Hollywood, Bollywood, African Cinema, Italian Cinema, as well as regional Indian cinemas like Tamil, Telugu, Marathi, and more—are already pouring in for Season 2 of the festival.

The event, featuring public screenings, an award night, and a red carpet, is scheduled for December 2024 in Mumbai, Maharashtra.

Entries for Season 2 are open until 31st October 2024.

For more details:

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