Chandigarh University Film Festival 2026 concludes; Experts call for authentic Indian Cinema
‘Indian Cinema Must Move Beyond Imitation, Embrace its Roots to Make a Mark on the Global Stage’ says Pawan Sharma, Filmmaker & COO Cinetatva Studio
Babushahi Bureau
Mohali (Punjab), April 10, 2026: The 4th edition of the Chandigarh University International Film Festival (CUIFF) 2026 concluded on a high note at Chandigarh University, bringing together global filmmakers, artists, and students for a vibrant showcase of new-age and impactful cinema.
The two-day festival featured over 383 films, including 11 international entries, offering a platform for storytelling across genres such as animation, VFX, AI-driven films, documentaries, and short films.
Participants from countries including Spain, the United Kingdom, and Australia joined leading Indian film institutions, making it a truly global event.
Veteran actor Makarand Deshpande, known for films like Satya and Swades, highlighted the deeper purpose of cinema, stating that true storytelling lies in creating emotional tension that challenges and provokes thought. He emphasised that meaningful cinema goes beyond glamour and requires discipline, authenticity, and creative courage.
Filmmaker Pawan Kumar Sharma stressed that Indian cinema must move beyond imitation and embrace its cultural roots to gain global recognition. He underlined the importance of film festivals in providing a platform to independent voices often overlooked by mainstream cinema.
The festival, organised by the University Institute of Films and Visual Arts (UIFVA), also witnessed the presence of actor Rajesh Jais and Punjabi singer-actor Babbal Rai, among others.
On the concluding day, awards were presented across multiple categories. The Fire That Kept Its Promise won Best Short Film, Yeh Hai Banaras bagged Best Animation Film, Shunya Astitva was named Best AI Film, and Jungle Kanya won Best Documentary..