The Indie Film Festival Awards, IFFA, a non-profit organization, held its opening ceremony June 2, at Quad Cinema in Manhattan, to launch its first 4-day festival of independent films ranging from features to shorts.
It ended on June 5, with an awards ceremony in which several individuals were recognized for their contributions to cinema and media and communications. Among them were India’s Minister of State for Social Justice & Empowerment Dr. Ramdas Athawale, who also inaugurated the event on June 2, Prasar Bharati Chair Navneet Kumar Sehgal, and Padma Shri recipient Dr. Sudhir Parikh, chairman of Parikh Worldwide Media/ITV Gold.
Also present on June 2 inauguration were Consul General of India in New York Binaya Srikanta Pradhan, and Founder of IFFA Mukesh Modi, who hosted both the opening as well as the June 5 closing ceremonies. Another guest of honor was actor and producer Jeff Wallner.
Modi, a recipient of the Dada Saheb Phalke Film Foundation Award, described the Festival as an international celebration dedicated to independent filmmakers. IFFA aims at recognizing, empowering, and promoting the creative excellence of indie filmmakers from across the globe.
Earlier, on the June 2 inauguration day, speakers praised the efforts made to establish IFFA, and the choice of films and shorts that distinguish this festival from others.
On the final day June 5, the winners in the various categories were announced. Also, awards were given out to the selected individuals at the closing event.
The festival received 115 submissions from over 20 countries, with more than 50 films selected for theatrical screenings. “Behind the scenes, our diverse team of industry professionals, film enthusiasts, and creative minds unite to curate an unforgettable film festival experience,” the website of IFFA says.
“Our goal is to give indie filmmakers a platform to shine,” says Modi. “IFFA is here to make sure their voices are heard, their films are seen, and their efforts are celebrated with pride.”
The films screened from June 2-5, 2025, included a large number of shorts, and several full-length movies.
(Used under special arrangement with NIT)
