SAN JOSE, CALIFORNIA — The historic California Theatre in San Jose played host to a grand celebration of Indian regional cinema as the 3rd edition of the North American Film Association (NAFA) Marathi Film Festival 2026 concluded after three packed days of screenings, red carpet events, and panel discussions.
Organized in collaboration with the Government of Maharashtra from August 7 to 9, the festival drew thousands of Indian-American and international cinephiles, cementing its status as a vital global cultural bridge. The flagship lineup featured 5 world premieres of landmark Marathi feature films and special screenings of 11 award-winning short films.
Red Carpet Glamour and A-List Attendance
The festival kicked off with a Hollywood-style red carpet walk, showcasing a blend of traditional Maharashtrian attire and modern international fashion. Prominent figures from Marathi cinema in attendance included Rohini Hattangadi, Mahesh Kothare, Atul Kulkarni, Nagraj Manjule, Ajinkya Deo, Prasad Oak, Girija Oak, Shruti Marathe, Archana Joglekar, Trupti Bhoir, Sai Deodhar, Manjiri Oak, and Gargi Kulkarni.
Rohini Hattangadi Honored with Lifetime Achievement Award
A major highlight of the festival was the presentation of the NAFA Lifetime Achievement Award to legendary actress Rohini Hattangadi for her contribution to Indian theater and cinema.
Accepting the honor, Hattangadi expressed her gratitude:
”This is my very first award received outside India, making it an extraordinarily special and emotional moment. Receiving a lifetime achievement award does not mean the journey is over—I have no plans to sit at home and intend to continue working on impactful cinema.”
Key Industry Voices on the Global Stage
Throughout the event, interactive sessions and panel discussions allowed audiences to hear directly from filmmakers and actors:
Mahesh Kothare emphasized the universal appeal of regional stories: “The strength of Marathi cinema resides in its connection to the roots, and that essence needs to be shared with audiences globally.”
Nagraj Manjule reflected on realistic storytelling: “Stories born out of our soil and everyday experiences have the power to deeply resonate with people in any corner of the globe.”
Ajinkya Deo highlighted expanded career horizons: “Today’s global media landscape has removed geographical limitations for regional creators—the world platform is wide open.”
Prasad Oak & Girija Oak spoke on diaspora engagement, noting that international film festivals like NAFA effectively eliminate distance between artists and fans living abroad.
Shruti Marathe underlined the growing opportunities for new-generation storytellers to find international distribution windows.
Institutional Support and Future Vision
In a special message, Chief Minister of Maharashtra Devendra Fadnavis extended warm greetings to the organizers, recognizing the role of state collaboration in elevating the festival’s scale and international visibility.
Founder-President of NAFA, Abhijit Gholap, noted in his closing address:
”NAFA has grown beyond a film showcase into a cultural festival for the diaspora in North America. Our mission is to take Marathi cinema to every corner of the world while keeping younger generations connected to their language and heritage.”
The event concluded with an announcement promising an expanded format for the festival’s fourth edition next year.