Maharashtra Government and NAFA Film Festival, USA, Sign Historic Agreement!

In a significant and historic move to expand the global reach of Marathi cinema, the Government of Maharashtra’s Department of Cultural Affairs has entered into a memorandum of understanding with the Maharashtra Film, Stage and Cultural Development Corporation Limited (Films Division/Films City) and the North American Film Association (NAFA), USA. Under this agreement, the prestigious NAFA International Film Festival in the United States will be organized with the collaboration of the Department of Cultural Affairs, Government of Maharashtra.

All official festival publicity and promotional materials will carry the phrase “in collaboration with the Department of Cultural Affairs, Government of Maharashtra” along with the official government logo.

A government resolution (G.R.) authorizing the partnership has been recently issued. The resolution provides for financial support from the Government of Maharashtra and Films City for the festival and grants the necessary powers to officials responsible for implementing the agreement.

NAFA — founded by producer Abhijit Gholap, known for the National Award-winning films Deool and Indian — is a volunteer-driven, non-profit community organization in North America that promotes Marathi and Indian cinema, culture, and artists on a global platform. Over the past three years, the NAFA festival has established a distinct and respected presence for Marathi cinema in North America.

The Department of Cultural Affairs has recognized the NAFA International Film Festival as the official overseas Marathi film festival affiliated with the Government of Maharashtra. Modeled on festivals such as the Pune International Film Festival (PIFF) and the Mumbai International Documentary, Short and Animation Film Festival (MIFF), NAFA will now be recognized as an official Maharashtra government–affiliated Marathi film festival held outside India.

Commenting on the partnership, NAFA founder-president Abhijit Gholap said, “The Department of Cultural Affairs’ positive response to our proposal is a proud and historic moment for Marathi cinema. NAFA’s mission goes beyond organizing a festival: we aim to open global markets for Marathi films, promote international co-productions, improve distribution and OTT access, attract investment, and facilitate cultural exchange. With the support of the Government of Maharashtra, the Department of Cultural Affairs, and Films City, I am confident Marathi cinema will gain new global footholds. I am deeply grateful to Chief Minister Hon. Devendra Fadnavis, Cultural Affairs Minister Hon. Adv. Ashish Shelar, Cultural Affairs Secretary Dr. Kiran Kulkarni, and Films City Managing Director Swati Mhashe-Patil for their support.”

Cultural Affairs Minister Adv. Ashish Shelar said, “Providing Marathi cinema with an international platform and creating opportunities for the state’s artists, technicians, and producers are priorities for the Government of Maharashtra. This partnership with NAFA is a major step toward the global expansion of Marathi cinema and will help Maharashtra’s rich cultural tradition and creativity reach a wider international audience.”

Key benefits of this partnership for Maharashtra:

Wide promotion and distribution of Marathi films across North America and globally.

Improved access to international distribution channels, OTT platforms, and new markets.

Direct engagement with international festivals, distributors, investors, and producers.

Training, networking, and showcase opportunities for emerging artists, directors, and technicians.

Exposure to global best practices in film production, artificial intelligence (AI), distribution, and marketing.

Boost for international co-productions and joint projects.

Enhanced global visibility for the Marathi language, culture, and arts.

The NAFA International Film Festival 2026 will showcase films from approximately 20–30 countries and will host panels, workshops, masterclasses, and industry sessions on film production, distribution, co-production, OTT platforms, artificial intelligence (AI), and cutting-edge filmmaking technologies.

This historic partnership will create a sustained, effective bridge between Marathi cinema and the global film industry, opening a new era of international opportunities for artists, producers, technicians, and distributors. Senior representatives from the Government of Maharashtra, including the Hon. Cultural Affairs Minister, the Chairperson of the Maharashtra Film, Stage and Cultural Development Corporation, senior officials from the Department of Cultural Affairs, the Managing Director of Films City, and eminent figures from the film industry will attend the festival.