Third North American Marathi Film Festival Set to Light Up Hollywood in San Jose!
The North American Marathi Film Association (NAFA) has officially announced the third edition of its Marathi film festival, and this year’s event promises to be bigger, glitzier and more spectacular than ever. Running from August 7–9, 2026 at a San Jose theatre, NAFA 2026 will be more than a celebration of Marathi cinema — organizers say it will be a major cultural carnival that brings together the Indian community across North America.
Founded to showcase the quality, heritage and cultural richness of Marathi cinema to younger generations in North America, NAFA has quickly become one of the most talked-about Indian film festivals in the region. This year’s event will follow the red-carpet tradition of Hollywood, featuring grand premieres, live interactions with artists, cultural programming and a wide array of entertainment.
For the millions of Indians living in the U.S. and Canada, NAFA has become a strong cultural bridge connecting Indian films, arts and traditions with diaspora audiences. NAFA’s efforts have also enabled Marathi films to reach North American viewers on the same day as their Indian theatrical releases.
Past festival selections such as Gulakand, Sujit Sushila, Sangeet Manapman, Chikichiki Bubumbum, Pani, Gulabi, Navra Majha Navasacha 2, Ashi Hi Jamva Jamavi, Sthal and Saltat Reshim Gathi received enthusiastic responses in the U.S. and Canada. Growing youth participation has been a key factor in NAFA’s rise.
Founder-chairman and National Award-winning producer Abhijit Gholap said, “We dreamed of creating an independent and credible platform for Marathi cinema in the U.S. Today NAFA has over a thousand members. Participation from actors, directors, writers, singers, technicians and cinematographers is increasing. Our film club is producing shorts and original works — a new chapter for Indian cinema in North America is being written.”
Guided by eminent filmmakers, actors and artists, NAFA has rapidly established itself as an influential cultural movement. Its reach has expanded into radio and OTT as well. A dedicated and experienced board under Abhijit Gholap is organizing NAFA 2026, with Archana Saraf (Texas) and Ria Thosar (California) serving as co-coordinators. Treasurer Vinayak Fadnavis (California) is overseeing finances. Committee leads include Gauri Kulkarni (Indianapolis) for masterclasses, Bhalchandra Kulkarni (Texas) for film competitions, Pooja Karkhanis (California) for red carpet coordination, and Yogi Patil (Richmond) for IT infrastructure. Publicity and guest-relations teams are led by Mansi Devalekar (California) and Laxman Apte respectively. Organizers say this coordinated effort will make NAFA 2026 more professional, grand and memorable.
To raise the festival’s profile, several leading figures from Marathi cinema will attend in person. Confirmed guests include veteran actress Rohini Hattangadi, Mahesh Manjrekar, Mahesh Kothare, Atul Kulkarni, Nagraj Manjule, Guru Thakur, Shruti Marathe and Girija Oak — adding considerable star power to the lineup. Past editions have featured Dr. Mohan Agashe, Amol Palekar, Sandhya Gokhale, Sachin Khedekar, Gajendra Ahire, Avdhoot Gupte, Ashwini Bhave, Sonali Kulkarni, Adinath Kothare, Vaidehi Parashurami and Madhur Bhandarkar, while earlier editions hosted Dilip Prabhavalkar, Sachin-Supriya Pilgaonkar, Nivedita Saraf, Mahesh Manjrekar, Subodh Bhave, Jabbar Patel, Umesh Kulkarni, Prasad Oak and Mrunal Kulkarni. This year’s lineup continues that legacy.
NAFA 2026 promises a unique blend of Hollywood glamour and Indian cultural pride — showcasing the strength of Marathi cinema and the creativity of Indian artists. Organizers and community members alike are already excited for what they call the biggest cultural and entertainment event of the year for Indians in North America.
By Keerti Kadam