Global Cinema Shines in New York as Mukesh Modi’s IFFA 2026 Concludes with a Star-Studded Awards Night

 

45+ nominated films selected from 139 international submissions take center stage at New York City’s iconic Quad Cinema

NEW YORK — New York City came alive with the spirit of global independent cinema as the Indie Film Festival Awards (IFFA) 2026, founded by international filmmaker Mukesh Modi, concluded with a star-studded awards ceremony at the iconic Quad Cinema in Manhattan. Following three exciting days of film screenings, networking, cultural exchange and celebrations from August 4–6, 2026, IFFA brought together independent filmmakers, actors, producers, industry professionals, dignitaries and cinema enthusiasts from around the world.

This year, the festival showcased more than 45 nominated films, selected from a competitive pool of 139 international submissions, reaffirming IFFA’s growing role as a global platform dedicated to discovering and celebrating independent voices.

 

 

 

 

Stars, Cinema and Celebration on the Red Carpet

The grand finale on August 6 brought glamour to the IFFA red carpet with special guests including Tania Rubis, Kyra Alison, Sabrina Medunjanin and Veruzka Scavo, joining filmmakers, artists, community leaders and industry professionals for the festival’s biggest night.

Hosted by singer Jonessa Dhanraj, the awards ceremony began with a warm welcome followed by an inspiring address from IFFA Founder President Mukesh Modi.

Modi expressed heartfelt gratitude to his family, describing them as the “backbone of IFFA,” while recognizing the filmmakers whose passion and perseverance brought their stories to the screen.

“Even if you don’t take home an award tonight, your film is already a winner,” Modi told the nominees, acknowledging the achievement of being selected through IFFA’s public and jury evaluation process. He also mentioned As I often Say: “Filmmakers don’t just create films, they create stories that will never die” – Mukesh Modi

 

Distinguished industry leaders Ujwal Nirgudkar and Abhay Sinha were also honored during the evening, with Harish Goyal of ZTV & Z5 joining the recognition on stage.

The festival also acknowledged the invaluable contribution of its sponsors and supporters, including Gold Sponsor Dr. Dipak Nandi of Sun Knowledge and Bronze Sponsor Arya Foundation, along with other sponsors, partners and media supporters whose contributions helped make IFFA 2026 possible.

 

Adding another dimension of glamour and entertainment to the celebration, the evening featured a high-energy Fashion Show presented by Nishi Behl of Panache Entertainment.

The fashion presentation brought style and excitement to the stage, complementing a night filled with emotional victories, inspiring speeches, international talent and cultural celebration.

 

 

Best Short Film: Court Order

Best Director – Short Film: Tristan Loraine — A Girl Called Alice

Best Male Actor – Short Film: Gray Thurstone — Tristia

Best Female Actor – Short Film: Rozelle Gemma — Behind The Reflection

Best Supporting Actor – Short Film: Carlos KRL Mera — I Am The Bride

Best Writer/Story – Short Film: Mason Wells Rader — Paris Doggy Bag

Best Documentary Film: Sood Sarkaar Shimla

Best Director – Documentary: Ryan Betzler & William Eichler — Detroit’s Fort Wayne

Best Cinematographer – Documentary: Andrey Sharonov — The Aviator

Best Feature Film: Maya Satya Bhram

Best Director – Feature Film: Akashaditya Lama — Bengal 1947

Best Male Actor – Feature Film: Sanat Chattopadhyay — Maya Satya Bhram

Best Female Actor – Feature Film: Zoe Bertona — Loxico Narcisista

Best Supporting/Negative Role – Feature Film: Vikram TDR — Bengal 1947

Best Student Film: Comforting Fire and Greenwood

Best Director – Student Film: Michael Chludzinski — Panther By The Tail

Best Cinematographer – Student Film: Terell Zakrzewski — Level Zero

Best Animation Film: In Half

Best Director – Animation Film: Geena Lake — The Interview

Winner: I Am Here

Celebrating the People Behind IFFA

IFFA also recognized the volunteers whose dedication and hard work contributed to the success of the festival. Volunteer certificates were presented to Jonessa Dhanraj, Maya Ebanks, Bonte Grangue, Yogini Oza, Sushma Loomba, Raj Gupta and Christina Nguyen.

Closing the three-day celebration, Mukesh Modi expressed his gratitude to the filmmakers, nominees, sponsors, dignitaries, celebrity guests, partners, media, volunteers, audiences and his family for their overwhelming support. Modi also extended a special thanks to Ivan Rana for his unconditional support and contribution to the festival.

“IFFA is not just a festival; it is a global celebration of stories that deserve to be seen and heard,” said Modi. “Every filmmaker who has the courage to tell a story deserves a platform. We want IFFA to continue opening doors for independent filmmakers from around the world, and we look forward to making the festival even bigger next year.”

As the curtains came down on IFFA 2026 in New York City, the festival left behind more than trophies and applause. It celebrated the power of independent storytelling, created new connections across borders and demonstrated that compelling cinema can emerge from anywhere in the world.One message resonated throughout the festival: the world of independent cinema is alive, diverse and more connected than ever.