Noida, India: A proud moment for the Asian Academy of Film and Television (AAFT) was celebrated at Marwah Studios, Noida Film City, as certificates were presented to students who brought international recognition to the institution by winning awards for their mobile films at the Cannes Film Festival 2026, France.
The certificates, issued by Bruno Chatelin, Honorary President, and Prof. Karl Bardosh, President of the International Cellphone Cinema Showcase – Cannes (Marché du Film), were formally presented during a special ceremony attended by students, faculty members, and distinguished guests.
The awards were presented by acclaimed Russian filmmaker Vladimir Kegrinskiy, who himself earned international recognition at the Cannes Film Festival for his award-winning short film (IFREE). Following the presentation ceremony, his celebrated film was screened for the newly inducted students of the 129th Batch of AAFT, providing them with valuable insight into international filmmaking standards and creative excellence.
The award-winning AAFT students included:
- Reeturaj Das – Nothing – Best Horror Film
- Satyam Singh Solanki – Chitti – Best Sound Effect
- Sarmin Kayal – Midnight Meeting – Best Actor
- Sidhant Banita – Midnight Meeting – Best Actress
- Satyam Singh Solanki – Dream – Best Color Dramaturgy
- Sarmin Kayal – Midnight Meeting – Best Single Person Filmmaker
Congratulating the students on their remarkable achievements, Dr. Sandeep Marwah, President of Marwah Studios and Chancellor of AAFT University, expressed immense pride in their accomplishments.
“Winning recognition at Cannes is a significant achievement and a testament to the talent, creativity, and dedication of our students. AAFT has always encouraged innovation and practical learning, and these international awards reaffirm our commitment to nurturing world-class filmmakers and creative professionals,” said Dr. Marwah.
Addressing the gathering, Vladimir Kegrinskiy appreciated the quality of work produced by AAFT students and encouraged them to continue exploring new ideas, technologies, and storytelling techniques. He emphasized that cinema remains one of the most powerful mediums for communication and cultural exchange.
The event inspired the new batch of students, who witnessed firsthand how determination, creativity, and professional training can lead to international recognition. The screening of Vladimir Kegrinskiy’s award-winning film further enriched the learning experience and provided a valuable opportunity for aspiring filmmakers to understand the nuances of global cinema.
The ceremony concluded with a standing ovation for the award winners and a renewed commitment by AAFT to continue fostering excellence in filmmaking, media, and creative arts on a global platform.
