The 8th Moonwhite Films International Film Festival (MWFIFF) concluded on a high note after a vibrant two-day celebration of cinema, reaffirming its growing stature as a significant global platform for independent filmmaking. Presented by Padma Shri Anup Jalota, the festival showcased powerful storytelling from across the world, blending international and Indian cinematic voices.
The festival featured an impressive lineup of feature films, short films, documentaries, animation projects, and music videos, offering audiences a rich and diverse viewing experience. Screenings were held at INOX, while the prestigious award ceremony at Mukkti Auditorium brought the event to a memorable close.
Out of nearly 200 film entries received from various countries, only 32 outstanding films were officially selected for nominations and awards, reflecting MWFIFF’s rigorous selection process and commitment to artistic and technical excellence.
The winners and nominees were announced by an eminent jury panel comprising Anup Jalota, Dr. Jaspinder Narula, singer Dilraj Kaur, and Pt. Suvashit Raj. The festival was spearheaded by Founder & Director Mr. Devashish Sargam (Raj) and Co-Founder Ms. Shipra Raj, whose vision continues to elevate MWFIFF’s international reputation.
Among the notable award-winning projects was the international feature film “Stranded Pearl” from the Cook Islands, which earned Best Actor for Aunanda Naaido, Best Actress for Kristy Wright, and Best Supporting Actress for Aleisha Rose. The music video “Marionette” (USA) won accolades including Best Singer (Ava Della Pietra) and Best Director (Nathan Levine-Heaney). Another music video, “Single for Life,” secured awards for Best International Music Video (Pop/RnB) and Best Actress.
Indian short film “Nanak Chinta Mat Karo” received a Special Festival Mention, while documentaries such as “The Tide Turns” (India–Russia Federation) were also recognized. Several international short films from the United States received nominations and awards for performances, direction, and storytelling.
A major highlight of the closing ceremony was a significant industry announcement by renowned New Zealand producer Anand Naidu, who revealed that he has officially signed Devashish Sargam (Raj) as the director of his upcoming international feature film. The announcement received an enthusiastic response from filmmakers, industry professionals, and media.
This landmark collaboration further cements MWFIFF’s role as a global launchpad for independent cinema, fostering cross-border collaborations and strengthening cultural exchange through film.
[09:11, 24/12/2025] Himanshu Jhun New: Rushabhayan 02 Concludes Successfully in Mumbai, Celebrating the Legacy of King Rushabhdev
The three-day international conference Rushabhayan 02, dedicated to the life, philosophy, and civilizational contributions of King Rushabhdev, concluded successfully at Kora Kendra, Borivali West. Organized by the Labdhi Vikram Janseva Trust (LVJST), the event witnessed the participation of scholars, spiritual leaders, policymakers, industrialists, and over one lakh citizens, reaffirming India’s ancient knowledge traditions.
Historical and archaeological references presented during the conference established King Rushabhdev as the original propounder of Indian civilization. Discussions highlighted that concepts such as entrepreneurship, sustainable development, vocational training, and skill-based education are deeply rooted in India’s own civilizational heritage. The conference also reiterated that the name “Bharat” originates from Chakravarti Emperor Bharat, the illustrious son of King Rushabhdev, as mentioned in the Shrimad Bhagavata Purana.
The event commenced with a grand Shobhayatra, followed by blessings and a spiritual discourse by Jain Gachchhadhipati Yashovarmasuriji Maharaj. Chief Minister of Maharashtra Shri Devendra Fadnavis inaugurated the Dharma Parishad and formally launched the Rushabhayan book. Eminent saints, including 1008 Mahamandaleshwar Swami Rajendra Anandgiri Ji, P. P. Kothari Shri Dharmanand Swami Maharaj, Dandi Swami Jitendra Saraswati Maharaj, P. P. Mahant Dayalpuri Maharaj, Shantigiri Maharaj, and Guru Mauli Dindori, shared profound spiritual insights on the life and teachings of King Rushabhdev.
On the second day, Memorandums of Understanding (MoUs) were signed with academic institutions, while scholars from over 150 institutions in India and abroad presented research papers on systems established by King Rushabhdev, including Asi, Masi, Kasi, trade and commerce, Brahmi script, mathematics, 72 vocational skills, and 64 fine arts. Union Commerce Minister Shri Piyush Goyal attended the proceedings on this day.
A major highlight of the conference was the historic release of 1,111 books, including rare handwritten manuscripts dating back 200 to 500 years, inaugurated under the aegis of the Mumbai Jain Sangh Organization. A large, aesthetically designed set depicting Indian arts, along with multiple exhibition stalls, showcased ancient crafts, vocational systems, and interactive displays.
The final day saw the presence of Maharashtra Minister for Culture and IT Shri Ashish Shelar, who emphasized that Rushabhayan 02 is not merely an event but a thought movement aimed at reconnecting future generations with India’s cultural roots. Cultural programmes and dialogues on indigenous skills marked the conclusion of the event.
Guided by eminent scholars Shri Kumarpalbhai Desai, Dr. Sarayu Doshi, Dr. Arvind Jamkhedkar, and Dr. Sejal Shah, and meticulously shaped by Shri Kiritbhai Doshi, Shri Pravinbhai Jain, Shri Krishna Rana, Shri Mukeshbhai Jain of Multigraphics, and social worker Shri Sunil Lodha, Rushabhayan 02 emerged as a landmark celebration of India’s civilizational heritage.
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