The latest edition of WISFF showcased 214 films from around the world, with 35 awards recognizing exceptional talent
The Waves International Short Film Festival (WISFF) has successfully concluded its latest edition, showcasing an
impressive 214 films from across the globe. Out of these, 93 films were selected for screening over the three-day event, which included a diverse lineup of short films, music videos, short documentaries, animated shorts, and entries from the 60 Hours Film Making Challenge 4.0—a unique competition that challenges filmmakers to create a film within 60 hours concept to submission. This festival serves as a vibrant platform to showcase the talents of both emerging and professional filmmakers.
Karishma Tanna, a celebrated actress and model, known for her versatile roles in television and film, graced the occasion as the Chief Guest. She was joined on stage by noted dialogue and scriptwriter Manisha Korde, along with esteemed film critic Sachin Chatte and cinematographer Gaurav Gokhle. Among the attending guests were cinematographer Sharmad Raiturkar, Jeetendra Shikerkar, Actor Kevin D’Mello and others. The festival awarded a total of 35 prizes across various categories. In the Open Category, the Best Short Film award was presented to Jadugoda, directed by Satish Munda.
The Second-Best Short Film award went to Thursday Special, directed by Varun Tandon, while the Third Best Short Film award was claimed by Guntata Hriday He, directed by Sainath S Uskaikar. The award for Best Goan Short Film was given to Before I Sleep, directed by Arvin Vaz, and the award for Best Short Documentary went to Mai (Konkani), directed by Saujas Sunil Shetye.
Additionally, the award for Best Music Video (Originals) was awarded to Damodara Mhajya Deva, directed by Nehal Chari, and the award for the best short film directed by a female director was presented to Gust of Wind – Varyacho Zhoko, directed by Sakshi Vijay Ramnathkar. Special Awards (Jury Mentions) awarded to: Undivided Solitude, Directed by Bijoy Chowdhury, Kolhahal / The Chaos, Directed by Dr. Santosh Pathare and Adeus, a Goan Film Directed by Nehal Chari & Aaditya Swaroop. In the 60 Hours Film Making Challenge 4.0, the film
Jellyfish (Konkani), directed by Glen Cardozo, won the award for Best Short Film. The awards for Second and Third Best Short Films went to Straight Ahead (Konkani), directed by Sobita Shaba Kudtarkar, and Parmalto Pra…vaas (Konkani), directed by Rajaram Gopal Turi, respectively. The Waves International Short Film Festival’s closing and awards function was attended by prominent figures in the Indian and Goan filmmaking community.
