Prayagraj, Oct 31 (HS): Organized under the aegis of Madhubala Films and in collaboration with Rotary Prayagraj Sangam, the three-day International Prayagraj Film Festival 2026 was inaugurated with great pomp on Friday at Hotel Prayag Inn, Ashok Nagar, Prayagraj. Former Justice Sudhir Narayan Agarwal (Former Judge, Allahabad High Court) was present as the chief guest at the inaugural ceremony. The program was presided over by Prof. Yogendra Pratap Singh, Director of Govind Ballabh Pant Social Science Institute, Prayagraj. Dr. Satpal Gulati, MD of United Group of Institutions and Dr. Shamsher Jamdagni, Additional Commissioner of Prayagraj were present as special guests.

Guests at the ceremony praised the film festival, noting that cinema is not only a medium of entertainment, but also a powerful platform for expressing society, culture, literature, sensibilities, and ideas. Such events play a vital role in providing opportunities for new talent and in bringing Indian culture and creativity to national and international recognition.

Chief Guest Justice Sudhir Narayan Agarwal praised the event, saying that it was a matter of pride to host an international film festival in a city like Prayagraj, which has a rich cultural and literary heritage. Congratulating the organizers, he said that such events strengthen the dialogue between art, culture, and society.

Presiding over the event, Prof. Yogendra Pratap Singh said that cinema, besides being a reflection of society, is an effective medium for social change and positive thinking. Events like this in Prayagraj will serve to connect the rich tradition of literature, art, and culture with the new generation.

Guest of Honor Dr. Satpal Gulati praised Madhubala Films' initiative, stating that the film festival is an important opportunity to provide a platform for creative talent and connect people associated with the film industry. He pledged his support for the event in the future. Guest of Honor Dr. Shamsher Jamdagni stated that Prayagraj has long been recognized as a city of education, literature, and culture. The International Film Festival will add a new dimension to this reputation. He extended his best wishes to the organizing committee and assured them of all possible support in the future.

On this occasion, all the guests offered special congratulations and best wishes to Madhubala Films Chairman Alok Malviya, Event Organizing Committee Chairman Dr. Amit, and Santosh Tiwari, who is assisting in the organization, for this important event. The guests remarked that organizing such an event dedicated to art, culture, and cinema, despite limited resources, is a commendable initiative. They assured continued support for the organization and expansion of this film festival in the future.

The opening ceremony included welcoming guests, lighting the lamp, the national anthem, and an introduction to the film festival. This was followed by various cultural performances and film-related sessions.

In the second session, Bhojpuri film Kawan Kasoor was screened. After this, in the third session, under the discussion on film and poetry, Dr. Shlesh Gautam, renowned poet and litterateur, Rahul Sharma Moradabad, Prof. Ranjeet Singh, and Neelam Tiwari discussed. In the fourth session, under the discussion on Artificial Intelligence in Cinema (AI in film), Farhan Faruqui, Director SMEDO Prayagraj, Thakur Shiv Sagar Singh, Animator SMEDO Prayagraj, Ratnesh Kumar Dixit, AI Expert discussed. In the concluding session of the first day, Prayagraj's renowned folk singer Swati Nirkhi and team presented a cultural evening on folk songs in films.

The second day of the film festival, on October 31, 2026, will begin at 11 am at Hotel Prayag Inn, and will feature several sessions, including discussions and a cultural evening. The festival is being held on November 1, 2026, at the MNIT auditorium in Prayagraj. During the festival, various sessions will feature film screenings, filmmaking, art, poetry, literature, culture, and folklore. This will provide a common platform for filmmakers, writers, artists, students, and culture lovers. According to the organisers, the objective of this event is to give international recognition to the cultural heritage of Prayagraj, encourage emerging filmmakers and artists and provide a new direction to social and cultural dialogue through cinema.

Hindusthan Samachar / Abhishek Awasthi