Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis highlights the North American Marathi Film Festival in California as a major milestone for international cultural expansion.

By DW Pulse | MUMBAI โ€” 8 August 2026 โ€” Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis has formally extended his strong support to the third North American Marathi Film Festival (NAFA) currently underway in California, United States. During a special public address, Fadnavis praised the festival organizers for successfully carving out an influential international stage dedicated entirely to the promotion of Marathi language, heritage, and contemporary cinematic arts.

Key Highlights

  • Global Cultural Hub: The North American Marathi Film Festival has swiftly established itself as a vital international meeting ground for Marathi filmmakers, actors, and diaspora audiences.
  • State Government Backing: Fadnavis reaffirmed that the Maharashtra government remains steadfast in its commitment to supporting initiatives that elevate Marathi culture and cinematic excellence on world stages.
  • International Bridges: The event serves as a critical bridge connecting regional storytelling traditions with global audiences, significantly expanding the economic and cultural reach of the industry.

Expanding Horizons for Marathi Cinema Overseas

In his official message directed to the festival’s founders, Abhijit Gholap and Dr. Gauri Gholap, Fadnavis acknowledged the rapid and impressive evolution of the NAFA platform. He expressed deep appreciation for the continuous dedication required to bring high-quality Marathi storytelling to North American markets, noting that cultural festivals of this scale represent critical milestones in the industry’s broader international growth. Although unable to attend the inaugural events in person due to prior administrative responsibilities in Mumbai, he commended the core organizing teamโ€”including Archana Saraf and Riya Thosarโ€”for their exceptional management and vision.

[Read Also: Expansion of Marathi Film Industry in Global Markets: Trends and Challenges]

A Direct Call for Community Participation

The Deputy Chief Minister issued a passionate appeal to the worldwide Marathi community and Indian expatriates residing abroad to participate actively in the festival sessions and screenings. He urged attendees to celebrate and support Marathi artists, directors, and the nuanced cultural stories presented through the medium of modern cinema. Industry experts view the ongoing festival as a major catalyst in ensuring the long-term sustainability, financial viability, and global footprint of the regional film industry outside India.