Noida, India: In a packed auditorium at Marwah Studios, the much-awaited AAFT Awards for Short Films 2026 (128th Batch) were presented amidst tremendous enthusiasm and applause. The event witnessed the presence of filmmakers, media professionals, parents, teachers, and students from the film, television, and media schools of AAFT.
The awards were presented by Dr. Sandeep Marwah, Chancellor of AAFT University of Media and Arts, President of Marwah Studios, and founder of Noida Film City. The ceremony added a new dimension to the 128th AAFT Festival of Short Digital Films, recognizing outstanding achievements in filmmaking and encouraging young creative talent.
The distinguished guests present on the occasion included Shayron Tower, Minister-Counsellor at the Embassy of Nicaragua; Dr. Markandey Rai, Chancellor of Indira Gandhi Technological & Medical Sciences University; renowned filmmaker Praveen Arora; and celebrated AAFT alumnus actor and model Anjali Rana.
The prestigious awards were presented in the following categories:
Best Short Film – “Ghungroo”
The complete team of Ghungroo came on stage to receive the award. The film was also recognized for its exceptional creative and technical excellence.
Best Music Video – “Chandalika” Awarded to Tanvi Nair.
Best Direction – “Ghungroo” Awarded to Thoimung Awungshi.
Best Cinematography – “Shikdum” Awarded to Abhishek Naik.
Best Editing – “Shikdum” Awarded to Kartikey Panchal.
Best Actor (Male) – “Deemak” Awarded to Shivam Burman.
Best Actor (Female) – “Ujala” Awarded to Ruhi Khan.
Best Actor in Supporting Role – “The Borrowed Time” Awarded to Ayushi Patel.
Best Screenplay – “The Borrowed Time” Awarded to Drishti Marwah.
Best Original Sound Track – “Luckeer” Awarded to Rawhit.
Best Sound Design – “The Morning Light” Awarded to Arijit Roy.
Best Background Music – “Ujala” Awarded to Abhishek Yadav.
In addition to winning the Best Short Film Award, Ghungroo was widely appreciated for the outstanding work of its creative team, including Director Thoimung Awungshi, Cinematographers Abhishek Yadav and Bagesh Chaudhari, Editor Thoimung Awungshi, Actors Shivam Burman and Ruhi (Yasmeen Khan), Assistant Directors Ayushi Patel and Vikrant Raj, Original Sound Track by Thoimung Awungshi, and Assistant Camera team Himank Dev and Shreya Jha.
Addressing the gathering, Dr. Sandeep Marwah congratulated all the winners and participants. He emphasized that awards are a powerful source of recognition and motivation for creative professionals. “Every award acknowledges your hard work and inspires you to perform even better in the future. The introduction of AAFT Awards has added immense value to the AAFT Festival of Short Digital Films and has created a new platform to celebrate excellence in cinema,” said Dr. Marwah.
The ceremony concluded with a standing ovation for the award winners and a renewed commitment by AAFT to continue nurturing talent and promoting creativity in the fields of film, television, media, and performing arts.