As part of the Silver Jubilee of this year’s AKKA Convention in America, this time, the grandeur of Kannada cinema is in Philadelphia, USA.
A special highlight of AKKA’s silver Jubilee year is that a global platform for films from all languages of Karnataka.
As part of its 25th Silver Jubilee celebrations, AKKA (Association of Kannada Kootas of America), the largest representative organization of Kannadigas in America, under the leadership of AKKA Convention President Madhu Rangayya, is organizing a competitive film festival in the United States.
Madhu Rangayya, who envisioned that AKKA’s Silver Jubilee celebrations should not be limited to festivities alone but should also create a global platform for Kannada cinema, has been the driving force behind this initiative. His inspiration, wholehearted support, and firm commitment have been instrumental in making “AKKA – CineGannada Film Festival 2026” a reality. His leadership forms the backbone of this ambitious effort to proudly showcase Kannada creativity before Kannadigas across the world.
The “AKKA – CineGannada Film Festival 2026” is a historic initiative to bring the finest films of Karnataka to the global stage in Philadelphia. Film Festival Director P. Sheshadri and organizers Gourish Akki and Badiger Devendra were present at the media address.
Speaking on the occasion, National Award-winning filmmaker and Festival Director P. Sheshadri said that more than 5,000 film festivals are held across the world. Bengaluru itself has hosted seventeen international film festivals. Organizing the “AKKA – CineGannada Film Festival” during AKKA’s Silver Jubilee celebrations in America is indeed a matter of great joy. Badiger Devendra and Gourish Akki, with the guidance and support of the AKKA team, have been doing tremendous work. Film festivals generally reflect an identity and represent a region. Today, there are many ways to watch films. However, the joy of watching films at a film festival is entirely different. The films viewed there are less likely to be forgotten. It also gives audiences an opportunity to understand the film collectively with fellow cinema lovers. Watching a film together on one platform and discussing it helps us understand whether our own interpretation is right or whether another viewer’s perspective is different. Such discussions are not possible elsewhere, he said.
Providing more details about the festival, he said that films produced between January 1, 2025 and December 31, 2025 will be eligible for selection to the AKKA – CineGannada Film Festival. Initially, a five-member selection committee will watch all the submitted films and shortlist ten films. Later, a three-member jury will select three winners from these ten films. The first, second and third prize winners will receive cash awards of ₹1,00,000, ₹50,000, and ₹25,000 respectively. The ten shortlisted films will be screened during the AKKA Convention. The application form is already available on the “AKKA – CineGannada Film Festival” website: https://cinegannadafilmfest.org/. Interested filmmakers can fill out the application and start submitting their films to the festival from today itself, he informed.
Speaking on the occasion, senior journalist and festival organizer Gourish Akki said that among the films screened and earning revenue in America, Telugu and Tamil films occupy the top positions, followed by Kannada films. In that context, this festival is an ideal platform to take our films to Kannadigas in America. A film should generate discussions after people watch it—that is what makes it a good film. When Badiger Devendra suggested that they should identify and promote such films, I readily joined him in the initiative, he said.
The festival will be held under the guidance and support of Madhu Rangayya, President of the AKKA Convention. Film submissions can be made through the official website starting today. Interested participants may apply through the official film festival website. The film viewing process will begin in the first week of August, and the award-winning films will be announced at a function to be held in Bengaluru during the last week of August, said Badiger Devendra, director of the critically acclaimed film “Vanya,” which was screened at the Bengaluru International Film Festival, and one of the key organizers of the CineGannada Film Festival.
Ten films, including the award-winning entries, will be screened at the AKKA Convention. There are also plans to invite the winning film teams to attend the AKKA Convention, provided they already possess valid visas. With the objective of taking quality Kannada cinema to Kannadigas in America, this “AKKA – CineGannada Film Festival” is being organized as part of AKKA’s Silver Jubilee celebrations by AKKA, the largest representative organization of Kannadigas in America, in association with ABGYOR VENTURES.
Kandayya Shetty is handling the marketing for the AKKA – CineGannada Film Festival.
