From Haryanvi Roots to Global Cinema, IFFH Concludes at SUPVA

Rohtak, September 20, 2026: The two-day International Film Festival of HIFA (IFFH) concluded at Dada Lakhmi Chand State University of Performing and Visual Arts (DLC SUPVA) on Sunday night with an awards ceremony celebrating diverse voices and cinematic talent.

The closing day featured films spanning multiple languages, cultures and social themes, including Panchi, Yan, Whispers of the Horse, Mo Ma Ku, Not, Yanta, Sisyphus Childhood and Raghuveeram. The festival concluded with License, nearly 90% of whose production involved SUPVA alumni.

Several screenings were followed by interactive sessions with filmmakers, giving audiences an opportunity to discuss filmmaking, scripts, acting and direction. The festival showcased films exploring social issues, women’s empowerment, the environment, rural life and human relationships.

The closing ceremony was attended by actor-director and festival chairman Yashpal Sharma, actress Sumitra Hooda Pednekar, and singer-actor Masoom Sharma, among others. Awards and certificates were presented across various categories.

Yashpal Sharma said the festival aimed to connect audiences with quality cinema while providing a platform to emerging filmmakers.

SUPVA Registrar Dr Gunjan Malik Manocha said the university would explore organising future film festivals in collaboration with the Ministry of Culture.

Mo Ma Ku Leads IFFH 2026 Awards

Mo Ma Ku won Best Indian Feature Film, with Kuldeep Kunal named Best Indian Director. Jatin Sarna and Devdasan Cheruvath won Best Indian Actor, while Siji Pradeep and Soni Patel were named Best Indian Actresses.

Vazant Cloudy That Day won Best Foreign Feature. Zona Sez arini won in the Foreign Short category, while Enchanting Mukundra, Ghunghat, Sisyphus Childhood and Via Dolorosa received awards in the Documentary category. Muavza won Best Long Short Film and Panchi was adjudged Best Regional Film.

Yanta won Best Music Video, Whispers of the Horse Best Student Film, Agarsandhani Best Indian Short Film and Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam Best Animation Film.

For their contribution to Haryanvi cinema, Janardan Sharma and Sumitra Hooda Pednekar received Lifetime Achievement Awards, while actress and social worker Asha Hooda was honoured with the Kala Sadhana Award.