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Alongside the films, panel discussions, conversations with artists, guidance sessions, and entertainment programs added further vibrancy to the festival. The opportunity to hear firsthand experiences from artists who came from Maharashtra made this an unforgettable experience for Marathi audiences in America. Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis's Wishes Add Special Strength to the Festival Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis extended his best wishes to the NAFA festival. The support of the Government of Maharashtra gave this year's festival a wider and more significant scope, underscoring the special importance of this initiative in spreading Marathi language, art, culture, and cinema on American soil. NAFA 2026 Concludes with a Promise of an Even Bigger Celebration Next Year Given the response received over these three days, NAFA has grown beyond being just a film festival — it has become a cultural celebration for the Marathi community in America and an effective bridge connecting Maharashtra with the world. At the closing ceremony, Abhijit Gholap announced that next year's festival will be organized with even greater energy, enthusiasm, and grandeur. The event honored winners across 8 award categories, with prizes presented to selected micro-dramas and short films screened during the festival. Celebrity masterclasses, meet-and-greet sessions, a workshop by Archana Joglekar, Atul Kulkarni's conversation with micro-drama creators, and a Directors' Grid conversation featuring Nagraj Manjule, Mahesh Kothare, and Atul Kulkarni made the festival truly special. The thunderous applause echoing through the California Theatre, the crowds surrounding the artists, discussions about the films, and the satisfaction on the faces of the audience made this third NAFA festival a memorable one. Marathi cinema today belongs not just to Maharashtra — it is the pride of Marathi hearts across the world!