First ever Vadilal International Gujarati film festival started on 3rd August, 2018, at New Jersey. The
much hyped and talked about event was well in media news since it was announced in Press
Conference at Ahmedabad. As Festival director Mr Umesh Shukla when announced their plans at press
conference at Ahmedabad, media responded very well on overall concept. The Gujarati Film industry
also responded very well to support such big scale event. Which reflected on day one of the festival,
there were some 5000 people visited during 3 days of the festival, Screening more than 23 films,
including 12 Feature film in competition, 4 Films as Special Screening (Sharato Lagu, Dhaad, DHH &
The Colour of Darkness), 3 documenters and 4 short films.
Day one was the opening ceremony, with the light a lamp with who’s who of the New Jersey, Indian
Community, and key dignitaries, with more than 1000 people on floor to witness the day one. Day one
big attraction was the opening film Reva, with the entire star cast of the film in packed auditorium
followed by Q and A with the Film Reva team, on the same night we had the USA premiere of Sharato
Lagu, followed by the question and answer with the Director.
On Day two with the screening of other films, we had workshop with the Director Paresh Naik & Latesh
Shah, Sujatha Mehta, Madhu Rai, it was on the current trend about Gujarati Film Industry.
On the last day we had closing film Dhh, which is the national award film of 2018, followed by the
award ceremony which was held at Royal Grand Manor, New Jersey. In presence of the local
Community leaders and also who’s who of the New Jersey, they all witnessed the mega award
ceremony. The Awards were declared in various 18 categories, the name of the winners as in flowing
order.
Overall the IGFF 2018 started in a very positive note, with opening eyes of the Gujarati Film Makers to
know that there is a huge market in overseas, and very inspiring response they all got from the local
Gujaraties, which we all are sure will inspire Gujarati Film Makers to make more Gujarati films.
At last the big news is 2019 IGFF will venue will be Los Angles. 2019 IGFF going to Hollywood. The
dates will be declared by this year end.
Team IGFF
