Renowned Indian-American filmmaker Mukesh Modi is gearing up to host the 2025 edition of the Indie Film Festival Awards (IFFA) in New York City. Scheduled from June 2 to June 5, the four-day event will take place at the renowned Quad Cinema, with the grand award ceremony taking place on the final day at Frederick P. Rose Auditorium in Manhattan.
IFFA, a non-profit festival founded by Modi, celebrates the voices of independent filmmakers from around the globe. With over 115 submissions representing more than 20 countries, the festival’s selection committee has curated a collection of 52 films to be screened during the event. These films cover a broad spectrum of genres and cultural perspectives, highlighting the richness and impact of independent storytelling.
Modi, a recipient of the prestigious Dada Saheb Phalke Film Foundation Award, created IFFA to offer a much-needed platform for independent filmmakers who often face limited access to mainstream distribution and recognition. Through IFFA, filmmakers gain visibility, support, and access to global distribution via the Indie Films World streaming platform.
The opening ceremony on June 2 will feature appearances by prominent figures, including New York City Mayor Eric Adams, Indian Consul General Binaya S Pradhan, India’s Minister of Social Justice Ramdas Athawale, and Prasar Bharati Chairman Navneet Sehgal. Hollywood personalities like Jeff Wallner and Lulu Lopez, along with models and community leaders, are also expected to grace the event.
The award ceremony on June 5 will honor filmmakers who have made significant contributions to the industry. Notable attendees include actor Amir Arison from The Blacklist, Jade Shenker of Owning Manhattan, actress and emcee Simran Ahuja, TV host Tania Rubis, and more.
Beyond screenings, IFFA offers a variety of networking events, panels, and workshops aimed at supporting filmmakers throughout their careers. Modi, known for films like The Elevator and Political War, believes the festival is more than just an event—it’s a global movement designed to inspire and empower creators from all walks of life.
