The 23rd edition of the Frames Film Festival was inaugurated on 5 February 2026 at SIES College of Arts, Science and Commerce (Autonomous), Nerul, marking another milestone in the institution’s long-standing commitment to cinematic education and creative dialogue. Organised by the Department of Multimedia and Mass Communication, the festival opened at 11:30 a.m. in the presence of students, faculty members, and film professionals, setting the tone for a vibrant, multi-day celebration of cinema.
The inauguration was graced by eminent film personalities Mr. Akash Dhar, Ms. Pragati Deshmukh, and Mr. Nitin Shashindran, who formally declared the festival open. A special highlight of the ceremony was the unveiling of the festival T-shirt, which revealed the theme for this year’s edition — Kirdaar. The T-shirts were presented to the judges as a symbol of appreciation and collaboration, reinforcing the festival’s emphasis on shared creative responsibility.
Anchored in the theme Kirdaar, the festival focused on the idea of role, purpose, and accountability within filmmaking. Rather than limiting attention to actors and directors alone, the theme celebrated every individual involved in the cinematic process, from writers and technicians to editors and production crews. The concept underscored cinema as a collective art form shaped by both visible and unseen contributors.
The opening ceremony also featured insightful interactions with the guests, who shared reflections from their professional journeys in film and theatre. Their addresses highlighted the importance of discipline, teamwork, and ethical storytelling, inspiring students to approach cinema not just as an art, but as a responsible medium capable of influencing society.
Day One of the festival commenced with the International Short Film Category, showcasing a diverse selection of films from across the globe. The shortlisted entries — Berta, Celestiale, La Paura dei Numeri (The Fear of Numbers), Ethereal, Matryoshka, and Sting of War — offered students exposure to varied cinematic styles, narrative structures, and global perspectives. These films were evaluated by the international jury comprising Mr. Akash Dhar, Ms. Pragati Deshmukh, and Mr. Nitin Shashindran.
The festival then moved into the National Short Film Category, highlighting Indian independent cinema rooted in contemporary social and cultural realities. Judged by Mr. Attar Singh Saini, Ms. Priyanka Tanwar, and Mr. Abhay Kulkarni, the selected films — Bramakamal, Emperor of the Sea, 17 Ve Varsha (The Seventeen Year), Rehaan Special, Praarambh, Geeli Farsh, and Mumbai Noir — reflected strong storytelling and collaborative execution.
Under the leadership of Principal Dr. Koel Roy Choudhury, Head of Department Mr. Mithun Pillai, and Festival Chairperson Mr. Abhishek Dandekar, the Frames Film Festival 2026 began on a promising note, reaffirming its role as a vital platform for learning, dialogue, and cinematic exploration.