Contemporary Asian films will be showcased in this section to capture the cinematic trends in Asian countries. The Festival is starting a competition of first or second film made by Asian director. Director of the film must have debuted not before 2007. Best Film will be awarded Trophy + cash prize of US$ 2,000. Many aspiring young directors and film school students in Asia are making digital short fiction films. 7th Asian Film Festival is organizing Short Fiction Film Competition. The idea is to hunt new talents in direction. Short Fiction Film made in 2006, 2007 & 2008 are eligible. Duration should be upto 30 minutes and in digital format - preferably DVD. Running time of more than 30 minutes will be at the discretion of Festival Director.

Japanese master Akira Kurosawa first placed Asian cinema squarely on the world map with his classic, Rashomon by winning the Grand Prix at Venice International Film Festival in 1951. Thereafter, Asian cinema has slowly but steadily emerged into international spotlight by winning top awards at world's important film festival. The award will be presented to recognize the achievement of the director in popularizing Asian cinema and artistic achievement in cinematography. The award will be presented to the winner during the Festival's opening ceremony.

The Festival with same theme is happening in two cities simultaneously, In Mumbai & Pune.

Rajendra Joshi