RIFF 08, 2022, 08: Awards and rewards at the colourful closing ceremony

The Closing Ceremony and Award Night of the 8th Rajasthan International Film Festival (RIFF), 2022, was held at the Jaswant Thada Lawn, at the foot of the Mehrangarh Fort, Jodhpur, on 30 March. It included a colorful cultural dance programme, to mark Rajasthan Diwas, the Founding Day of the State of Rajasthan. Nagar Nigam (Municipal Council) North Mayor Ms. Kunti Deora Parihar was present on the occasion as the chief guest.

At the beginning of the programme, Somendra Harsh, Director of Rajasthan International Film Festival, gave detailed information about the six-day programme, which began on 25th March. He said that it was the wish of the organisers to provide a platform to the films, showcasing the civilisation and culture of different regions of the country. More than 58 films, in more than 10 languages, were screened in this film festival, at the Ansal Plaza INOX Multiplex, and behind all the films, there was a message of social concern.

Ms. Deora Parihar congratulated the organisers. She said that the Rajasthan International Film Festival has been successful on all parameters. During this film festival, talk shows were organised on the subject of recognition of Rajasthani language, change in society through films, promotion of culture and tourism through films, etc., which will bring a lot of benefits. She said that films are the mirror of the society and if films are produced which show a better direction to the society, then surely every section of the society gets its benefit.

RIFF Co-ordinator Anshu Harsh said that the first six editions were organised in Jaipur. It was organised in Jodhpur for the second time. She added that the organisers’ effort was to provide a platform to the young film artistes and producers, so that they can do more, and better, in their field.

Somendra Harsh, N. Chandra, Ms. Kunti Deora Parihar and Anshu Harsh

Festival director Somendra Harsh announced that writer-editor-director-producer N. Chandra was honoured with Life-Time Achievement for his contribution to Indian cinema, while famous film actor Randhir ‘Dabboo’

Kapoor was awarded for taking Indian cinema to great heights with the Legendary Award for Excellence. International Actor and Anchor Charles Thomson, an Australian who has spent most of his life in India, was conferred the International Honorary Award for Outstanding Contribution to Indian Cinema and Television. Sanjeev Goenka, Co-Owner of Filmistan Studios, Mumbai, was conferred the Pride of the Rajasthan Award. Sayeed Quadri, lyricist and writer of Hindustani cinema, was honoured with the Hasrat Jaipuri Award. Bollywood trade analyst Komal Nahta was awarded for his Outstanding Contribution to the Business of Cinema and director Rahul Rawail was awarded the Best Author Award for writing the book ‘Raj Kapoor: The Master at Work’. At the closing ceremony, more than 60 awards were given in a total 10 categories.