KC College's International Film Festival, Blitzkrieg, successfully launched its third edition on January 29, 2026, transforming the campus into a vibrant hub of cinematic celebration. With The Indian Express serving as the media partner, the festival presented a meticulously curated selection of short films that delved into diverse themes, bold narratives, and innovative storytelling techniques.
Oscar-Nominated Film Steals the Spotlight
One of the most significant highlights of Blitzkrieg 2026 was the screening of The Boy with White Skin, a French short film directed by Simon Pranay. This film is currently in contention for the 2026 Academy Awards in the Live Action Short Film category, drawing considerable attention from audiences and critics alike. Set against the backdrop of the gold mines in West Africa, the film powerfully explores themes of superstition, survival, and community dynamics, thereby enhancing the festival's growing international reputation.
Award Winners Announced
The festival concluded on a high note with the announcement of winners across multiple competitive categories. In the curated film segment, Nikhil Shinde's Dumpyard emerged as the biggest winner, securing the Best Film award along with a cash prize of Rs 25,000. Additionally, the film earned the Best Director award, making it a standout success of the evening.
Other notable winners included Rohan Apte's Varas, which impressed the jury to win both the Best Screenplay and Best Cinematography awards. Vivek G's Marigold captured the hearts of the audience and was honored with the Audience Choice Award, reflecting its broad appeal.
Distinguished Jury and Opening Tribute
The event commenced with a heartfelt tribute to the late Ajit Pawar, Deputy Chief Minister of Maharashtra, setting a respectful tone for the festivities. The judging panel comprised esteemed industry professionals, including actor-writer Abhijeet Deshpande and actor Arunima Sharma, who evaluated the entries based on artistic merit and technical excellence.
Leadership Applauds Festival Achievements
Addressing the gathering, Principal Prof Dr Tejashree Shanbhag expressed pride in the festival's accomplishments, stating, "The screening of an Oscar-nominated film at our International Film Festival marks a major milestone. I commend the Mass Media faculty and the Blitzkrieg team for their unwavering dedication and hard work."
Echoing these sentiments, Vice Principal and Head of the Mass Media Department, Prof Dr Shalini R Sinha, highlighted the festival's expanding reach and diversity. She noted, "This year, we witnessed a significant increase in film submissions, including regional films, projects directed by women, and animation films, showcasing the festival's inclusive and growing appeal."
Creative Diversity on Display
The festival also featured the showcase of student magazines The GuptVogue and Boli Bachake Rakhna, which demonstrated Blitzkrieg's creative diversity through striking visual storytelling. These kingdom-inspired publications were judged by Sharat Chandra and Khushi Thakkar, while the overall event was evaluated by Prof Anjuman Sharma, ensuring a comprehensive assessment of all aspects.
Blitzkrieg 2026 not only celebrated cinematic excellence but also reinforced KC College's commitment to fostering artistic expression and international collaboration in the film industry.
