The
Yellowstone
International
Film
Festival
(YIFF)
opened
with
a
stirring
homage
to
Indian
cinema,
launching
its
latest
edition
with
a
celebration
of
visionary
filmmakers
and
films.
The
festival
commenced
with
an
emotional
special
screening
of
Shyam
Benegal’s
restored
classic
Nishant,
attended
by
veteran
actor
Naseeruddin
Shah,
Nandita
Das,
Pratiek
Smita
Patil
and
members
of
the
Benegal
family,
setting
an
evocative
tone
of
legacy
and
cinematic
excellence.
The
opening
night
ceremony
honoured
an
exceptional
spectrum
of
talent.
Filmmaker
Kiran
Rao
received
the
Indian
Vision
Award
(Best
Indian
Feature)
on
behalf
of
filmmaker
Aranya
Sahay
for
‘Humans
in
the
Loop’,
applauded
for
its
bold
narrative
voice.
The
Vision
Beyond
Borders
Award
(Best
International
Feature)
was
conferred
upon
celebrated
filmmaker
Jafar
Panahi
for
his
poignant
work
‘It
Was
Just
an
Accident’.
Though
Panahi
could
not
be
present,
he
expressed
his
gratitude
through
a
video
message.
A
heartfelt
highlight
of
the
evening
was
the
honouring
of
Uma
Da
Cunha
with
the
Beacon
of
Indian
Cinema
Award,
acknowledging
her
unparalleled
contributions
as
a
curator,
cultural
bridge-builder,
and
champion
of
Indian
cinema
on
the
world
stage.
The
tribute
was
accompanied
by
a
special
video
montage
featuring
deeply
personal
messages
from
her
collaborators,
including
filmmaker
Prashant
Nair,
actor
Nandita
Das,
and
festival
directors
Christina
Marouda,
Cary
Sawhney,
and
Oliver
Manh,
each
reflecting
on
her
lasting
impact
and
was
presented
by
celebrated
filmmaker
Ashutosh
Gowarikar.
Additionally,
filmmaker
Arati
Kadav
was
honoured
with
the
Popular
Choice
Award
–
Streaming
for
MRS,
while
the
Popular
Choice
Award
–
Theatrical
recognised
Mohit
Suri
and
YRF
CEO,
Akshaye
Widhani
for
the
blockbuster
film
Saiyaaraa.
Filmmaker
Raam
Reddy
received
the
Director
of
Excellence
Award
for
his
distinctive
cinematic
voice,
while
acclaimed
editor
Aarti
Bajaj,
was
honoured
with
the
Creative
Force
Award
for
her
transformative
impact
on
the
craft
of
cinematic
storytelling.
With
its
thoughtful
programming,
global
artistic
representation,
and
commitment
to
elevating
daring
narratives,
the
Yellowstone
International
Film
Festival’s
reaffirms
its
position
as
a
vital
platform
for
creativity,
dialogue,
and
cultural
exchange.
The
festival
continues
throughout
the
week
with
screenings,
masterclasses,
and
conversations
with
leading
filmmakers
and
artists.
Passes
for
the
festival
are
available
on
BookMyShow.