News Broadcasting
26th American Film Market opens with a record 419 exhibitors
MUMBAI: The ongoing 26th American Film Market (AFM) which kicked off on 2 November at the Loews Santa Monica Beach Hotel, so far recorded highest number of exhibitors, buyers, screenings and market premieres in comparison to 2004.
The figures states that a record 419 companies from 33 countries are exhibiting at the worlds largest motion picture trade event, including film and television companies, financial institutions, sponsoring organizations and trade media, states an official release.
The eight days exhibition of screenings, deal-making, packaging and licensing will end on 9 November.
The total attendance projected to be more than 7,000. In addition, a record 534 films in 35 languages, up from 459 films in 2004, are slated for screening, including 382 market premieres, also a record.
AFM continues to be the most significant worldwide film and television marketplace,said Independent Film & Television Alliance (IFTA) president and CEO Jean Prewitt. He adds, “The independent film business is global in its scope and the AFM is the premiere event for companies to do business together on every level.”
“The AFM’s record growth reflects the strength and diversity of the global independent film industry,” states IFTA executive vice-president Jonathan Wolf.
IFTA chairman Michael Ryan commented, The future of our business is very bright and the AFM is an ideal venue for anyone involved in the global independent industry to better understand the roadmap to success. The AFM will continue to be responsive to the needs of the industry and help reflect the rapidly changing realities of production and distribution.
AFM is the catalyst for hundreds of films getting financing, packaging, licensing, and the green light each year, sealing over half a billion dollars in business for both completed films and those in pre-production.
News Broadcasting
Kamlesh Singh receives Haldi Ghati Award from MMCF
India Today Group editor honoured for three decades of journalism at Udaipur ceremony.
MUMBAI- Kamlesh Singh just turned a lifetime of sharp words into a shiny shield because when journalism wakes up a society, even the Maharana of Mewar wants to pin a medal on it.
The Maharana of Mewar Charitable Foundation (MMCF) conferred its prestigious Haldi Ghati Award on Kamlesh Singh, a senior editor at the India Today Group, during a ceremony in Udaipur on 15 March 2026. The national award, instituted in 1981-82, recognises “work of permanent value that initiates an awakening in society through the medium of journalism.”
Singh, who leads several editorial initiatives including Aaj Tak Radio, the Teen Taal community and The Lallantop, was presented the honour by Lakshyaraj Singh Mewar, Managing Trustee of MMCF. The citation highlighted his three decades of contributions to Indian media, innovations in digital journalism, mentoring young reporters, and his popular podcast persona “Tau” on Teen Taal, which fosters thoughtful public discourse.
The Haldi Ghati Award, named after the historic Battle of Haldighati symbolising valour and resilience, is one of four national awards given annually by MMCF. Past recipients include Tavleen Singh, Piyush Pandey and Raj Chengappa.
Other honourees this year included Padma Vibhushan Pt Hari Prasad Chaurasia, Vedamurti Devvrat Rekhe, Treeman of India Marimuthu Yoganathan, Vir Chakra Capt Rizwan Malik, and US-based researcher Molly Emma Aitken, who received the Colonel James Tod Award for contributions to understanding Mewar’s spirit and values.
In an era where headlines often shout louder than substance, the MMCF quietly reminded everyone that real journalism isn’t about noise, it’s about the quiet, persistent work that stirs society awake, one thoughtful story at a time.
