Hindi
UFO Moviez expects the company will return to pre-pandemic level: Sanjay Gaikwad
Mumbai: As long as there are no new pandemic-induced restrictions that would affect business operations, UFO Moviez founder and managing director Sanjau Gaikwad is optimistic that the company will soon return to the pre-pandemic level.
Addressing shareholders in the annual report, he said that during the year, as a proactive measure amidst the second wave, the company raised equity funds to the tune of Rs 96.82 crore. It was primarily done to address any unforeseen events due to any further Covid-induced restrictions and to help the core business meet its immediate capital requirements as soon as the movies begin to release following the pandemic. The fundraising, he explains, has given the company a strong financial foothold. “We will prudently utilise these funds for business expansion and any short-term capital requirements until our core business regains normalcy.”
He noted that the severity of the Covid-19 pandemic and ensuing restrictions continued to affect the business in FY22 as well. This, he explains, was due to the absence of big-budget releases during the first seven months of FY22, which was led by the closure of cinemas in most of the States due to the second wave of Covid.
“The release of big-budget movies began only in November ’21 and continued thereafter. However, the widespread of the third wave of Covid-19 at the very beginning of January ’22 and subsequent restrictions led to another two months’ impact on the business operations as movies only started to be released again towards the end of February’22. As a result of the two lockdowns due to the second and third waves of Covid-19, the overall recovery in the business has remained subdued in FY22. However, as a result of a steady flow of releases in recent months and the strong support of movie-goers, theatrical revenues have rebounded swiftly while advertising revenue is gradually improving. This is expected to continue in FY23 subject to no further pandemic-induced restrictions.”
The company’s AGM will take place on 23 August 2022.
Hindi
MIFF 2026 to return to Mumbai; film entries open till April 12
19th edition to host WAVES Doc Bazaar, spotlighting global documentary talent
MUMBAI: The 19th edition of the Mumbai International Film Festival 2026 is set to take place from June 15 to 21 at the NFDC Complex, with film submissions currently open and the deadline fast approaching on April 12.
Organised by the National Film Development Corporation under the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting, the biennial festival remains one of South Asia’s most prominent platforms for documentary, short fiction and animation films.
Filmmakers, producers and content creators from across the globe have been invited to submit entries via the Film Freeway platform for the Competition Section. Offline submissions will not be accepted, reinforcing a fully digital entry process.
MIFF 2026 continues to sweeten the deal with a robust awards pool of Rs 55 lakh. The coveted Golden Conch for Best Documentary carries a top prize of Rs 10 lakh, alongside multiple awards across categories, making it one of the most lucrative non-feature film festivals in the region.
A key highlight this year will be the second edition of the WAVES Doc Bazaar, scheduled from June 16 to 18 alongside the festival. Designed as a hub for collaboration, the Doc Bazaar will feature a co-production market, viewing rooms and a work-in-progress lab, bringing together global buyers, sellers and creators under one roof.
Since its inception in 1990, MIFF has built a reputation as a serious showcase for non-feature cinema, drawing participation from filmmakers worldwide. The previous edition saw over 350 films from more than 30 countries, underlining its growing international footprint.
With submissions closing soon and preparations underway, MIFF 2026 is shaping up to be a vibrant meeting point for storytelling, collaboration and cinematic craft, offering filmmakers both a stage and a springboard.
