Interview Times 
BHUBANESWAR: Acclaimed filmmaker Ashutosh Gowariker has been appointed as the honorary chairman for the 10th edition of the Ajanta Ellora International Film Festival (AIFF), the event organizers announced on Wednesday. The festival, which will take place from January 15 to 19, 2025, will also see celebrated Marathi filmmaker Sunil Sukthankar stepping in as the festival director, succeeding Ashok Rane.
Gowariker, best known for directing the Oscar-nominated Lagaan, Swades, and Jodha Akbar, expressed his excitement at serving as honorary chairman, especially in the milestone 10th year of the festival. “It is a privilege to contribute to this festival, and what excites me most is the remarkable pool of directors participating, like Chandrakant Kulkarni, Jayprad Desai, Dnyanesh Zoting, and Sunil Sukthankar, with whom it will be an enriching artistic exchange,” said the 60-year-old director.
He further highlighted the cultural significance of Chhatrapati Sambhaji Nagar (Aurangabad), where the festival is being held. “The city is a vibrant cultural hub with deep historical roots, and bringing world cinema here will help foster local talent and showcase it to a global audience,” Gowariker added.
Organized by the Marathwada Art, Culture, and Film Foundation, the festival is presented by Nath Group, MGM University, and Yashwantrao Chavan Centre. It is endorsed by esteemed bodies such as the International Federation of Film Critics (FIPRESCI) and the Federation of Film Societies of India (FFSI), making it a key platform for filmmakers and cinephiles alike.
