Our Team
MR AYUB KHAN
FOUNDER & FESTIVAL ORGANISER
Mr. AYUB KHAN is an award winning director , he got many awards for his short film “Family first”, he has started his journey as an Exhibitor in 1981 with a Movie ‘Naseeb’ , the film was a big hit because of its Grand Star cast. He kept on working as an Exhibitor for some time and was a part of many big Movies like Kranti, Silsila, and Nikah. In1985 he started working as a Distributor with the movie ‘Triveni’ starring Raj Babbar, Rati Agnihotri, Suresh Oberoi and Shakti Kapoor. In 1988 he enterd into the field of Direction, where he got a chance to work with Gulzar Shahab in the movie ‘Leebas’ and then TV show ‘Mirza Galib’ His hard work in the early stages of his career showcased his talent on some very hit projects during the year 1990-2000 like; ‘Apradhinee’ with Mr Vinod Sharma as Producer / Director and Star Actress Ranjeeta (known for Laila-Majnu) in a double role. Mr.khan also associated with , Zee TV show ‘Banegi Apni Baat,’ Interestingly, R Madhavan made his debut in the film industry with this show. After this he work in the movie Titled “Andha Inteqam” and “Zameer ki Awaz” both with Mr Swaroop Kumar. ‘Agni Morcha,’ which starred legendary actors like Dharmendra, In the year 2000, he made movies like “Jahan tum le Chalo” – as Production designer, “Be-lagaam” – As Story & Executive Producer, “Mussa – The Most Wanted” – as Creative Director
PARAG CHHAPEKAR
Film Critic
FESTIVAL DIRECTOR
Parag Chhapekar has worked in the Entertainment industry for 22 years. During his tenure so far, Parag has literally interviewed every Leading Actor & Actress of the Hindi Film industry and has been honored with several awards. His popular show on Live India and TV 18 , “Parag Dil Se” too raked in good TRPs prior to his several other shows, all being a Hit in the respective channels. Launched many shows like cinema a to zee on zee parag dil se ,mirch masala on star. He has done theater for many years in indore ,delhi and mumbai. Parag many times served as jury for national award and indian film panorama iffi. He was in core commitee of Ladh international film festival and lonavala film festival . He directed many short films for Zee media.
SAIKAT DAS
CREATIVE DIRECTOR
Saikat is a versatile figure in the entertainment industry, excelling as a filmmaker, music composer, actor, singer, and the Director of the Indian International Short Film Festival Awards and Global Independent Film Festival of India in Kolkata. He has also showcased his talents in journalism, serving as a news anchor and reporter for platforms like Doordarshan and CTVN’s ‘WORLD NEWS.’ Saikat’s on-stage charisma shines through numerous performances, and as a lyricist, he has penned soulful tracks for films and albums. His proficiency extends to video editing and graphics. Starting his filmmaking journey in 2006, Saikat gained recognition with the film “…ebong Amra(..and we the people)” in 2016, earning praise from critics worldwide and garnering numerous nominations and awards. Since then, he has directed 35 short films, 3 documentaries, and over 50 music videos, accumulating more than 200 international and national awards for his diverse body of work.
AARTI NOTIYAL
Enterpreneur & Journalist
ADVERTISING PARTNER
Aarti Notiyal is an award-winning marketing professional with over 23 years of experience in marketing communications, journalism, and brand strategy.
Starting her career with Zee News and NewsX, she delivered several exclusive stories that led to record TRPs before moving into PR and brand management. In 2011, she co-founded Bubble Communication with Prahlad Kakar, leading successful campaigns for brands like Aditya Birla Group, Gold’s Gym, Crompton, and Joy Cosmetics.
Aarti holds certifications in marketing from London Business School, University of Illinois, and Copenhagen Business School, and has earned honors including the Governor of Maharashtra Award and Economic Times Enterprise Award. Frequently featured in CNBC TV18, TOI, and Forbes India, she is also a guest lecturer at leading media and management institutes.
Samreen Siddhique & Arun Shekhar
Event Host, Anchor
EVENT HOSTS
We are delighted to have the esteemed Samreen and Arun as our even t hosts! A seasoned media professional and accomplished anchor, she brings a rich blend of experience from both wit and charm. Arun has established himself as a versatile artist whose contributions span acting, direction, playwriting, production, literature, and cultural leadership. He has acted in acclaimed films including Sab Kuchh Hai, Kuchh Bhi Nahin, Veer Savarkar, Kuchh Khatta, Kuchh Meetha, Ata Pata Lapata, Lakshmi, Shamitabh, Kaagaz, and Chhatriwali. On screen, he has also appeared in popular television serials such as Mahabharat, Main Teri Parchhai Hoon, Ek Premkatha, Mano Ya Na Mano, Grihdaah, CID, Lapataganj, Mahima Shanidev Ki, Shapath, and Dwarikadheesh Shri Krishna.
Venue
PVR INOX, Saharaganj Lucknow
Screening
3rd Nov ’26 (10 Am to 10 Pm)
4th Nov ’26 (10 Am to 10 Pm)
5th Nov ’26 (9 Am to 5 Pm)
Award Ceremony
5th Nov 2026 (6:30 Pm -10 Pm)
Upload Your Movie
We’re in search of exceptional films, spanning from regional content to international full-length movies and short films. Your involvement in this festival, where we celebrate freedom of speech through both big and small screens, is eagerly welcomed! Your participation promises to make this occasion truly momentous for us.
Prestigious Awards for Outstanding Films in Lucknow.
ADDRESS
Nyaydeep C Wing 102 Above Kalinga Restaurant Near SAB TV New Link Road Andheri West Mumbai-53
CONTACT US AT
+91 7710021872
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