Silver Jubilee - 25 Years of AKKA
Know About AKKA
America Kannada Koota Association
Founded in 1998, AKKA has united Kannadigas across the United States and Canada for 25 years — and in 2026, it celebrates this historic Silver Jubilee with the grandest gathering in its history.
What began as a mission to preserve Kannada language and culture has grown into a movement spanning 40+ regional Kannada Kootas and thousands of dedicated members. For 25 years, AKKA has brought together families, professionals, artists, and volunteers through cultural festivals, language programs, youth initiatives, and the prestigious AKKA World Kannada Conference. In its Silver Jubilee year, AKKA marks this milestone at the Pennsylvania Convention Center, Philadelphia — introducing the first-ever AKKA – CineGannada Film Festival, a grand Meravanige, and a celebration unlike anything the Kannadiga diaspora has witnessed before. Supported by the Kannada and Culture Department (Kannada Samskriti Ilakhe) under the Government of Karnataka, the Silver Jubilee is a bold declaration for the future of Kannada identity on the world stage.
Dr. Amarnath Gowda
Founder & Chairman, AKKA
Cultural Preservation
Promoting Kannada language, arts, and heritage across North America through festivals, language programs, and youth initiatives.
Community Connection
Uniting 40+ regional Kannada Kootas and thousands of Kannadiga families, professionals, and volunteers.
World Kannada Conference
Hosting the prestigious biennial gathering that brings together the global Kannadiga diaspora for culture, business, and collaboration.
Strengthening Ties Between Karnataka and the World
Key People of AKKA - 2026
faq
Frequency Ask Questions
Common questions about the AKKA – Cinegannada Film Festival 2026 and the AKKA World Conference.
It is the first-ever Kannada film festival hosted on American soil, presented in collaboration with the Association of Kannada Kootas of America during their Silver Jubilee year. The festival celebrates Kannada cinema on a global stage.
The festival takes place on September 4, 5 & 6, 2026 at the Pennsylvania Convention Center, Philadelphia, USA — as part of the AKKA World Kannada Conference.
Send your feature film entry in Kannada or any Karnataka regional language — including Tulu, Kodava, Konkani, and Beary — with synopsis, director bio, and technical details to abgyorventures@gmail.com. The Preview Committee will review all submissions and announce the 10 selected films on August 1, 2026.
