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The first-ever Kannada film festival on American soil — a landmark celebration of Karnataka’s cinematic excellence. Hosted during AKKA’s historic Silver Jubilee at the Pennsylvania Convention Center, Philadelphia, the festival brings together filmmakers, artists, and audiences from across the world.
The AKKA – Cinegannada Film Festival celebrates storytelling, creativity, and artistic excellence in Kannada cinema. Ten of the finest Kannada feature films are selected through a rigorous process — screened by members of Preview Committee and judged by a Main Jury.
The festival concludes with a grand celebration honoring outstanding achievements in Kannada cinema. Winners receive cash prizes, trophies, and certificates in recognition of their exceptional talent and contribution to filmmaking.
September 4, 5 & 6
2026
Inaugural Edition
Pennsylvania Convention Center, Philadelphia
Presented in partnership with the Association of Kannada Kootas of America, the festival is part of AKKA’s Silver Jubilee celebrations — connecting Karnataka’s film industry with the global Kannadiga diaspora and expanding its cultural footprint worldwide.
Backed By
Three award categories recognizing the finest storytelling, direction, and cinematic craft at the AKKA – CineGannada Film Festival 2026.
The highest honor — ₹1,00,000 cash prize with trophy and certificate. Awarded to the film that best represents artistic excellence in Kannada cinema.
Recognizing excellence — ₹50,000 cash prize with trophy and certificate. Awarded to the film that demonstrates outstanding storytelling and craft.
Celebrating emerging talent — ₹25,000 cash prize with trophy and certificate. Awarded to the film that shows exceptional promise and creative vision.
Founded in 1998 · Silver Jubilee 2026
The Partnership
The AKKA – CineGannada Film Festival is born from a historic partnership with the Association of Kannada Kootas of America — the largest organization uniting Kannadigas across North America since 1998.
AKKA’s Silver Jubilee in 2026 marks the perfect moment to launch Karnataka’s first global film festival. With 40+ regional Kannada Kootas, a vast network of families, professionals, and cultural enthusiasts, AKKA provides a global platform that connects Karnataka’s film industry with the worldwide Kannadiga community. Through the CineGannada Film Festival, filmmakers gain international recognition while celebrating the richness of Kannada and Karnataka’s regional cinema.
Got Questions?
Everything you need to know about the AKKA – Cinegannada Film Festival 2026 — from submissions and selections to the grand ceremony in Philadelphia.
The Karnataka film festival on American soil, celebrating cinema in Kannada and regional languages including Tulu, Kodava, and Konkani — hosted during AKKA's Silver Jubilee at the Pennsylvania Convention Center, Philadelphia.
Any filmmaker working in Kannada or Karnataka's regional languages can submit their work along with received censor certification between January 1, 2025, and December 31, 2025, with a minimum running time of 90 minutes.
An 5-member Preview Committee of directors, writers, and cinema veterans screens every submission and shortlists the top 10 films for the official selection.
A Main Jury evaluates the selected films and picks the Best 3 Films.
First Best Film receives ₹1,00,000, Second Best Film receives ₹50,000, and Third Best Film receives ₹25,000.
Top three films receive awards in Bengaluru, while selected films are screened at the prestigious AKKA Silver Jubilee Convention in Philadelphia.
The Karnataka film festival on American soil, celebrating storytelling, cinematic excellence, and Karnataka’s cultural legacy at the AKKA World Conference in Philadelphia.
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