WELCOME TO AKKA – CineGannada Film Festival 2026
Presented in partnership with the Association of Kannada Kootas of America, the first-ever AKKA – CineGannada Film Festival brings Karnataka’s finest storytellers to the global stage. Held during AKKA’s historic Silver Jubilee year, the festival honors cinematic excellence, celebrates bold storytelling, and connects Kannada cinema with audiences across continents.
10 selected Kannada films screened at the AKKA World Conference in Philadelphia — reaching audiences across North America and beyond.
₹1 Lakh grand prize, plus second and third film awards — judged by an elite panel of filmmakers, journalists, and cinema veterans.
Selected films will be screened during AKKA's Silver Jubilee, connecting Karnataka's film industry with 40+ Kannada Kootas worldwide.
In partnership with AKKA USA
A Historic Collaboration
The AKKA – CineGannada Film Festival 2026 is the film festival hosted on American soil — a landmark moment for Karnataka’s cinema.
AKKA – CineGannada Film Festival Born from a historic collaboration between AKKA and Karnataka’s leading filmmakers, the festival bridges two continents through the power of storytelling. An elite Main Jury of three filmmakers evaluates every selection, while an 5-member Preview Committee ensures only the finest Kannada films reach the global stage.
A visionary filmmaker who holds the unprecedented record of winning eight consecutive National Film Awards
AKKA - CINEGANNADA
A Historic Milestone
This year’s celebration introduces an expanded array of events designed to engage every segment of the community — a grand Meravanige (Procession), prestigious Business and Medical Forums (CME/CDE), a dedicated Youth Forum, diverse competitions in cricket and golf, a vibrant literary forum, and high-caliber entertainment. For the first time in AKKA’s history, the Silver Jubilee also hosts the AKKA – CineGannada Film Festival, bringing Karnataka’s finest cinema to an international audience. The landmark gathering at the Pennsylvania Convention Center in Philadelphia promises to be the biggest and most diverse AKKA event ever held. Supported by the Kannada and Culture Department (Kannada Samskriti Ilakhe) under the Government of Karnataka, the Silver Jubilee sets a bold vision for the future of Kannada arts, culture, and global collaboration.
From the media launch in Karnataka to Selected Film Screening America — four milestones that define AKKA – CineGannada 2026.
Celebrating the finest storytelling, direction, and cinematic craft in Kannada cinema.
Awards
The Highest Honor
Excellence Recognized
Emerging Talent
Three of Karnataka's most respected filmmakers and journalists entrusted with selecting the winners of the AKKA – CineGannada Film Festival 2026.
A celebrated writer, actor, and filmmaker known for thought-provoking Kannada cinema. His sharp storytelling sensibility & deep understanding of narrative craft bring critical rigor to the jury’s evaluation process.
An acclaimed writer and director exploring bold, socially relevant themes in Kannada cinema. His independent filmmaking experience ensures unconventional narratives receive the recognition they deserve.
A respected journalist and filmmaker who bridges the worlds of media and cinema. Her dual expertise in storytelling and critical analysis adds a unique and balanced perspective to the jury’s final decisions.
Our Partners
AKKA – CineGannada Film Festival 2026 is backed by leading cultural institutions and industry partners committed to taking Kannada cinema to global diaspora.
Submit your feature film in any recognized language of Karnataka, including Kannada, Tulu, Konkani, and more, to the first-ever AKKA – CineGannada Film Festival. Compete for cash prizes of up to ₹1 Lakh and earn the opportunity to have your film screened at the AKKA World Conference in Philadelphia.
How It Works
Submit your feature film application with all required details through cinegannadafilmfest.org
Our Preview Committee and Jury members screens all entries and shortlists the top 10 films for the official selection.
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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