Daijiworld Media Network – Kolhapur
Kolhapur, Jul 3: Marking a proud moment for Kolhapur and Indian cinema, the short film Sweet Moon, directed by Mayur Prakash Kulkarni, has earned a prestigious spot in the competitive section of the 22nd Indian Film Festival of Stuttgart, Germany. The festival, known for celebrating excellence in Indian cinema on the international stage, will be held from July 23 to 27.
Sweet Moon, crafted in a poetic visual style, offers a unique and sensitive artistic experience. Its inclusion in the Stuttgart competition is a significant honour, particularly as this is the first time a Kolhapur-based short film has received such international recognition. Director Mayur Kulkarni has also been officially invited to attend the festival in Germany — a major artistic achievement for both him and the city's creative community.
A commercial artist by profession, Kulkarni has previously directed acclaimed short films like Bhavtaal, Origin, and Sweet Soon, all of which have received national and international critical appreciation. His long-standing association with the Kalamarshi Baburao Painter Film Society has played a vital role in nurturing such cinematic talents, making this achievement equally special for the film society.
Sweet Moon has already been screened in film festivals across China, England, Brazil, Poland, Peru, Azerbaijan, Bulgaria, Kuala Lumpur, and Athens, winning accolades for Best Short Film and Best Cinematography. At the national level, too, it has received multiple awards.
The 15-minute short is directed and shot by Kulkarni, with sound design by Mahadev Patil and executive production by Kaustubh Deshpande. The project has been supported by Shishir Chousalkar, Karan Chavan, Mahadev Chandekar, Ravindra Sutar, Vikram Patil, Rishikesh Joshi, and Sai Potdar.
The film's entry into such a high-profile competitive section, along with Kulkarni’s invitation to Germany, stands as a milestone in Kolhapur's cinematic journey and a proud moment for Indian short films on the global stage.