GIFA Celebrate 10 Years of Cinema Pride
Gujarati Iconic Film Awards (GIFA) 2025 Reflects The Rise of Gujarati Cinema
Newzdaddy Entertainment Updates
GIFA, the Gujarati film industry, reached an important moment this week as the Gujarati Iconic Film Awards, widely known. Stepped into its 10th year. The announcement of nominations for GIFA 2025 was not just a routine calendar event. It marked what the organisers proudly called the Golden Decade, a ten-year journey that mirrors the steady rise of Gujarati cinema in India and abroad.
GIFA was started to give Gujarati films a strong and respected platform of their own. Over the past decade, the awards have grown from a modest beginning into one of the most trusted recognitions in the regional film space. Today, the name Gujarati Iconic Film Awards carries weight among filmmakers, actors, technicians and audiences who look at it as a symbol of fair judgment and cultural pride.
The nomination announcement took place on 6 February in Ahmedabad at the well-known Ahmedabad Management Association, a venue often chosen for important cultural and intellectual gatherings. The setting reflected the seriousness of the occasion and the respect GIFA now enjoys. The presence of founders Hetal Thakkar and Arvind Vegda added emotional value, as both have been closely involved with Gujarati culture and creative arts for many years.
What stood out at the event was the strong and experienced jury panel. Names such as Vinod Ganatra, a National Award-winning filmmaker known for children’s cinema, and Mihir Bhuta, who has backed several meaningful Gujarati films, underlined the depth of evaluation behind the nominations. Jury members like Srinivas Patro and Sheetal Shah brought technical and creative balance to the process. Their collective experience ensured that films were judged not just on popularity, but on craft, storytelling and technical strength.
One of the most important points shared during the announcement was the scale of Gujarati cinema in 2025. A total of 86 Gujarati films were released during the year. From these, 72 films took part in the GIFA selection process. This number itself tells a larger story. Gujarati cinema, once limited to a few releases each year, has now become a consistent and active industry. Themes have widened from family dramas to social issues, thrillers and experimental storytelling, showing growing confidence among filmmakers.
The 24 nomination categories cover almost every major area of filmmaking. Along with popular awards like Best Film, Director, Actor and Actress, technical categories such as Background Score, Lyrics and Music Composition were also highlighted. This approach reflects a global awards pattern, where behind-the-scenes talent receives equal respect. It also encourages young technicians to see a future for themselves in the industry.
Below is the list of complete nominations for 24 categories:
The organisers made it clear that the selection process followed strict and transparent methods. Over the years, Indian award shows have often faced questions about fairness. GIFA’s emphasis on merit-based selection and clear evaluation rules helps build trust. This is especially important for a regional industry, where recognition can strongly influence future funding and opportunities.
During his address, Hetal Thakkar spoke about Gujarati cinema’s growth beyond state borders. In recent years, Gujarati films have found audiences in countries with a strong Gujarati diaspora, including the United Kingdom, the United States and parts of Africa. Film festivals abroad have also begun to screen Gujarati films, helping the language and culture reach new viewers. His words reflected both pride and a sense of responsibility for the next phase of growth.
Arvind Vegda’s statement highlighted another key aspect. Gujarati cinema has always been closely linked with music and folk traditions. By celebrating cinema, music and culture together, GIFA keeps this connection alive. It also reminds younger audiences that modern Gujarati films still carry the soul of traditional storytelling.
Sponsorship support has played a major role in GIFA’s stability. Companies like Nuvoco Cement and Vasant Masala coming forward reflect growing corporate confidence in regional cinema. Support from Gujarat Tourism also shows how cinema is being seen as a cultural ambassador for the state.
The upcoming award night on 28 February at Narayani Heights Hotel is expected to draw major industry figures. For filmmakers and artists, the evening represents more than trophies. It is a moment of recognition after years of hard work in a competitive and evolving industry.
As GIFA enters its Golden Decade, the mood within the Gujarati film world is one of confidence and hope. The nominations signal not only past success but also a belief that Gujarati cinema is ready to aim higher, tell better stories and stand proudly on the global stage.
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Gujarati Iconic Film Awards (GIFA) was held on 28th Feb at Narayani Heights, Ahmedabad