Shriya Pilgaonkar joins jury for Indian Film Festival of Los Angeles
Shriya Pilgaonkar
Indian actress Shriya Pilgaonkar of Mirzapur fame has joined the jury for the upcoming Indian Film Festival of Los Angeles (IFFLA), where she will be judging the Shorts category. In a recent press release, she expressed gratitude for the recognition and called the opportunity "a significant milestone in her journey towards global recognition".
Pilgaonkar is known for her diverse roles in Hindi and Marathi cinema. Her notable works include Fan(2016), Ekulti Ek(2013), and Aranya(2021), as well as popular series such as Mirzapurand The Broken News.
"I have always wanted to establish myself as a global actor, engaging in diverse roles and participating in film festivals aligns perfectly with that ambition," Pilgaonkar shared.
Pilgaonkar has also worked on international projects like the French film Un Plus Une(2015) and Gurinder Chadha’s British television series The Beecham House(2019).
Pilgaonkar said eagerly anticipates her first experience as a jury member at an international film festival. “I am really excited to watch a lot of films deeply rooted in South Asian culture. It’s always inspiring to witness new and emerging storytellers,” she remarked.
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The festival, set to run from June 27 to June 30, holds special significance for Pilgaonkar due to its emphasis on South Asian cultural themes. She sees this as an opportunity not only to appreciate cinema but also to learn about her aspirations in directing and producing. “There is so much talent. It really motivates me. I also wish to direct and produce. This experience is something that will teach me a lot and give me the opportunity to meet a lot of people,” she added.
Reflecting on the recent global success of Indian films, such as Payal Kapadia’s All We Imagine as Lightwinning the Grand Prix at the Cannes International Film Festival, Pilgaonkar expressed hope for more robust support for independent filmmakers.
“It has been an exceptional year for Indian cinema internationally, but I hope we can provide better financial support through scholarships, grants, and funding. There is so much untapped talent waiting for opportunities,” Pilgaonkar emphasised, adding that international film festivals play a crucial role in promoting authentic storytelling and motivating filmmakers worldwide.