Storyteller Universe Film Festival start in New York

08:49 AM, 20 January 2026

Indian-origin filmmaker, actor, and producer Venkat Sai Gunda successfully launched the ‘The Storyteller Universe’ International Film Festival in New York. The boutique festival provides a global platform for independent storytellers. Venkat Sai Gunda, originally from Karimnagar, Telangana, gained international recognition with his feature film ‘The Deserving,’ which was screened at over 25 festivals and won multiple awards. Now, as festival director, he aims to support independent cinema through this platform.

The inaugural edition, held on January 10-11, 2026, hosted filmmakers and artists from various countries. The festival focused on emotions, authenticity, and human-centered stories rather than commercial aspects. It was successfully organized with the collaboration of a dedicated team including Jaggi Arora, JD Brookshire, Maheshwar Pandian Sarvanan, Tarun Degal, Tirumalesh Gundrat, and Pratyusha Vudtala. Venkat Sai Gunda emphasized, “Our goal is to support independent filmmakers and showcase their stories to the world”.

Winners :

Best Feature Film: Mohammadmahdi Katirachi - In Other Words

Best Short Film: Moon Romance, Moon

Best Documentary: Matthew Floyd - Lessons from 100: Reflections In My Centennial Year

Best Director: Nadan Pines - Father's Son

Best Actor: Taha Mohammadi - In Other Words

Best Actress: Anja Bothe - Loslassen

Best Screenplay: Christine Marie Bush - Serenity Peak

Best Comedy: Greg Kirkpatrick Jr. - Another Day

Best Editing: Javier Yañez - Amira

Best AI Film: Michal Jan Owerczuk - Broken Arrow

Best Horror/Thriller: Darwin Reina - Blood Mist