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Pune Filmmaker's 'Courage' Wins Big at NY Film Fest
14 Feb
Summary
- Ankur Kakatkar's film 'Courage' won at the New York International Film Awards.
- The film also received a special mention at the Chicago South Asian Film Festival.
- Ankur Kakatkar is a filmmaker from Pune making global waves.

Filmmaker Ankur Kakatkar, hailing from Pune, is making a significant mark on the contemporary cinema landscape. He is part of a new wave of directors focused on creating stories with universal appeal. Kakatkar's dedication to his craft is evident in his growing body of work.
A major achievement for Kakatkar was his English-language feature, 'Courage.' In January 2026, the film secured a win at the New York International Film Awards. Further testament to its quality, it also received a special mention at the Chicago South Asian Film Festival.
Kakatkar expressed his elation, calling the global recognition for a film directed by a Marathi individual from Pune a dream realized. The film 'Courage' is noted for its balance of emotional depth and technical execution, exploring universal themes of resilience and love.
Despite international accolades, Kakatkar remains committed to artistic growth and embraces new challenges. His journey serves as an inspiration for aspiring filmmakers aiming to showcase regional narratives globally. This success also highlights the potential for Indian and Marathi cinema talent to achieve international impact through authentic storytelling.



