Mumbai, January 31, 2014: First day of film extravaganza started on a very high note. The excitement was palpable as the emcee welcomed Mr. Sachin Khanna, Festival Founder and Chairman of the 1st edition of the Navi Mumbai International Film Festival. Applause continued when Mr. Ashok Purang, Festival Director, Capt. Samir Walavalkar, Director – Business & Finance, Salim Arif, Director of Cultural affairs, NMIFF were invited on the stage to address the gathering.

Ceremony kick started with felicitating reputed face of Indian Cinema, Mr. Sachin Pilgaonkar by Mr. Pramod Hindurao, (Chairman, CIDCO). On this touching occasion Mr. Pilgaonkar said, “I am extremely thrilled to receive this honour from Navi Mumbai International Film Festival and I would like to thank everyone associated with this fantastic festival. It is a great initiative and I wish you all the very best. “

The auspicious lamp was lit by Mr. Sachin Pilgaonkar and Mr. Pramod Hindurao along with Shri Sagar Naik, (Mayor, Navi Mumbai), Mrs. Manda Mhatre, (Ex-MLC, Navi Mumbai), Actor Rakesh Bedi along with jury members Mr. Marc Baschet, Mr. Imtiaz Hussain and Ms. Rohini Hattanagadi.

Shri Sagar Naik, (Mayor, Navi Mumbai) said, I am very happy that a festival of this stature is taking place in Navi Mumbai. I am happy to know that NMIFF has received films from across the globe and am looking forward to a fantastic three days of the festival.”

Mr. Sachin Khanna, founder, NMIFF said, “After attending several film festival across the country, I always wanted to do something for Navi Mumbai and that is how NMIFF was born. We have received tremendous response from Manda tai, Pramodji, Sagarji and from the people of Navi Mumbai.

The day moved ahead with the opening film Titanic Love, Director by Mark Pressdee starring Susannah Felicity Wells, Alex Edwardson, Loxley Logan, Ryan McKen and more. Titanic Love showcases how Lucy has found a Titanic Love cruise and wants to relive the Hollywood dream. Jack does not, they can’t afford it and Lucy is furious. Their relationship hits rough waters and Jack calls on best friend Delroy for advice and a cheap alternative. The film has a talented and emerging cast from the region. The film had been produced by some of the regions finest filmmakers.

The first day saw a great line up of 15 movies like Mahesh Manjrekar film Satnaagat, Directed by Raju Parsekar in Feature film category to L’appuntamento film by Gianpiero Alicchio from Italy in Professional Short Film and Jash ne Daawat by Karan Asnani in Student Short Film Category.

The crowd was immense and is looking forward for second and third day of Navi Mumbai International Film Festival.