Story perspectives

Pandya, Pednekar Unveil New Films, Promote Indie Cinema at Cannes

5/26/2026

Summary

Story summary

Hemant M. Pandya and Nita Pednekar attended the 79th Cannes Film Festival as NJIIFF and Friday Films delegates.
Pandya and Pednekar noted 25,000 attendees and highlighted Nepal’s *Elephants in the Fog* and India’s *Shadows of the Moonless Nights*.
Pandya and Pednekar unveiled *Love, Loathe & Life*, a hate-crime drama, and *She Was…//?*, a road-rage thriller.
Pandya and Pednekar pledged to keep developing independent films and promoting cultural exchange through NJIIFF.

History

Historical Context

The Cannes Film Festival was launched in 1946, running from 20 September to 5 October with films from 21 countries as France sought a post-war alternative to the fascist-tainted Venice festival. Its invitation-only, spring-held format has become a hub for global indie networks. At the 79th edition in 2024, NJIIFF delegates Hemant M. Pandya and Nita Pednekar continue that legacy, showcasing South Asian works.

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Story summary

Hemant M. Pandya and Nita Pednekar attended the 79th Cannes Film Festival as NJIIFF and Friday Films delegates.
Pandya and Pednekar noted 25,000 attendees and highlighted Nepal’s *Elephants in the Fog* and India’s *Shadows of the Moonless Nights*.
Pandya and Pednekar unveiled *Love, Loathe & Life*, a hate-crime drama, and *She Was…//?*, a road-rage thriller.
Pandya and Pednekar pledged to keep developing independent films and promoting cultural exchange through NJIIFF.

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