Spread the news
Mumbai, July 1
Short film Razaa, written and directed by Pooja Tolani, has won the Best Debut Director Award at the 18th Mumbai International Film Festival (MIFF) 2026. The film also secured the Best First-Time Director Award at the Short Encounters International Film Festival 2026 in Greece that same night, marking a significant achievement for the filmmaker.
The twin honours recognise Tolani’s directorial debut and her sensitive exploration of themes such as agency, choice and motherhood. Since premiering at the Short Shorts International Film Festival 2025 in Tokyo, Razaa has received widespread appreciation across the international festival circuit for its emotional storytelling and impactful performances.
Set inside a gynecologist’s waiting room over the course of a single afternoon, the film follows 18-year-old Razaa and her mother as they confront a life-changing decision. Through this intimate narrative, the film examines the broader issue of reproductive rights.
Reacting to the recognition, Pooja Tolani said Razaa explores the complex relationship women have with their own agency while celebrating the strength of female solidarity and sisterhood. She said receiving honours for her directorial debut at both MIFF and the Greek festival on the same night was deeply meaningful and dedicated the awards to the cast and crew for their dedication to the project.
Filmmaker Suresh Triveni, who co-produced the film with Radhika Sawhney, praised Tolani’s clarity of vision and compassionate storytelling. He said the awards recognize a filmmaker who has made a confident and original debut and added that the team is now looking for a suitable platform to take Razaa to audiences beyond the festival circuit. Producer Radhika Sawhney said she was immediately drawn to the script because of its focus on women taking charge of their own lives. She said the film reflects the kind of stories she wants to support and expressed pride in being associated with the project.
Actor Geetanjali Kulkarni described working on Razaa as a fulfilling experience, noting that the detailed preparation and rehearsal process enabled the cast to deliver authentic performances and made the filmmaking journey particularly rewarding. Apart from its latest honours, Razaa has also received an Honourable Mention at the Tasveer Film Festival and was selected among the Market Picks at the Clermont-Ferrand International Short Film Festival. The latest awards further strengthen the film’s growing reputation and highlight Pooja Tolani as an emerging voice in Indian cinema.
