Archive · 26 Sep 2025
National Award for Debut Film Marks Full Circle for Director
Imagine a person who always wanted to make movies, but didn't get accepted to the best film school.
He kept trying, and eventually he did get to make his own movie.
This person, Ashish Bende, worked really hard.
He started by acting in school plays and college contests.
Later he learned from other directors.
His first film, "Aatmapamphlet," was like an autobiography of his life as a young boy in the 90s, with some jokes.
He finally won a big award for this movie, proving that all the effort paid off.
He went from the waiting list to winning the National Award.
Ashish Avinash Bende won the National Award for Best Debut Film for "Aatmapamphlet".
The award was presented at the 71st National Film Awards in New Delhi.
Bende's journey includes school plays, college theater, and working as an assistant director.
He was on the waiting list for the Film and Television Institute of India (FTII) multiple times.
The film tells his story through the eyes of a 10-year-old boy.
- Who
- Ashish Avinash Bende, a Pune-based director.
- What
- Won the National Award for Best Debut Film for his Marathi film "Aatmapamphlet".
- When
- Awarded during the 71st National Film Awards ceremony.
- Where
- The award ceremony was held in New Delhi.
- Why
- The film "Aatmapamphlet" earned the award for its directorial debut.
- Director
- Ashish Avinash Bende
- Film Title
- Aatmapamphlet
- Award
- Best Debut Film of a Director
- Award Ceremony
- 71st National Film Awards
- Location of Ceremony
- New Delhi
- Bende's Age
- 45