Archive · 19 Sep 2026
Indian Film The One Who Plays Wins Kazan Award
The One Who Plays is a short film made by Indian filmmaker Shobhita Thakur.
It tells the story of Sapna, a 12-year-old girl who wants to become a doctor.
Sapna comes from the Banchhada community in Madhya Pradesh.
Many girls in her community have had limited freedom to choose their futures.
The film shows her hopes for education and a different life.
It won the Best Short Film award at a festival in Kazan, Russia.
The festival received films from 67 countries.
Thakur was especially happy because famous filmmaker Majid Majidi led the jury.
The film’s message about dreams, education and dignity can be understood by people in many countries.
Shobhita Thakur’s 27-minute film The One Who Plays won Best Short Film at Russia’s XXII Kazan International Film Festival.
The film follows Sapna, a 12-year-old girl from Madhya Pradesh’s denotified Banchhada community who dreams of becoming a doctor.
The festival’s 2026 edition received 1,030 submissions from 67 countries, with 55 films selected for competition.
The international jury was chaired by Iranian filmmaker Majid Majidi, whom Thakur identifies as a major cinematic influence.
The film previously received recognition in Canada and France and is scheduled for screenings in Chennai, Cambridge and elsewhere.
- Who
- Indian filmmaker and writer Shobhita Thakur; the film centers on Sapna, a 12-year-old girl from the Banchhada community.
- What
- Thakur’s 27-minute film The One Who Plays (Khilawadi) won the Best Short Film award.
- When
- At the 2026 edition of the XXII Kazan International Film Festival.
- Where
- The award was presented at the Altyn Minbar Kazan International Film Festival in Kazan, Russia.
- Why
- The film was recognized for its story about a marginalized girl’s aspirations, education and right to choose her future.
- Film
- The One Who Plays (Khilawadi)
- Director
- Shobhita Thakur
- Film length
- 27 minutes
- Award
- Best Short Film
- Festival
- XXII Kazan International Film Festival “Altyn Minbar”
- 2026 submissions
- 1,030 submissions from 67 countries
- Competition selection
- 55 films
- Jury chair
- Iranian filmmaker Majid Majidi