Panha's Poignant Triumph: Dia Mirza's Eco-Tale Bags Top ALT EFF Honor!

Festival Accolade Spotlight

Dia Mirza celebrated her production banner One India Stories' first film 'Panha' securing Best Indian Short Film at ALT EFF in Mumbai. Co-founded with Ananya Rane, the venture champions empathy-driven narratives on sustainability. Shot in Maharashtra's mango orchards with real farmers, the film humanizes development's human cost through seven-year-old Vithu's innocent gaze.​

Key Highlights

Story Essence: Family faces ancestral land loss to bullet train; Vithu digs tunnel in desperate bid to save home.​

Dia's Gratitude: "Grateful beyond words... for farmers who opened hearts; cinema reminds us of shared humanity."​

Director's Note: Sakshi Mishra: "About stillness, intimacy; farmers trusted us with their lives."​

Production Ethos: Modest budget, local cast/crew; no propaganda, just humane reflection on progress.​

Trophy Artistry: Handcrafted by Devrai Art Village artisans, symbolizing environmental storytelling.​

Sources: Firstpost (Dec 6, 2025), Newsbytes, Filmibeat.