The 3rd NSBM International Youth Film Festival (NIYFF 2026), organized by the Multimedia Circle of NSBM, recently concluded at the NSBM Green University Main Auditorium, marking another historic milestone as Sri Lanka’s premier international youth cinema platform.

 

This year’s festival expanded its scope across six primary competitive categories: International, Inter-School, Inter-University, Open, National Documentary, and  National Animation. Out of over 200 submissions, 32 nominated short films competed for 41 awards, judged by an esteemed jury panel chaired by renowned film director and Chairman of the National Film Corporation, Mr. Sudath Mahaadivulwewa, alongside Mr. Vimukthi Jayasundara, Mr. M.D. Mahindapala, Mr. Priyantha Colombage, Mr. Chathra Weeraman, Ms. Hiranya Perera, and Mr. Sasanka Ranatunga.

 

The festival commenced with the screening of nominated films on September 24th, leading up to the Grand Award Ceremony on September 25th.

 

A defining moment of the evening was the presentation of the prestigious NSBM Golden Honorary Award to legendary actor Mr. Ravindra Randeniya for his monumental lifetime contributions to Sri Lankan cinema, accepted on his behalf by his wife, Mrs. Preethi Randeniya. The ceremony also featured a special tribute honoring the late veteran songstress Visharada Nanda Malini.

 

The event was graced by NSBM dignitaries, including Deputy Vice Chancellor – Academic, Prof. Thilini De Silva, along with academics, prominent film industry figures, actors, student filmmakers, and guests from across the island.