Panaji, Apr 18 (UNI) Sweden India Film Association (SIFA) and Vinsan World in association with the Goa Marathi Film Festival will be hosting the first ever Marathi International Film Festival in Stockholm, Sweden, from April 20 to 24. According to Festival Director Sanjay Shetye it is to raise awareness about quality Marathi cinema from India and to educate the people of Sweden about the vibrant multi facets of India. This will lead to strengthening of ties between the film industries of these two countries while initiating an interest in each other's culture. 'It is great to see that the festival we conceptualised nine years ago in Goa will be taken to an international audience. We are delighted to take the very best of Marathi cinema to Sweden in collaboration with SIFA and hope that the Swedish audience are captivated by this festival,' Mr Shetye said. The opening film for the festival, to be played in three theatres: Sture, Zita, Mauritz (SFI), will be Paresh Mokashi directed 'Harishchandrachi Factory'. Other movies to be screened include Astu, Doctor Rakhmabai, Ek Hazarachi Note, Ekk Albela, Fandry, Vazandar, Mi Sindhutai Sapkal, Nati Khel, Natsamrat, Half Ticket, Katyar Kalzat Ghusali, Koti, Kassav, Dr Prakash Baba Amte, Mala Aai Vhyachay, Samhita, Rama Madhav, The Silence and Elizabeth Ekadasi. 'Doctor Rakhmabai' has won Maharashtra State Award for Best Sound, Costumes and Art Direction and was nominated for Best Picture, Director, Actress, Screenplay and Supporting Actor. Prominent personalities from Marathi cinema would attend the festival, Mr Shetye said, adding that the selection of films was well suited for the Swedish sensibilities. UNI AKM SB ADG 1055