Tasveer Film Festival 2023 Program Guide

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18th Tasveer film festival Program guide

Oct 12-22, 2023 #

Tasveer south asian film festival

Tasveer proudly presents the 18th annual Tasveer South Asian Film Festival (TSAFF) from October 12th to 22nd in Seattle! We invite you to join us in celebrating a major accomplishment - TSAFF is now the only Oscar-qualifying South Asian film festival in the world. This milestone for South Asian cinema is a triumph for all underrepresented voices and perspectives in mainstream media.

This year’s lineup boasts 25 World premieres and 36 North America premieres across 23 feature films and 20 documentaries. Remarkably, 40% of the films are directed by female-identifying filmmakers, with 1 in 10 offering rare LGBTQIA+ narratives, in addition to a kaleidoscope of social, geographic, diasporic and cultural viewpoints. These films, presented in 26 languages, promise an unparalleled global cinematic journey reflecting the rich tapestry of South Asian stories.

The 18th Annual Tasveer Festival kicks off with in-person screenings from October 12th to 15th at premier Seattle venues, including the iconic Paccar IMAX Theater at Pacific Science Center. Then from October 16th to 22nd, the festival continues virtually on TasveerTV, giving audiences the flexibility to engage with this stellar content in the comfort of your home. We can’t wait to see you there!

Become

Members receive a number of exciting benefits

Discounts on tickets and festivals

Invitation to exclusive events

Ability to participate in Tasveer Book Club

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35$ Student 65$ Star 1 person 120$ Star 2 person 35$ Superstar 1 person 65$ Superstar 2 person
a member
Contents YOUR WATCH PARTY 4 ED Welcome Note 5 PROGRAMMERS’ PICK 6 Special Events 7 OPENING NIGHT 9 CENTERPIECE 10 clOSING NIGHT 11 FILM SCHEDULE 12-13 Film Synopsis 14-27 FOLLOW US ON 3
MEMBERS GET 25% OFF FILMS Buy Tickets GOOD TO KNOW FESTIQUETTES TICKETS yOUR WATCH PARTY VIRTUAL SIX SINGLE FESTIVAL Arrive Early Helps reserve your preferred seat in the theater Line Up Get to the screening in an organized manner Accesibility Inform us if you need additional assistance Standby For late arrivals, entry contingent on seat availability SCREENING VIRTUAL SCREENING WHERE: Tasveer TV HOW : Oct 16-22 DATES: 4 TJH, Seattle Opera PACCAR IMAX T SIFF Cinema Uptown Allen Auditorium, UW

Welcome

Welcome to the 18th edition of the Tasveer South Asian Film Festival (TSAFF), where we embark on an extraordinary cinematic journey under the banner of "Breaking Cinematic Barriers. "This year marks a monumental milestone for TSAFF as we proudly become the first and only South Asian film festival eligible for Oscars. This achievement underscores the power of authentic storytelling and the importance of inclusivity in media. It's a testament to our commitment to challenge limited narratives and foster cross-cultural understanding.

Our carefully curated lineup of 83 films, spanning 26 languages, promises an immersive global experience, reflecting the vibrant tapestry of South Asian stories. From gripping dramas to inspiring documentaries, from tales of resilience to examinations of identity, these films invite you to explore the rich and diverse narratives of our region.

As we kick off in-person screenings at premier venues in Seattle, including the Paccar IMAX Theater at Pacific Science Center, and transition into a virtual format, we invite you to join us on this remarkable journey. Witness the power of cinema to transcend borders, amplify voices, and bring us closer together.

Thank YOU to my hard working team, Board, Friends and my family for being there through thick and thin of leading Tasveer.

And THANK YOU for being a part of TSAFF 2023, where we celebrate diversity, innovation, and the unyielding spirit of storytelling. Enjoy the festival!

BOARD MEMBERS

Rita Meher

Farah Nousheen

Tayyab Mahmud

Shailaja Rao

Samir Junejo

Sarita Joshi

Staff

Festival Director

Rita Meher

Event Manager & Volunteer POC

Anterpreet Bains

Operations Manager

Khenrab Palden

Social Media

Maniti Shah

Marketing & Comm Lead

Olympia Bhatt

Programming Committee Chair

Shailaja Rao

Tasveer Film Fund Manager

Uzma Khan

Graphic Designer

Hema Dhawan

Vivek “Vik” Bahl Volunteers

Gurjot

Bhavishya

Arlene

Sumedh

Sammera

Kristin

Kamia

Lila

Tejas

Shilpa

Deepti

Sami

Fenil

Shivi

Shraddha

Raghav

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Team

Programmers’ picks

Film suggestions by our Programmers from TSAFF 2023

Our Programming Team did the hard work of shortlisting the lineup for this year s festival. Here are some of their personal favorites from the complete lineup.

Shailaja Rao

Senior Programmer Shailaja is a peace activist interested in socio-cultural dynamics, gender equality, & human rights. Ghuspaith, a tribute to the late Reuters photojournalist Danish Siddiqui; Sand exquisite narrative, stunning cinematography & nuanced performances.

A cinema enthusiast who loves its ability to capture authentic emotions and human dynamics. Missing Since 6.12.1956 a telling political story, Giddh, a clash between tradition and survival.

Arlene Plevin

A global cinephile, retired English professor, senior programmer Arlene loves films that challenge our thinking. Thrown into Canada, an engaging documentary about Indians from Uganda; Roots in the Wind, a must see film about Afghanis in Iran.

Bhavishya Saradhi

A Lead Producer at Curator Pictures, Bhavishya aims to bring diversity, inclusivity, and representation to films. Cit y of Men, Where is Kashmir, wonderful cinematography and sound design, Morchang, for its compelling backdrop and visual setting, and Sand.

Gurjot Kang

Gurjot is a multimedia journalist, who is very passionate about increasing the South Asian American community stories in media. Her favorite picks from this year's festival are American Sikh, Yellow, Brown Sugar, and Namaste Yoga.

Sami Austin

Sami is a media professional with extensive experience working in print, radio, and television as a producer, scriptwriter for BBC (Bristol), Times Now, Reuters, Channel V, and Sony Entertainment Television. Her picks are: #Shout, Chindia, and Yellow.

Tejas Bhosale
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Special events

Indulge in Exclusive Festivities: Get Your Tasveer All Access Pass for Opening Night, Closing Night, Centerpiece Night, Fireside Chats, and Festival Launch Party

Tasveer Festival Launch Party

An exclusive invite-only event offering a sneak peek of the upcoming Film Festival. Witness the festival trailer launch, film line-ups, and significant highlights. Enjoy a special reception, networking event, and savor appetizers and food. Join us for this unforgettable celebration of art and culture.

Opening Night & Red Carpet

A star-studded affair, this is the awe-inspiring evening that marks the beginning of our film festival. An exclusive reception, followed by the red carpet and the opening night film at the Pacific Science Center, this event sets the tone for the rest of the festival.

Centerpiece and Party

A delightful interlude. This centerpiece event includes a mid-festival cinematic pick-meup and an after-party.

Closing and Award Ceremony

A grandiose celebration, an award ceremony, and a screening to mark the end of a lovely festival.

Fireside Chat, Networking

How do filmmakers build novel diversity-focused perspectives? What are the stories that matter? Engage in thought-provoking discussions and captivating stories at our Fireside Chats. Esteemed filmmakers & industry experts will share their insights, inspirations, & behind-the-scenes experiences, offering a rare opportunity to delve deeper into cinema.

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“Best wishes from Professor Jagdish Sheth and Mrs. Madhu

Sheth for a very successful 2023 Festival celebration”

opening night oct 12th

Be ready for the grand opening night kick-off of the 18th Annual Tasveer Film Festival! As the world’s only Oscarqualifying platform dedicated to South Asian cinema, we celebrate exceptional filmmakers with the opportunity to gain the ultimate recognition. Get ready for an illuminating cinematic feast!

munnel

oct 12 6:30 PM Pacific Science Center

Director Visakesa Chandrasekaram

CAST Sivakumar Lingeswaran, Kamala Sri Mohan Kumar, Thurkka Magendran

PRODUCER Visakesa Chandrasekaram

Rudran, facing trial as an ex-Tamil Tiger militant, is released on bail. He returns to his village in the North Province with his mother, an ageing soothsayer. While she spends her days in the spiritual realm, attempting to locate the whereabouts of those who have disappeared for a village community deeply bereaved, Rudran begins his own tireless search for his childhood love, Vaani.

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Centerpiece oct 14th PASANG

oct 14 4:35 PM Pacific Science Center

Director Nancy Svendsen

CAST

Dawa S, Marc B, Pasang S, Pasang L S, Ang S, Lhakpa S, Norbu T, Vincanne A, Lhakpa S, Jan A

PRODUCER Sharon W, Richard L, Christy M, Andrea P

The story of Pasang Lhamu Sherpa, the indigenous trailblazer who battled racism, gender discrimination, & political opposition in her quest to become the first Nepali woman to summit Mt. Everest. Her courageous, tragic journey would greatly move her country, inspiring new generations to reach for their rights.

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Closing Night oct 15th Eid Mubarak

oct 15 3:30 PM Pacific Science Center

Director Mahnoor Euceph

CAST Rubab Rasheed, Momina Salman, Zoha Rahman, Emmad Butt

PRODUCER Ben O'Keefe, Kamil Chima, Selena Leoni

A privileged six-year-old Pakistani girl embarks on a mission to save her beloved pet goat from being eaten on the Muslim holiday of Eid al-Azha, only to learn the meaning of sacrifice.

City of Men

oct 15 3:46 PM Pacific Science Center

Director Hira Sheraz

CAST Grana Mahsud, Hadiya Khan, Shazma Haleem, Roohi Kashifi, Saif Shah

PRODUCER Zayan Agha

In a strict Pashtun household in Peshawar, led by a patriarchal mother, two rebellious girls' playful antics turn alarming. Protagonist Gul Wareen's actions challenge 'Pashtunwali' norms, risking their honor in a house ruled by punishing traditions. Pursuing dreams comes at a price, binding them to the 'City of Men'.

Catfish

oct 15 4:06 PM Pacific Science Center

Director Abdullah Shahid

CAST Muhammad R, Gulshan M, Sohaib Ali, Rao Ashraf, Anam H, Shanawar B

PRODUCER Zohaib Bilal

A lonely office worker catfishes a masculine co-worker in a desperate attempt at companionship.

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OCT 13 Fri Tagney Jones Hall OCT 13 Fri SIFF Cinema Uptown OCT 12 Thur Tagney Jones Hall OCT 12 Thur PACCAR IMAX Theater OCT 13 Fri PACCAR IMAX Theater Tasveer Film Fund: Narative short 60 mins Tasveer Film Fund: LGBTQI+ Short 60 mins Tasveer Film Fund: Doc 60 mins 11:00 am 12:00 pm 1:00 pm Panel 01: The Secret Sauce to Structuring and Producing South Asian Global Hits 60 mins Panel 02: Bringing Diverse Stories To Life In Hollywood 60 mins Panel 03: The Rise of Documentaries: Telling Cinematic Stories 60 mins 11:00 am 12:00 pm 1:00 pm Muck 22 mins Yes Sir! 20 mins Esperanza 18 mins Ghuspaith 33 mins Rumi 30 mins Pulp 16 mins Brown Sugar 13 mins Alone Alone on A wide Wide Sea 17 mins American Sikh 10 mins 4:00 pm 7:00 pm 9:00 pm Red Carpet 20 mins 6:30 pm 7:00 pm 9:22 pm Munnel 102 mins Party 90 mins #SHOUT 90 mins 3:00 pm 6:00 pm 8:30 pm Nocturnal Burger 88 mins Amar Colony 76 mins Distance 20 mins Pett Kat Shaw 119 mins schedule * 12 Mysore Magic 14 mins The Secrets of Radha 95 mins * Disclaimer: Tasveer Film Festival reserves the right to alter the film schedule or program, if necessary.
OCT 14 Sat PACCAR IMAX Theater OCT 15 Sun Tagney Jones Hall Climbing Temperatures 21 mins Between Earth & Sky 45 mins 10:20 am 12:00 pm 2:00 pm Taboo 14 mins Barely Breathing 20 mins 14 years 17 mins Dosh 16 mins New Strains 78 mins Anu 13 mins Shera 21 mins Pasang 45 mins 4:15 pm Alien 82 mins Award Ceremony & Reception 12:00 pm 5:30 - 7:00 pm 2:30 pm Thar to Himalaya mins Morchang 24 mins The Mirage 27 mins Sanai 15 mins Children of War 15 mins The Age of Learning 33 mins Chupi Roh 16 mins Blue Sunshine 98 mins Either Side of the Pond 16 mins 6:25 pm 9:00 pm OCT 14 Sat SIFF Cinema Uptown OCT 15 Sun PACCAR IMAX Theater 13 Yellow 13 mins The Last Birthday 80 mins Roots in the Wind 26 mins Raja Bhau 25 mins Sifter 8 mins Malwa Khushan 20 mins Taps 16 mins Your Love 4 mins Chindia 88 mins Stitched 16 mins Malwa Khushan 20 mins 2:30 pm 5:30 pm 7:30 pm Waiting Room 7 mins How do you LIke Your Eggs 11 mins My Father s Doctor 18 mins Mirage 17 mins Starch 16 mins Call Me Dancer 84 mins Eid Mubarak 16 mins City of Men 20 mins Catfish 35 mins 11:30 am 1:20 pm 3:30 pm OCT 13 Fri UW South Asian Center Tortoise Under the Earth 95 mins 3:00 pm Festival Highlights

Film Guide, A-Z

#SHOUT

Vinata Nanda | 90 m | 2023 | India

#Shout is an Indian feminist film that explores the #MeToo movement and places it in the overarching gender and patriarchy discourse of India in continuum.

14 Years

Ronald Austin, Jr. | 17 m | 2023 | United States

Drawing from The Ramayana, '14 Years' is a modern NYC psychological thriller. Failed musician RAM's life derails due to nosy neighbor HANU. A journey into self-loathing ensues, highlighting mental health and the redemptive value of friendship.

#VIRAL WORLD

RIJESH CHANDHRA TANGI | 95 m | 2023 | India

#VIRAL WORLD is a suspense relationship drama that happens over computer screens which explores long distance relationships and how these relationships are being affected by social-media platforms.

Age of learning (Padhne Umer)

Shuvangi Khadka | 25 m | 2023 | Nepal

This film follows two adult women in different parts of rural Nepal who couldn't study in their childhood and are now making space for learning in their lives.

A Cry from the Mountains

Karim Saleem Shallwanee | 31m | 2023 | Pakistan

On the frontlines of the climate crisis in Pakistan s melting mountains, the Wakhi people s ancient way of life hangs in the balance as their sacred glaciers disappear.

ALIEN

Vidyut Latay | 83 m | 2023 | United States

A documentary about legal, high-skilled immigrants in the U S

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Allies Welcome

Shakeeb A, Tavleen T | 24 m | 2023 | United States

After fleeing the Taliban, three Afghan refugees move to the US but find themselves in limbo on a temporary legal status, uncertain about their future.

Alone, Alone, Alone, on a Wide, Wide, Sea

Anvita Gattani | 14 m | 2023 | United States

As their mothers' health declines, brothers Rajesh and Shiva reunite. Amidst society's memory-erasing app BREATHE, they clash over coping mechanisms. Rajesh's realism battles Shiva's optimism, threatening an irreparable divide

Amar Colony

Siddharth Chauhan | 75 min | 2022 | India

Anu

Pulkit Arora | 13 m | 2023 | New Zealand

When a recent widow moves to New Zealand from India, she's forced to confront her grief by completing an ordinary ritual in an extraordinary circumstance: quarantine.

B

O P Srivastava | 66 m | 2023 | India

Banwari Ki Amma ( Banwari s Mother ) is a film set in central India in a town called Lucknow. The backdrop of the film is late 70s and the story revolves around a middle class aspirational family, whose bread earner is working as a typist in a government office.

In person Online 15
anwari s Moth
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Film Guide, A-Z

Barely Breathing

Derek Evans | 20 m | 2023 | United States

Barely Breathing is a dark comedy that follows Sai, who, after a mortifying autoerotic asphyxiation accident, moves in with his father and stepmother.

Between Earth & Sky

Andrew Nadkarni | 25 m | 2023 | United States

After surviving a life-threatening fall from a tree, renowned forest ecologist Nalini Nadkarni explores "what grows back” following a disturbance.

Big Dreams

Gautam Singh | 25 m | 2023 | India

Brown Sugar

Ruhi Radke | 13 m | 2023 |  United State

On her 12th birthday, Rue starts observing the women around her and in turn notices the hair on her skin as a barrier to her beauty. In the span of a day, she questions what it means to be pretty and embarks on an everlasting relationship with beauty.

Blue Sunshine

Bus No. 7

Zubin A Mehta | 62 m | 2023 | India

Rejected and adrift, two gifted teens find hope and healing through an unexpected bond with their school bus attendant in this poignant Indian drama about the power of human connection.

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Call Me Dancer

Leslie Shampaine, Pip G. | 84 m | 2023 |  United States

Follows a young talented street dancer from Mumbai whose parents' insistence is that he follow a traditional path. While he is determined to be a professional dancer, but the odds are stacked against him.

Canvas

Sanjai Chandrasekaran | 18 m | 2023 | India

A father’s devotion is tested when his efforts to buy canvas shoes for his son set off an unexpected chain of events in this poignant Indian drama about sacrifice, dreams, and life’s unpredictable path.

Catfish

Abdullah Shahid | 35 m | 2023 | Pakistan

A lonely office worker catfishes a masculine co-worker in a desperate attempt at companionship.

Children of War

Salar Pashtoonyar | 15 m | 2023 | Canada

A young teenager quietly slips out of his house, determined to meet with his best friend before they are both displaced by the chaos of their world in a remote village of Afghanistan.

Chindia

Sikandar Sidhu | 88 m | 2023 | United States

An Indian family meets with a Chinese family when their kids decide to get married to each other in LA.

Chupi Roh

Disha Bhardwaj | 15 m | 2023 | India

A family living in the mountains wherein a mother is finding a way to deal with her pre-teen son’s secret gender identity at the same time her husband copes from a life altering trauma.

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Film Guide, A-Z

De Saro Khaar (City of Men)

Hira Sheraz | 21 m | 2023 | Pakistan

In Peshawar, a strict Pashtun home led by a matriarch, two rebellious girls defy 'Pashtunwali' norms, testing familial honor. Pursuing dreams amid tradition's grip ties them to the City of Men.

Climbing Temperatures

Shanta Nepali | 21min | 2023 | Nepal

A Monsoon Date is about an eventful, rainy evening when a young woman is on her way to see a young man she is dating. Along the way, she experiences bittersweet moments with a series of strangers, even as a storm brews inside her.

Distance

Thisen Umagiliya | 20 m | 2022 | Sri Lanka

In the gentrifying neighborhoods of Colombo, an adolescent girl copes with her insecurities by seeking solace in fantasy

DOSH

Radha Mehta | 16 m | 2023 | United States

When her son’s life is put at risk, a hard-of-hearing mother must decide how to seek help for her bipolar husband in order to keep her family safe.

Eid Mubarak

Mahnoor Euceph | 16 m | 2023 | United States

A privileged six-year-old Pakistani girl embarks on a mission to save her beloved pet goat from being eaten on the Muslim holiday of Eid al-Azha, only to learn the meaning of sacrifice.

Esperanza

Shruti Parekh | 18 m | 2022 | United States

When an immigrant taxi driver in upstate New York takes an undocumented couple to the Canadian border, they find themselves at odds in the shared pursuit of a better life.

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From the Shadows

Miriam Chandy Menacherry | 76 m | 2022 | India

An artist and activist take daring stands against the trafficking of girls in India, unleashing art and compassion to expose a harrowing crisis where every 8 minutes a child disappears.

Ghuspaith (Infiltrator)

Mihir Lath | 33 m | 2023 | India

An Indian photojournalist must cross the perilous border between Bangladesh and India with his family, while being hunted down by Mujahideen extremists.

Giddh (The Scavenger)

Manish Saini | 24min | 2023 | India

An old man is compelled to choose an unlikely means of earning a morsel, his hunger is fulfilled but soon his guilt catches up to create a dilemma.

Gulmohar

Digvijay Andhorikar | 20 m | 2023 | India

Keshav, a 35 y/o corporate head reaches a small scale newspaper house in search of a writer called Gulmohar whose writing has been helping him to get over his depression.

How Do You Fall Out of Love with Countr y Music

Shyamala Moorty | 12 m | 2023 | United States

?

Amy Singh just wants to sing country music, but it s not easy for a South Asian American in the deep south where every audience is a hostile one.

How do you like your eggs?

Wilder Troxell | 12m | 2023 | United States

How do you like your eggs? Is a short comedic film about a South Asian woman who drags her reluctant mother to a fertility clinic to learn more about freezing eggs, only to discover the doctor is a handsome Indian man the mother is suddenly interested in setting her up with!

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Film Guide, A-Z

Independence Lane

Anomaa Rajakaruna | 13 m | 2023 | Sri Lanka

Two young women in love are challenged by a group of housewives from the same neighbourhood.

Malwa Khushan

Preeti Kanungo, Sourav Yadav | 20 m | 2023 | India

Coming of age story of two sisters Malwa and Khushan, in rural India, exploring and experiencing sexuality and attraction in their adolescent years.

Memories of Gloomy Monsoons

Khandaker Sumon | 97 m | 2023 | Bangladesh

The feature film ‘Memories of Gloomy Monsoons’ portrays crises in a farmer’s life and an instinctive motherliness of a woman with the melodies of joy and despair as a part of their lives.

Men in Blue

Sachin Dheeraj Mudigonda | 35 m | 2023 | United States

Resistance brews among the Indian immigrants who were stripped of their dignity when a reputed shipyard in Texas conscripted them as guest workers to repair the oil rigs and ships damaged after Hurricane Katrina.

Miles Away (MEELON DUR)

Megha Acharya | 50 m | 2023 | India

The everyday lives of three female labourers working in a brick kiln in India takes an upsetting turn after an unexpected rainfall halts their work. What unfolds is a threatening tale of unorganized labour and economic debts in a rapidly urbanizing India.

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Mirage

Jhanvi Motla | 16 m | 2019 | United States

A widow’s chance at a new life running a motel in the California desert turns sinister when she learns the business relies on illicit outside forces that test how far she will go to survive.

Missing Since 6.12.1956

Anand Pande | 19 min | 2023 | India

This film is a commentary on the self-contradictory fabric of India. A mere picture becomes more important than the thought.

Morchang

Chandradeep Singh Rathore | 24 m | 2023 | India

Somewhere in the windy deserts of Rajasthan, a curious little boy from a family of nomadic musicians yearns to change his family’s fate through the magic and belief imbibed by his grandmothers folktales.

Muck

Anuj Jamadagni, Varun C | 22m | 2023 | United States

In the chaotic streets of rural India, a reckless trio get entangled in the corrupt world of local politics, and as their actions escalate, a tragic event unfolds, revealing the cycle of violence and apathy, witnessed by a silent crowd.

My Father's Doctor

DANISH RENZU | 18 m | 2023 | India

A young Kashmiri girl fights to safeguard the honor of her father s doctor.

Mysore Magic

Abijeet Achar | 14 m | 2023 | United States

The true story of an unlikely romance in 1982 at a disco competition in Mysore, India.

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Film Guide, A-Z

Namaste Yoga

Ravi Chand | 22 m | 2023 | Australia

When Shiv, a 10-year-old boy who is ashamed of being Indian, gets into a fight at school, the only way to avoid suspension is by doing mandatory lunchtime yoga classes.

Nocturnal Burger

Reema Maya | 28 m | 2023 | United States

Somewhere between fantasy, trauma, paranoia, precaution, and the promise of a burger, a night gets catapulted into an investigation of child abuse at a dysfunctional police station in

New Strains

Artemis S, Prashanth K | 78 m | 2023 | United States

As a mysterious new variant of an unnamed pandemic emerges, a squabbling couple in lockdown starts acting like children.

Now and Then

Harris Alvi | 17 m | 2023 | United Kingdom

While moving house, a middle-aged Muslim woman finds a box of old tapes filled with the memories of her husband s previous relationship and becomes increasingly obsessed.

On Either Sides of the Pond

Parth Saurabh | 105 m | 2019 | India

Sumit and Priyanka, an eloped couple, return to their hometown, due to the financial hardships caused by the lockdown. As Priyanka seeks to leave Sumit and return to her conservative father s home, Sumit, oblivious to this, wastes his time away.

| 2023 | United Kingdom

The relationship between a responsible boy and his precocious younger sister becomes strained when an unspoken truth dares to surface.

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Pakeeza Jaffar Raza Jafri | 20 m

PASANG: In the Shadow of Everest

Nancy Svendsen | 71min | 2022 | United Kingdom

Pasang Lhamu Sherpa risked everything to become the first Nepali woman to summit Mt. Everest.

Passenger Seat

Neha Gautam | 18 m | 2023 | United States

A young Pakistani girl from Queens, New York finds her relationship to her father shifting as his taxi business starts to decline with the rise of ride-share apps.

Pett Kata Shaw

Nuhash Humayun | 119 m | 2023 | Bangladesh

A supernatural anthology film bringing ancient South Asian folktales to life.

Pulp

Harsimran Sandhu | 15 m | 2023 | United States

A first-generation college senior confronts the realities of generational trauma, while preparing an original piece for an upcoming violin audition.

Raja Bro

Sridhar Rangayan | 25 m | 2022 | India

A sensitive heart-warming story of an Indian transman s acceptance, by himself and his family. Merlin, born as a girl, felt right from his childhood that he was trapped in the wrong gender.

Roots in the wind

Soraya Akhlaqi | 26 m | 2019 | Afghanistan

In 1979, after the Soviet Union attacked Afghanistan, millions of Afghans were forced to leave their homeland to save their lives, and in the meantime, a huge wave of them immigrated to Iran.

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Film Guide, A-Z

Rumi

Aisha Amin | 11 m | 2023 | United States

When Rumi, a budding actress, is scouted by an agent and invited to an open casting call for models, she comes face to face with a troubling industry.

Sanai

Akanchha Karki | 14 m | 2023 | Nepal

Two teenage girls separated by caste system fight against their society to play their favorite instrument SANAI forbidden to play by women while also keeping their friendship alive.

SAND

Visakesa Chandrasekaram | 100 m | 2023 | Sri Lanka

Rudran, an ex-Tamil Tiger militant on bail, returns to his village to his soothsayer mother. As she seeks the missing, Rudran searches for his lost love, Vaani.

Shera

Arun Fulara | 20 m | 2023 | India

11-year-old Monu, set to leave his Himalayan village without seeing the coveted leopard, Shera, gets a memorable parting gift from his best friend Raju: a testament to deep friendship and childhood wonder.

Sifter

Shalini Bathina | 8 m | 2023 | United States

Samara and Nisha celebrate their first Karva Chauth as a married couple but the festival brings up suppressed emotions between the pair.

Small-time Cinema

Priya Naresh | 29 m | 2023 | India

Small-time Cinema explores connections between unlikely parts of India and Pakistan through YouTubers who want to preserve their language and culture.

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Starch

Ajai Vishwanath | 16 m | 2019 | Australia

Set in inner-city Sydney in early 90's, STARCH follows Indira as she prepares dinner for her family. Her husband just got his first job in Australia, & her in-laws fly back to India tomorrow. With an infant at home & the rent past due, she's counting on her luck to change.

Still Here

Anya Raza | 2 m | 2023 | United States

Still Here follows Omar's journey through trauma towards healing.

Stitched

Lorena Lourenco | 16 m | 2023 | United States

A South Asian diasporic woman, tired of dating people who can’t keep up with her mutable cultural identity, decides to “frankenstein” together the ideal partner.

Taboo

Nisha Huda | 14 m | 2023 | Canada

When her best friend tries to die by suicide, a sin in Islam, Naureen must come to terms with his pain - and get over her own in the process.

TAPS

Arvind Caulagi | 15 m | 2023 | India

A simple misunderstanding puts Akshay and Rohan’s domestic idyll on shaky grounds. Set over the course of an evening, Taps offers an intimate look at how the couple navigates their way back to each other.

The L ast Birthday

Navid Mahmoudi | 93 m | 2023 | Afghanistan

Soraya is a female journalist who has been trying to spread news of the difficult situation of Afghan women to the world for years. This issue exposes her career. Taliban forces surprise Soraya and her friends once they arrest her at home on her birthday.

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Film Guide, A-Z

The Mirage (MRIGATRISHNA)

Santosh Dahal | 26 m | 2023 | Nepal

During the period of civil war, in the countryside of Nepal, a curious boy follows his mother to his uncle's house. In this poetic journey, he witnesses various group of people trying to pursue liberation in their own ways.

The Ordinary People (MUNUREN)

Kanika Verma, Avinash Das | 96 m | 2023 | India

Against all odds, a 17-year-old tribal girl in India risks everything to follow her dreams of playing hockey, inspiring a heartwarming tale of a family’s resilience supporting their daughter’s ambitions.

The Secrets of Radha

Subarna Thapa | 110 m | 2023 | Nepal

Radha, a young pregnant woman from a village in Nepal, embarks on a journey to find her husband, a migrant worker in Doha, who's gone missing, but discovers instead an intriguing web of lies, deceit and fraud behind his disappearance and of many others.

Thrown into Canada

Aleem Karmali | 77 m | 2022 | Canada

The story of struggle and hope from Canada’s first major nonEuropean refugee movement, caused by Idi Amin's expulsion of South Asians from Uganda in 1972.

Tortoise Under The Earth

Shishir Jha | 95 m | 2022 | India

In the uranium mining area of Jharkhand, India, a tribal couple is coping with the loss of their daughter.

Viral

Shreyas Dasharathe | 23 m | 2023

Two Mumbai fans journey to befriend a Karachi egg-seller famous in their city but unknown at home, forging a heartfelt cross-border online friendship.

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Waiting Room

Suhashini Krishnan | 7m | 2023 | United States

Two women meet in the waiting room of an abortion clinic and find they have more in common than they realized.

Where is Kashmir (KAMSHET KAETE)

Arif Bashir | 27 m | 2023 | India

A young boy decides to buy his blind little sister a cake for her birthday, but runs into some trouble in the conflict ridden land of Kashmir.

Yellow

Elham Ehsas | 13 m | 2023 | United Kingdom

In Taliban controlled Afghanistan, Laili walks into a Chadari store in Kabul to buy her first full body veil and face a new future.

Yes Sir!

Mudit Singhal | 20 m | 2023 | India

In a role-reversal tale, Brahmin peon Ramnarayan Tiwari resents a Dalit officer's rise due to caste bias. Struggling for promotion, Tiwari's dilemma intertwines with his bias, culminating in an unexpected solution for a choked drain.

Your Love

Sundeep Morrison | 4 m | 2023 | Canada

When a granddaughter uncovers her grandmother's long-kept secret, she must decide whether to keep it buried or bring it to light.

27

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