18th Tasveer film festival Program guide

Oct 12-22, 2023 #

Oct 12-22, 2023 #
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!
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Invitation to exclusive events
Ability to participate in Tasveer Book Club
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!
Rita Meher
Farah Nousheen
Tayyab Mahmud
Shailaja Rao
Samir Junejo
Sarita Joshi
Rita Meher Executive director, TasveerStaff
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
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.
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.
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.
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 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 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.
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.
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.
A delightful interlude. This centerpiece event includes a mid-festival cinematic pick-meup and an after-party.
A grandiose celebration, an award ceremony, and a screening to mark the end of a lovely festival.
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.
“Best wishes from Professor Jagdish Sheth and Mrs. Madhu
Sheth for a very successful 2023 Festival celebration”
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!
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.
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.
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.
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'.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Vidyut Latay | 83 m | 2023 | United States
A documentary about legal, high-skilled immigrants in the U S
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.
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
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.
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.
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.
Gautam Singh | 25 m | 2023 | India
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.
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.
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.
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.
Abdullah Shahid | 35 m | 2023 | Pakistan
A lonely office worker catfishes a masculine co-worker in a desperate attempt at companionship.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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!
Anomaa Rajakaruna | 13 m | 2023 | Sri Lanka
Two young women in love are challenged by a group of housewives from the same neighbourhood.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
DANISH RENZU | 18 m | 2023 | India
A young Kashmiri girl fights to safeguard the honor of her father s doctor.
Abijeet Achar | 14 m | 2023 | United States
The true story of an unlikely romance in 1982 at a disco competition in Mysore, India.
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.
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
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.
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.
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.
Nancy Svendsen | 71min | 2022 | United Kingdom
Pasang Lhamu Sherpa risked everything to become the first Nepali woman to summit Mt. Everest.
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.
Nuhash Humayun | 119 m | 2023 | Bangladesh
A supernatural anthology film bringing ancient South Asian folktales to life.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Anya Raza | 2 m | 2023 | United States
Still Here follows Omar's journey through trauma towards healing.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.