
SAIFFF Opening Night: A Dazzling Celebration of Cinema & Culture
SAIFFF Opening Night: A Dazzling Celebration of Cinema & Culture Red Carpet & Press Meet Networking & Connections Dance & Cultural Showcase Exclusive Screenings
International Short Films #1 + Q&A
Me, Raani (Hindi with English subtitle ,20 min) – A mother’s dream clashes with societal norms. The Gratitude List (English,12 min) – Love tested by optimism and realism. Bobby Beauty Parlour (Hindi with English subtitle ,18 min) – Two friends trapped in a salon on a scorching day. Legends (English,15 [...]
International Short Films #2 + Q&A (Theatre#1)
Gray (English, 7 min): A stark reflection on society’s rapid decline into a world bereft of imagination. 2 Khet (Urdu w/ English subtitles, 36 min): Manni’s quiet life unravels when a wealthy dealer offers a fortune for his land. The Pencil (Turkish w/ English subtitles, 12 min): A bailiff crafts [...]
Paper Flowers | Feature Film | Followed by Q&A (English) (Theatre#2)
Director: Mahesh Pailoor At 22, Shalin Shah, a bright and idealistic young man, embarks on a life-changing journey with the Peace Corps in Peru. However, his dreams are abruptly shattered by a devastating cancer diagnosis. "Paper Flowers" is a poignant and inspiring story of love, loss, and resilience. Join us [...]
The Dalai Lama's Gift | Documentary Feature | Followed by Q&A (English) (Theatre#1)
Director: Ed Winslow Bastian This documentary uncovers a powerful chapter of spiritual history, hidden for over 40 years. In 1981, a historic event in the heart of Wisconsin became a transformative moment in American spirituality: His Holiness the Dalai Lama initiated over a thousand young Americans into the ancient Kalachakra [...]
Soch: A Perception | Feature Film (Hindi with English subtitles) (Theatre#2)
Director: Ravi Gautam In serene Arkee, Officer Priyanka Negi's investigation into social activist Shaila Awasthi's disappearance sparks a national uproar, but as communal tensions rise, one question lingers: is the true enemy within or beyond the village walls?
International Short Films #3 + Q&A (Theatre#1)
A Pinch of Salt (Bengali w/ English subtitles, 15 min): A poet’s loving meals trigger his wife’s buried trauma, leading to a revelation that tests their bond and love. Paramita (English, 24 min): A poetic meditation on identity, Paramita follows Prajna Paramita Choudhury’s 25-year journey of coming out to her [...]
Engaging with Filmmakers and Audience | Panel Discussion(Theatre#2)
Cultural Identity and Representation in Global Cinema Women and Diversity in South Asian Filmmaking
Dr. B. R. Ambedkar: Now & Then | Documentary Feature | Followed by Q&A (English) (Theatre#2)
Director: Jyoti Nisha Through the discerning gaze of a Bahujan feminist filmmaker operating within the upper-caste Indian film industry, the film delves into critical themes of liberty, equality, fraternity, social justice, exclusion and marginalized representation. Bridging the realms of Ambedkarite politics with the visual language of cinema, it offers a [...]
Magical OneLife | Feature Film (Tamil with English subtitles) (Theatre#1)
Directors: Johny JR, Vijaysundhar Human Life has many magical moments that are interesting and engaging. Magical OneLife defined how these magical moments can bring solutions to the conflicts of 3 different humans in their respective lives
Award Ceremony (Short & Documentary Films) (Theatre#2)
Celebrate the art of cinema with us as we honor the year’s most outstanding films, performances, and creative achievements. From breathtaking visuals to powerful storytelling, this ceremony shines a spotlight on the talent and dedication that bring stories to life on the big screen.
Andhela Ravamidhi | Feature Film (Telugu with English subtitles) (Theatre#1)
Director: Indrani Davaluri A poignant tale of resilience and empowerment, Pavani explores the transformative power of art and culture in redefining roles within a patriarchal society, making it a celebration of courage, tradition, and the enduring spirit of femininity.
Nayab | Feature Film (Urdu with English subtitles) (Theatre#1)
Director: Umair Nasir Ali With the support of her older, married brother, a young woman rebels against her parents' expectations and trains to become a cricket player for Pakistan's national team.
International Short Film Segment #4(Theatre#1)
The Caregiving Connection (English, 11 min): A poignant look at South Asian families navigating cultural obligations and traditions in elder caregiving. What’s in a Name? (English, 8 min): A homemaker’s journey of adaptation in the U.S. unfolds as she grapples with daily struggles and an uneasy neighbor. Itch (Hindi w/ [...]
Binodini | Feature Film (Bengali with English subtitles) (Theatre#1)
Director: Ram Kamal Mukherjee Biopic of Binodini Dasi known as Nati Binodini, who had a successful career as a theater artist in Bengal between the ages 12to23 known for her innovations, creating a stage make-up style that blended European and Indian techniques.