Seattle’s Tasveer South Asian Film Festival Achieves Oscar-Qualifying Status
India-West Staff Reporter
SEATTLE, WA – In a historic moment for South Asian cinema, the Tasveer South Asian Film Festival has secured its place on the prestigious list of Oscar-qualifying festivals. The announcement was made by Rita Meher, the festival’s co-founder and executive director, who received official confirmation from the Motion Picture Academy.
The festival’s inclusion on the Academy’s Short Films Qualifying Festival List means that short films honored with the festival’s Best Short Film award now have the opportunity to compete in the Short Films category at the Oscars, provided they meet all the necessary requirements outlined in the official rules of the Academy.
Tasveer’s achievement marks the first time a South Asian film festival has earned this coveted Oscar-qualifying distinction, and it is being hailed as a significant milestone for the promotion of South Asian narratives on the global cinematic stage.
“We are ecstatic to announce this incredible milestone,” expressed Rita Meher. “We have always believed in the power of South Asian stories, and this achievement means that these stories will now be recognized on one of the world’s most respected cinematic stages. This is a monumental step forward for South Asian cinema.”
The festival acknowledges the dedication and hard work of key individuals who contributed to this milestone, including Ariel Brownstein, Richa Rudola, Fawzia Mirza, and Srihari Sathe.
Meher emphasized, “This is a testament to the collective efforts of a community that believes in the power of South Asian narratives. We thank everyone who has been part of this journey. It is your belief in us, our mission, and the stories we tell that has led us to this unprecedented moment.”
The 18th Tasveer South Asian Film Festival is scheduled to take place from October 11 to 22, 2023. The festival will offer a hybrid experience, featuring in-person screenings in Bellevue and Seattle, as well as an online program. Submissions for the festival are still open.
