South Asian Film Festival In Tampa Feb.21-23
India-West Staff Reporter
TAMPA, FL – The South Asian International Film Festival Florida (SAIFFF) is set to return to Tampa from February 21 to 23, 2025, at NCG Cinemas. This year’s festival will feature a curated selection of films, documentaries, and short films from across the globe, including India, the USA, Germany, Iran, Pakistan, Turkey, Bangladesh, Canada, and Nepal.
SAIFFF’s mission is to spotlight compelling narratives and diverse cultural perspectives, showcasing stories often overlooked by mainstream cinema. Beyond film screenings, attendees will experience a full cultural immersion through various dynamic activities, including yoga, meditation, a Bollywood workout session, and an energetic Bollywood dance party.
Festival Directors Hemant Dinkar and Anjani Pandey emphasized the importance of cultural representation, stating, “The South Asian International Film Festival is more than just a showcase of films; it is a celebration of heritage, resilience, and artistic brilliance that transcends cultural boundaries. These films not only encapsulate the essence of our roots but also enrich the broader American cultural landscape.”
SAIFFF 2025 anticipates the participation of 10 to 12 filmmakers from around the world, including prominent figures from Bollywood and Hollywood, as well as acclaimed South Asian filmmakers.
Among the standout films featured at this year’s festival is Dr. B. R. Ambedkar: Now & Then, a documentary produced by Florida-based Santosh Govindaraju and directed by Jyoti Nisha.
The festival’s closing night will feature the international screening of Binodiini: Ekti Natir Upakhyan, directed by National Award-winning filmmaker Ram Kamal Mukherjee. Mukherjee expressed his appreciation for the selection, stating, “This film took nearly half a decade to reach audiences in India, and now, we are thrilled to share this story beyond Bengal. I eagerly await feedback from Florida, as it helps filmmakers understand the universal language of cinema.”
For more information and tickets, visit www.saifff.org.
