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NORTH AMERICAN Newsline FEBRUARY 28, 2025 | The Indian Eye 18

SAIFFF 2025: A Global Celebration of Film,

Culture, and Diversity in Tampa

he South Asian International es in India, and now, we are thrilled
Film Festival Florida (SAIFFF) to share this story beyond Bengal. I
Tis poised to return to Tampa eagerly await feedback from Florida,
from February 21 to 23, 2025, at NCG as it helps filmmakers understand
Cinemas. This year’s festival promises the universal language of cinema.”
an immersive, three-day experience, Featured/Short Films at SAIFFF 2025:
presenting a meticulously curated se-
lection of films, documentaries, and • Paper Flowers – A poignant feature
short films from around the world, about love, loss, and resilience in
including India, the USA, Germany, the face of illness.
Iran, Pakistan, Turkey, Bangladesh, • Nayab – Set in Karachi, this film
Canada, and Nepal. follows a young woman’s quest to
SAIFFF’s mission is to bring to break barriers and play cricket for
the forefront captivating narratives Pakistan.
and diverse cultural perspectives, • Soch – A Hindi feature that con-
showcasing stories often overlooked fronts communal tensions and ad-
by mainstream cinema. In addition to vocates for social justice.
film screenings, the festival will fea- • Andhela Ravamidhi – A Telugu film
ture a range of dynamic activities, in- that celebrates the empowerment
cluding yoga, meditation, a Bollywood of women through art and culture.
workout session, and an energetic • Dalai Lama’s Gift – A documenta-
Bollywood dance party on Saturday ry uncovering a powerful chapter of
night, offering attendees a full cultural spiritual history that has been hid-
immersion. den for over four decades.
• Me, Raani – A short film about a
A Celebration of Film and Culture
single mother’s aspiration to pro-
A cornerstone of the festival is vide her daughter with an educa-
the ongoing support of esteemed tion.
organizations such as Urban Asian, • The Gratitude List – A comedy
Khaasbaat, Groundgame Health, about a couple in therapy who are
Sakar Trust, and Convergent Media. tasked with creating a Gratitude
SAIFFF is driven by a passionate List, uncovering deeper truths
team of volunteers who are commit- about their relationship.
ted to promoting cultural diversity • The Pencil – A unique Turkish short
and creative expression. Hiten Bhuta film that explores a ritual following
of SAKAR Trust shared, “Our sup- the 1980 coup, involving a broken
port for SAIFFF aligns with our mis- pencil as a symbol of the death pen-
sion to foster a world where diverse alty.
cultures flourish in harmony, contrib- • 2 KHET – A drama about two
uting to peace, understanding, and brothers whose quiet lives are dis-
mutual respect.” Similarly, Sri Akula participation of 10 to 12 filmmakers umentary produced by Florida-based rupted when a wealthy property
of Groundgame Health emphasized from around the world, including Santosh Govindaraju and directed by dealer offers them a lucrative deal,
the importance of supporting cultural prominent figures from Bollywood Jyoti Nisha. The film, screening on challenging their values.
and community events in Florida, re- and Hollywood, as well as celebrated Saturday evening, explores themes • GOTE GOAT GHOST (Bhed
inforcing the festival’s role in celebrat- South Asian filmmakers. As Asian of liberty, equality, and social justice Bakri Bhoot) – A thought-provok-
ing the true values of society through Americans continue to make im- through the life and enduring legacy ing film that explores social tensions
art, culture, and film. pactful strides in various industries of Dr. B. R. Ambedkar. and the complexities of communal
Festival Directors Hemant while honoring their cultural heritage, The festival will also present the identity.
Dinkar and Anjani Pandey highlight- events like SAIFFF serve as a power- international screening of Binodiini: The South Asian International
ed the significance of cultural repre- ful reminder of the ways in which di- Ekti Natir Upakhyan, directed by Na- Film Festival Florida (SAIFFF) is a
sentation, stating, “The South Asian verse traditions enrich American soci- tional Award-winning filmmaker Ram non-profit organization dedicated to
International Film Festival is more ety. The festival fosters cross-cultural Kamal Mukherjee, as the closing night amplifying South Asian voices and
than just a showcase of films; it is a exchanges that enhance understand- film. Mukherjee expressed his grati- bridging cultural divides. By showcas-
celebration of heritage, resilience, and ing and appreciation of South Asian tude for the honor, stating, “It is a tre- ing an exceptional array of films, the
artistic brilliance that transcends cul- cultures. mendous privilege for both me and my festival provides a vital platform for
tural boundaries. These films not only Highlights of SAIFFF 2025 lead actor Rukmini Maitra that Bino- storytelling that fosters global harmo-
encapsulate the essence of our roots diini: Ekti Natir Upakhyan has been ny, understanding, and appreciation.
but also enrich the broader American Among the notable films fea- selected as the closing film of such a Stay connected with SAIFFF on so-
cultural landscape.” tured at this year’s festival is Dr. B. prestigious festival. This film took cial media for the latest updates and
SAIFFF 2025 anticipates the R. Ambedkar: Now & Then, a doc- nearly half a decade to reach audienc- announcements.

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