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NORTH AMERICAN Newsline JULY 04, 2025 | The Indian Eye 30

NY Indian Film Festival Shines with Star

Power and Sold-Out Shows

The 25th edition of NYIFF concluded with record-breaking attendance, a star-studded red carpet,
and powerful films that showcased the depth and diversity of Indian storytelling.

OUR BUREAU
New York, NY

he silver jubilee edition of the
New York Indian Film Festival
Twrapped up on June 22, cap-
ping four days of cinematic celebra-
tion at the Village East by Angelika
with full houses, emotional premieres,
and appearances by icons from Indian
and global cinema.
From June 19 to 22, NYIFF 2025
celebrated its most successful year to
date. Nearly every screening reached
capacity, with audiences drawn to
bold, original films that explored
themes ranging from family and iden-
tity to resistance and resilience. Pre-
sented by the Indo-American Arts
Council, NYIFF continues to be the
longest-running U.S. festival dedicat-
ed to independent Indian cinema.
A standout moment came when
Hollywood legend Robert De Niro
made a surprise appearance at the
North American premiere of Tanvi
the Great, directed by his longtime
friend Anupam Kher and starring
Shubhangi. The film’s screening drew
a full house, energizing the festival Rockstars 2 into her career from St. Louis Super- their energy, generosity, and love.
with star power and emotion. • Best Actor: Nawazuddin Siddiqui, man to Indian Matchmaking, while NYIFF is a home for Indian storytell-
“This was a monumental year,” I’m Not An Actor Anurag Kashyap spoke on the evolu- ers—and this year, we felt that bond
said Aseem Chhabra, Festival Direc- • Best Actress: Sharmila Tagore, The tion of Indian cinema. more than ever.”
tor. “To have our theaters full, our Ancient A moving tribute was paid to the Dr. Nirmal Mattoo, IAAC
filmmakers heard, and legends like • Best Feature Documentary: A Fly late Shyam Benegal, with a 4K res- Chairman, reflected on the festival’s
Robert De Niro join us—it reaffirms on the Wall, dir. Shonali Bose & toration of his classic Manthan. An- growth: “This festival began with a
that NYIFF continues to be a cultural Nilesh Maniyar other emotional moment came with dream to elevate Indian voices on the
force for Indian cinema in the U.S.” Shonali Bose and Rima Das An Arrested Moment, a short docu- global stage. Twenty-five years later,
This year’s lineup featured a vi- were also honored with the New mentary by Dev Benegal spotlighting that vision is lighting up America.”
brant mix of debuts, masterclasses, York Women in Film & Television James Ivory and his artistic ties to As NYIFF 2025 drew to a close,
and red-carpet premieres. Opening Excellence in Directing Award. India. it left behind unforgettable moments
night featured The Fable by Raam Festival-goers engaged with film- Suman Gollamudi, Executive Di- and reaffirmed its legacy as a vital
Reddy, starring Manoj Bajpayee. makers at two signature masterclass- rector of IAAC, noted, “We’re deep- platform for India’s independent cin-
The Centerpiece screening, Kenne- es: Smriti Mundhra shared insights ly grateful to New York audiences for ematic voices.
dy by Anurag Kashyap, showcased
riveting performances by Rahul Bhat
and Sunny Leone, while the Closing
Night film, Little Thomas, offered
a heartwarming Goan story led by
Rasika Dugal and Gulshan Devaiah.
The 2025 Jury Awards recognized
outstanding contributions:
• Best Film: Angammal, dir. Vipin
Radhakrishnan
• Best Director: Rima Das, Village

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