Page 36 - The Indian EYE 091126

NORTH AMERICAN Newsline SEPTEMBER 11, 2026 | The Indian Eye 36

15 Years. One Festival.

A World of South Asian Stories.

DCSAFF celebrates its 15th anniversary with three days of cinema, culture, conversations and

community on September 11–13, 2026 at Regal Rockville Center, Rockville, Maryland

NEERAJ DHAR

Rockville, MD
he Washington, D.C. region’s South Asian
film community is preparing for a milestone
Tcelebration as the DC South Asian Film
Festival (DCSAFF) marks its 15th anniversary this
September. The three-day in-person festival will
bring features, shorts, documentaries, filmmaker
conversations, master classes and post-screening
discussions to Montgomery County.
This year’s message, “Bridging Cultures
Through Cinema,” reflects DCSAFF’s commit-
ment to presenting the breadth of South Asian
stories and filmmakers, with voices connected to
India, Pakistan, Afghanistan, Bangladesh, Nepal,
Bhutan, Tibet and Sri Lanka.
A Festival Built Around Stories That
Stay With You
2 Blue anchors the Opening Night program,
setting the tone for a festival centered on hu-
5man connection and resilience. Lali headlines
Closing Night and has already attracted interna-
tional attention, including a world premiere at the
76th Berlin International Film Festival earlier in
2026.
The wider lineup includes Madam Mumtaz &
Co., Boong, Shadow Box, The Great Shamsuddin
Family, Timeless, Notice Me Now, On the Moun-
tain and Dad’s Dream, among other independent
works.
Sarmad Khoosat, Pakistani filmmaker, writer,
producer and actor, returns to DCSAFF with Lali.
Khoosat has a long history with the festival; he was
previously honored for his contribution to Paki-
stani television and cinema, and Kamli earned him
the DCSAFF Best Director award in 2023.
More Than Screenings: Building a Film
Community

he anniversary celebration begins before
the cinema lights come up. On September
T6, DCSAFF will host a Lunch Mixer & Pan-
el Discussions at The Writers Center in Bethesda, fessionals. cinema beyond the theater weekend.
presented by Kimberly Skyrme / Creative! Butter- The 15th edition continues DCSAFF’s evo- Plan Your Festival Weekend
fly Films and DCSAFF. The program brings film- lution as a connector within the regional creative • September 11–13, 2026
makers, performers and production professionals economy—creating opportunities for filmmakers, • Regal Rockville Center
together for conversations on DCSAFF’s 15-year actors, producers, writers and crew while giving • 199 E. Montgomery Ave., Rockville, MD 20850
journey, the Mid-Atlantic talent pipeline and pro- audiences access to stories that entertain, chal-
duction in the region, followed by networking. Fea- lenge and connect. The festival’s virtual program DC South Asian Film Festival
tured voices include DCSAFF alumni, Maryland is scheduled for September 14–30, extending the Bridging Cultures Through Cinema
Film Office representatives and other industry pro- opportunity to discover South Asian independent • Culture • Cinema • Community

www.TheIndianEYE.com