New York Indian Film Festival to showcase depth of contemporary Indian cinema

The 24th edition of the New York Indian Film Festival (NYIFF), considered North America’s longest running and most prestigious Indian film festival, will showcase 49 films starring some of the biggest names in cinema.

The landmark 50-year cinematic journey of veteran Indian actor Shabana Azmi will also be celebrated at the film festival from May 31 to June 2 in New York City.

Presented by the Indo-American Arts Council, Inc, NYIFF celebrating alternative, independent cinema from the global Indian community, will open with the film Dear Jassi, directed by Indian-American filmmaker Tarsem Singh.

READ: Malayalam-language ‘Saudi Vellakka’ wins Best Film award at NYIFF (May 19, 2023)

Singh has made films with Jennifer Lopez and Julia Roberts, besides directing videos for music legends like the bands REM and Lady Gaga. Closing the festival will be the Sanya Malhotra-starrer Mrs, directed by Arati Kadav.

Highlights of this year’s festival include the Amitabh Bachchan and Vivek Gomber starrer The Umesh Chronicles by filmmaker Pooja Kaul; Naseeruddin Shah in the short film Khidki, documentary Merchant Ivory, and American filmmaker Wendy Bednarz’s debut film Yellow Bus starring Tannishtha Chatterjee.

READ: Faraz Ali’s ‘Shoebox’ wins best film award at NYIFF 2022 (May 19, 2022)

This year’s festival line-up features films that “showcase the depth and range of contemporary Indian cinema, including cutting-edge dramas, documentaries, and shorts, some that premiered at Cannes Film Festival and Toronto International Film Festival,” according to IAAC.

“NYIFF is a must-watch event for anyone interested in Indian cinema and its growing impact on global cinema. It offers a unique opportunity to explore and appreciate the diverse cinematic voices emerging from India today,” said the chairman of the Indo-American Arts Council Dr Nirmal Mattoo.

READ: Aakash Prabhakar’s ‘Freddie’s Piano’ makes it to NYIFF 2021(May 20, 2021)

Festival director Aseem Chhabra underscored the gala’s commitment to diversity and cultural representation in film. This year’s NYIFF will feature films in 12 languages spoken across India such as Assamese, Bengali, English, Gujarati, Hindi, Kannada, Kashmiri, Malayalam, Marathi, Oriya, Punjabi and Tamil, he said.

IAAC board member Poonam Khubani said the festival’s “selection of films not only epitomises the artistic brilliance we champion but also mirrors the vibrant narratives we strive to share with our community. This year, the amalgamation of cultural richness, outstanding narratives, and stellar performances is poised to make this edition of the fe. stival unparalleled in its appeal.”

READ: Aakash Prabhakar’s ‘Freddie’s Piano’ makes it to NYIFF 2021 (May 20, 2021)

The festival screens premieres of feature, documentary and short films made from, of, and about the Indian subcontinent in the independent, art-house, alternate and diaspora genres. It includes post-screening discussions, industry panels and award ceremonies.