SAIFFF 2025 attracts top Bollywood, Hollywood and South Asian filmmakers

A global celebration of film, culture, and diversity set to unfold in Tampa from Feb. 21 to 23

By Arun Kumar

Celebrated Bollywood, Hollywood and South Asian filmmakers are expected to attend the South Asian International Film Festival Florida (SAIFFF) set to return to Tampa from Feb. 21 to 23 at NCG Cinemas.

This year’s festival promises an immersive, three-day experience, presenting a meticulously curated selection of films, documentaries, and short films from around the world, including India, the USA, Germany, Iran, Pakistan, Turkey, Bangladesh, Canada, and Nepal.

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SAIFFF’s mission is to bring to the forefront captivating narratives and diverse cultural perspectives, showcasing stories often overlooked by mainstream cinema, according to a media release.

In addition to film screenings, the festival will feature a range of dynamic activities, including yoga, meditation, a Bollywood workout session, and an energetic Bollywood dance party on Saturday night, offering attendees a full cultural immersion.

Festival Directors Hemant Dinkar and Anjani Pandey highlighted the significance 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.”

Among the notable 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 film, screening on Feb. 21, explores themes of liberty, equality, and social justice through the life and enduring legacy of Dr. B. R. Ambedkar.

The festival will also present the international screening of Binodiini: Ekti Natir Upakhyan, directed by National Award-winning filmmaker Ram Kamal Mukherjee, as the closing night film.

“It is a tremendous privilege for both me and my lead actor Rukmini Maitra that Binodiini: Ekti Natir Upakhyan has been selected as the closing film of such a prestigious festival. 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,” said Mukherjee.

Featured/Short Films at SAIFFF 2025:

• Paper Flowers – A poignant feature about love, loss, and resilience in the face of illness.

• Nayab – Set in Karachi, this film follows a young woman’s quest to break barriers and play cricket for Pakistan.

• Soch – A Hindi feature that confronts communal tensions and advocates for social justice.

• Andhela Ravamidhi – A Telugu film that celebrates the empowerment of women through art and culture.

• Dalai Lama’s Gift – A documentary uncovering a powerful chapter of spiritual history that has been hidden for over four decades.

• Me, Raani – A short film about a single mother’s aspiration to provide her daughter with an education.

• The Gratitude List – A comedy about a couple in therapy who are tasked with creating a Gratitude List, uncovering deeper truths about their relationship.

• The Pencil – A unique Turkish short film that explores a ritual following the 1980 coup, involving a broken pencil as a symbol of the death penalty.

. 2 Khet – A drama about two brothers whose quiet lives are disrupted when a wealthy property dealer offers them a lucrative deal, challenging their values.

• Gote Goat Ghost (Bhed Bakri Bhoot) – A thought-provoking film that explores social tensions and the complexities of communal identity.