Washington, DC, prepares for DCSAFF, South Asian arts extravaganza

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September 5, 2024
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The DC South Asian Film Festival returns with a blend of live and virtual events, with headliners such as Rep. Shri Thanedar and Chitra Banerjee Divakaruni.

By Shirish Nene

The national capital region is gearing up for the newly rebranded DC South Asian Film Festival 2024 (DCSAFF), a much-anticipated event showcasing South Asian arts from September 6 through September 30.

This year, DCSAFF will host a series of in-person events from September 6 to 22, followed by virtual engagements from September 16 to 30. The festival will culminate with a special film screening on September 22, promising attendees a diverse cultural feast. The opening ceremony is scheduled for September 13 at the Fairfax Cinema Arts Theater with Indian American Rep. Shri Thanedar and his wife, Shri Thanedar, as the chief guests.

The festival’s itinerary is filled with world premieres, including three feature films: Puratawn (Ancient), Not Tonight, and Andhela Ravamidhi. Beyond film, the festival celebrates South Asian literature and music, featuring discussions and performances by notable authors like Alka Joshi, Chitra Banerjee Divakaruni, and musicians such as Ustad Shahid Parvez Khan.

Over 50 films from 7 countries will be screened in 11 languages, including 12 premieres and 7 documentaries, all accessible with English subtitles. Notable guests include actors Rituparna Sengupta, Indrani Davaluri, and director Suman Ghosh, who has a special connection with the festival. “DCSAFF has established itself immensely in the last decade. I have a personal connection with the festival since it has found a home to many of my previous films,” Ghosh said.

Manoj Singh, director of DCSAFF 2024, said the theme this year is “Moving forward, with peace, and kindness.”

“We are looking forward to hosting a very successful DC South Asian Festival 2024, an opportunity to share the best of South Asian literature, music, and films with the DMV area enthusiasts,” said Singh, who co-founded the DC South Asian Arts Council Inc (DCSAACI), which hosts the festival, along with his wife, Geeta Singh, in 2017.

The festival also provides a platform for local talent. Nitin Adsul, a DCSAFF patron and local filmmaker, shared his excitement about the festival’s selection of the film Dear Pra, a locally produced story that addresses mental health issues, which will gain an international audience at the event.

“Every year I eagerly look forward to watching classy South Asian films at DCSAFF. This year is special to me as DCSAFF selected our film Dear Pra which is made in the DC area with local cast and crew, and it will get an international platform for screening. I am grateful for all the support from Producer Shri Thanedar and local talent,” Adsul said.

With the expansion to two prime locations this year — the Writer’s Center in Bethesda, MD, and the Cinema Arts theater in Fairfax, VA — the festival organizers advise booking tickets early due to anticipated high demand. For more information on event schedules, tickets, and passes, interested attendees are encouraged to visit the festival’s official website or follow their social media handles.

Launched in 2012 by Manoj and Geeta Singh, the DC South Asian Film Festival (DCSAFF) has grown to become a premier event celebrating South Asian cinema, arts, and culture in Washington D.C. Since 2017, the festival has been under the stewardship of the DC South Asian Arts Council Inc (DCSAACI), enhancing its offerings and expanding its reach.

Over the years, DCSAFF has distinguished itself by attracting a slew of legendary filmmakers and artists to the U.S. capital, including icons like Shyam Benegal, Prakash Jha, Aparna Sen, Zeenat Aman, Shabana Azmi and Aishwarya Rai. These luminaries have shared their cinematic visions and participated in in-depth discussions, enriching the cultural tapestry of the festival and providing attendees with unparalleled access to some of the finest minds in South Asian cinema.

Under the guidance of DCSAACI, the festival has not only continued to showcase exceptional films but has also become a vibrant platform for dialogue and exchange among artists, filmmakers, and audiences from across the globe. The festival’s success is a testament to the vision of its founders and the vibrant community that has grown around it, eagerly anticipating its unique blend of screenings, discussions, and performances each year.

DC South Asian Film Festival 2019 from September 20 to 22 (September 12, 2019)

Indian American Namrata Singh Gujral wins “Best Director” award at DCSAFF (September 13, 2018)

DCSAFF 2017: Zeenat Aman gets lifetime achievement award, “Lipstick Under My Burkha” gets best film award (September 14, 2017)

Eclectic lineup of independent films at 6th DCSAFF (September 11, 2017)

Highlights of DCSAFF 2016 (September 19, 2016 )

Variety of films from South Asia to feature at DCSAFF (April 27, 2013)

“Half Widow”: A very touching and superbly acted film (October 13, 2018)

“Lashtam Pashtam”: Exploring an India-Pakistan friendship (September 18, 2018)

Aishwarya Rai Bachchan conferred with inaugural Meryl Streep Award of Excellence (September 10, 2018 )

Aishwarya Rai Bachchan receives inaugural Meryl Streep award (September 9, 2018)

7th DC South Asian Film Festival showcasing independent cinema opens (September 8, 2018)

7th annual DC South Asian Film Festival to be held September 7-9 (September 3, 2018 )