iNDICA NEWS BUREAU-
Film festivals are a great way to get a deep insight into a particular culture and subculture. Film festivals aren’t just a platform for independent film makers from around the nook and corner of the world to showcase their work, but also give them a sense of recognition and acknowledgment from a global perspective.
From art-house classics to documentaries, from innovative and experimental visions to cutting-edge Bollywood, 3rd i Films is committed to promoting diverse images of South Asians through independent film.
During these difficult times, in order to bring together the South Asian community and support their work, 3rd i’s eighteenth annual San Francisco International South Asian Film Festival: Bollywood and Beyond (SFISAFF) will be offered for FREE this year as a completely virtual experience.
This year’s festival starting Oct 23 through 25 would pay homage to one of the greats of Indian cinema, Irrfan Khan, who was lost too soon in a battle with cancer in early 2020. Khan made a phenomenal crossover from Bollywood films to International acclaim, starring in some of the most memorable films of the last few decades including THE LUNCHBOX, THE NAMESAKE, SLUMDOG MILLIONAIRE, SPIDER MAN, LIFE OF PI, THE WARRIOR, PAAN SINGH TOMAR and MAQBOOL.
This year’s festival will be featuring many interesting stories like ROAD TO LADAKH by director Ashvin Kumar, Avie Luthra’s LUCKY, and KNOCK, KNOCK, KNOCK which has received many reputable acclaims like winning the Gold Remi at WorldFest-Houston International Film Festival, a prize previously awarded to Stephen Spielberg, Ang Lee and the Coen Brothers.
3rd i’s spotlight on performing artists focuses on two who have been honing their craft with our audiences for years, and are now at the peak of their form. Queer actress, director, and creator Fawzia Mirza was born in Canada, but now calls the US her home, and uses comedy to tackle divisive stereotypes. She has been hailed a White House “Champion of Change” in Asian American Art & Storytelling, a “Top 10 Creative” (Indiewire), and “10 Filmmakers to Watch” (Independent Magazine).
Finally, our second performing artist SETI X will present WORD TO YOUR MOTHERLAND: a short film followed by a performance by co-founder of Slumgods, India’s First All Hip-Hop Collective, and an 3rd i artist alum.
All in all this year’s even looks like power-packed emotional journey from different cultures, all ready to be enjoyed at the convenience of your home.
If you haven’t registered for the festival yet, visit 3rd I’s website to get more information: www.thirdi.org
