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South Asian International Film Festival Florida (SAIFFF) Returns to Tampa FEB. 21-22
Story provided by SAIFF
WHAT: South Asian International Film Festival Florida
When: Feb. 21-22
Where: NCG Cinemas, Citrus Park Mall, 7999 Citrus Park Town Center Mall, Tampa
TICKETS, INFO: www.saifff.org, call (312) 933-2251.
The South Asian International Film Festival Florida (SAIFFF) will return to Tampa Feb. 21-22 at NCG Cinemas, Citrus Park Mall. This year’s festival will feature two days of immersive screenings, showcasing an impressive selection of films, documentaries, and short films from India, the USA, Germany, Iran, Pakistan, Turkey, Bangladesh, Canada and Nepal.
SAIFFF aims to provide a unique cinematic experience, presenting stories and cultural narratives rarely seen on the big screen. Along with the film screenings, the festival will host activities, including yoga, meditation, a Bollywood workout session, and a Bollywood dance party to cap the festivities Saturday night.
The festival is supported by Khaas Baat, Groundgame Health, Sakar Trust and Convergent Media, with a dedicated team of volunteers working to promote diversity, culture, and creative expression. Festival Director Hemant Dinkar shared that this year’s festival has received a record number of submissions, with a selection of 25-30 films chosen by a panel of judges.
Prominent Bollywood celebrities, including Neelam Kothari, Aryan Vaid, Sunny Hinduja and Omi Vaid are expected to attend, along with 12-14 filmmakers from around the world.
Some key films include:
- “The Caregiving Connection” – A documentary exploring South Asian caregiving traditions.
- “Almost Home” – A short film following a Muslim-American Marine’s internal struggle.
- “Soch” – A Hindi feature film addressing communal tensions and social justice.
- “Me, Raani” – A short film about a single mother's dreams for her daughter’s education.
- “Aftershock of a Trauma” – A film following Afghan students in the U.S. amid political upheaval.
- “Legends” – A short film about a dance scholarship and self-discovery.
- “Andhela Ravamidhi” – A Telugu feature celebrating the empowerment of women through art and culture.
- “Blind Spot” (Chasma) – A short film confronting religious and societal biases in 1992 India.
- “Paper Flowers” – A feature film exploring love, loss and resilience in the face of illness.
Additionally, the festival will screen “Dr. B. R. Ambedkar: Now & Then,” a documentary produced by Tampa’s Santosh Govindaraju, which delves into the themes of liberty, equality and social justice through the life and legacy of Ambedkar.
For more information, schedule of films and to purchase tickets, visit www.SAIFFF.org or contact Hemant Dinkar at (312) 933-2251.
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