South Asian International Film Festival 2011

Wednesday, November 02, 2011



Because you know you want to see some great film South Asian style.

Now in its 8th year, the South Asian International Film Festival (SAIFF) will present the premieres of 19 exciting new films from India, Pakistan, Sri Lanka, Nepal and Bangladesh, all created by emerging talents and made outside the Indian studio system that often dominates production in the region. North AmericaŹ¼s premiere showcase for the best in new cinema from India and throughout South Asia, SAIFF will take place from November 9-15 at the New York Institute of Technology (NYIT), Auditorium on Broadway, located at 1871 Broadway at 62nd Street.

This year’s bold line-up explores cultural taboos such as sexuality and corruption, as well as examinations of society in South Asia from diverse points of view. Featured as the opening night film is India’s selection for this year’s Academy Awards®, Abu, Son of Adam (Adaminte Makan Abu), the directorial debut by Salim Ahamed. The festival will also feature a Conversation Series with Shekhar Kapur (Bandit Queen, Elizabeth and The Four Feathers) on Saturday, November 12th at 2.30pm, during which he will discuss the evolution of his esteemed career from Bollywood actor to Hollywood director.

The jury for the Dramatic and Short Film competition sections consists of Richard Lorber, President & CEO of Kino Lorber, David Kwok, Director of Programming of the Tribeca Film Festival, Paul Rachman, Co-Founder and East Coast Director of the Slamdance Film Festival, Cindi Rowel, DVD Producer of New Yorker Films, Grady Hendrix, Co-Founder & Programmer of the New York Asian Film Festival and Mark DeFrancis, Head of Acquisitions of Indiepix Films. For full program information, schedules, tickets and press downloads, visit www.saiff.org