DC South Asian Arts Council annual film festival holds premiere of “Puratawn”

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The DC South Asian Arts Council Inc. (DCSAACI) hosted the world premiere of the Bengali film Puratawn, The Ancient, at the 13th Annual DC South Asian Film Festival (DCSAFF) on September 13, 2024, at the Fairfax Cinema Arts Theater in Virginia.

Puratawn actress and producer, Rituparna Sengupta, Director Suman Ghosh, Congressman Shri Thanedar, actress Indrani Davaluri, and Indiaspora’s Executive Director, Sanjeev Joshipura were in attendance at the premiere as well as the red-carpet reception.

Referring to the opening night sponsorship, Joshipura told News India Times, “Since Indiaspora’s role is to amplify and position and inspire the Indian diaspora as a force for good, we felt compelled to take up this cause and sponsor this event.”

Joshipura mentioned that while Washington, DC, is recognized as a political and policy hub, this shouldn’t overshadow the other valuable contributions in the city. He commended Manoj, Geeta Singh, and their team for their outstanding work over the years, expressing his excitement by saying, “We are just delighted to be doing this for the first time,” and looking forward to strengthening their partnership in the future.

Congressman Thanedar expressed his happiness in inaugurating the festival and congratulated founders Manoj and Geeta Singh for their efforts.

“Though I am scientist by training, my entertainment was going to experimental theater,” said Thanedar adding growing up in Dadar, Mumbai he frequented the Chhabildas Theatre “where best of the best plays used to be.”

He conveyed that his favorite thing is to be at film festivals, where he got to see “a lot of creativity.”

Thanedar also highlighted about a short film, titled “Dear Pra,” which was screened on September 14^th. “It’s a film about mental illness,” said Thanedar adding it is about “my story taken from my own life, and has been beautifully produced by the Director, Nitin Adsul.”

He expressed that the film focuses on the shame and stigma that is often associated with mental illness. He said, “We have to look at mental health in the same manner as we would look at physical health or any other health issues.”

About his service to the Indian American community, Thanedar emphasized, “I’m so proud to say that I was the first Congressman to form the Hindu, Jain, Buddhist, and Sikh Caucus in the United States Congress. So, I am an unapologetically pro-Hindu Congressman. I am an unapologetically pro-India Congressman in the United States Congress.”

Director Ghosh noted that Puratawn touches on mental health, aligning with similar themes discussed by Thanedar in relation to his own film.

While expressing her deep connection to Washington DC, Actress Sengupta conveyed, “Whenever I come back to DC, it’s very nostalgic for me. Because this was my first home after my wedding, and my husband is based here, and we have a house in DC. I also did a film, Piyalir Password, here with my favorite Director, Raj Basu, but unfortunately, he is no more.”

She expressed her gratitude to the organizers for selecting her film, Puratawn for screening. She reminisced, saying, “Thank you very much for honoring me last time for another film, where I received the Special Jury Female Award. Although it was virtual due to COVID, it was a great honor.”

Actress Davaluri’s film, Andhela Ravamidhi, was screened on September 15^th. The film festival showcased over 50 films from seven countries in 11 languages, including 10 films directed by women.