South Asian International Film Festival Florida returns, organizers promise unmissable lineup  

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Poster for documentary on Ambedkar. ALL PHOTOS: Publicity material provided by organizers

The South Asian International Film Festival Florida (SAIFFF.org), a non-profit organization, is returning from February 21 to 23, 2025, at NCG Cinemas, Tampa, with a global cinema format.

This year’s event will include documentaries, and shorts from India, United States, Pakistan, Germany, Iran, Turkey, Bangladesh, and more, a press release from organizers said.

“SAIFFF’s mission to amplify underrepresented voices continues with a dynamic selection of independent works, offering audiences a rich cultural tapestry and an immersive experience,” organizers promised.

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Festival Director Hemant Dinkar revealed that this year’s submissions exceeded expectations, with 25-30 “outstanding” films, each offering a distinct perspective on global human experiences.

“We’ve reached new heights this year, thanks to the unwavering support of our sponsors—Sri Akula, Santosh Govindaraju, and Hiten Bhuta—and our incredible volunteers,” Dinkar said. “This festival is more than just a showcase; it’s a celebration of the transformative power of film.”

Alongside exclusive screenings, festival-goers will also have the opportunity to engage in other activities such as yoga, meditation, high-energy Bollywood workouts, panel discussions, an acting workshop, and a Bollywood dance party to wrap up the weekend.

The volunteer-run festival is supported by Groundgame Health, Convergent Media, and Sakar Trust, with the goal of promoting diversity and cinematic excellence.

Festival Highlights and Key Screenings

Among the festival’s noteworthy screenings are, the documentary Dr. B. R. Ambedkar: Now & Then, produced by Tampa’s own Santosh Govindaraju. This film delves into themes of liberty, equality, and social justice, highlighting the lasting legacy of one of India’s most influential leaders.

Poster for Paper Flowers

Another standout is Paper Flower, a poignant drama based on the true story of Shalin Shah, who sets out on a life-changing mission with the Peace Corps, only to face a life-threatening diagnosis. Nayab, a gripping cross-border feature, tells the inspiring tale of a girl from Karachi determined to break barriers and play cricket for Pakistan, while her brother struggles with his troubled past.

The festival will close with Binodiini: Ekti Natir Upakhyan, a National Award-winning film by renowned filmmaker Ram Kamal Mukherjee, a remarkable story transcending regional boundaries to reach a global stage.

Poster for Binodini.

“This is a huge honor for me and my lead actor Rukmini Maitra, that our film Binodiini Ekti Natir Upakhyan, has been officially selected at the prestigious festival, and that too as closing ceremony film. It took almost half a decade to get this film to our audiences in India, but I am glad that Binodiini is traveling beyond Bengal. She was our pride, and her story remains the same even now. I am looking forward to hearing feedback from Florida, as it always helps a filmmaker in understanding the global language, only when the film travels,” Mukherjee said

SAIFFF 2025 lineup of films also includes:

  • Itch – A man awakes from a 13-year coma into a world gripped by a bizarre affliction that compels people to scratch uncontrollably.
  • The Gratitude List – A short exploring the emotional intricacies of love and contrasting worldviews within a modern marriage.
  • Bobby Beauty Parlor – A vibrant, heartfelt exploration of beauty and self-discovery.
  • Bhed Bakri Bhoot – A satirical short addressing societal reactions sparked by an innocuous comment in a public restroom.
  • IF – A poignant short about how an arranged marriage threatens a lesbian couple’s future, yet a mother’s love offers hope.
  • 2 Khet – A gripping short about two brothers at a crossroads, faced with a life-changing decision involving a wealthy property dealer.
  • A Pinch of Salt – A beautifully crafted film about love, trauma, and healing, through the eyes of a stay-at-home poet and his wife.
  • What’s in a Name? – A tale of Lakshmi, a homemaker adapting to life in the U.S. while grappling with everyday challenges alongside her neighbor.
  • Dalai Lama’s Gift – A compelling documentary revealing a long-forgotten chapter of spiritual history.

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