By Soumoshree Mukherjee
The DC South Asian Film Festival (DCSAFF) is back for its 14th edition, blending in-person screenings with a global virtual showcase to celebrate the vibrancy and diversity of South Asian storytelling. Running Sept. 5–7, at Regal Rockville Center in Maryland, the festival will continue online from Sept. 8–30, making its slate of bold independent films accessible to audiences worldwide.
This year’s festival boasts an impressive lineup of 54 films from 12 countries in 14 languages, including 10 premieres, 12 documentaries, and 15 directed by women, according to the media release. Staying true to its mission of championing authentic voices, DCSAFF continues to provide a platform for filmmakers across the South Asian diaspora to share stories that are both rooted in tradition and boldly contemporary.
“DCSAFF is more than a festival—it’s a movement to center authentic, independent South Asian voices,” said Festival Director Manoj Singh. “We’re thrilled to welcome our audiences for in person and online screenings, and to present a lineup that’s as powerful as it is diverse.”
The festival will open with “Main Actor Nahin Hoon” and conclude with “Pyre,” both highly anticipated films that promise to spark dialogue among cinephiles. As a tribute to the late legendary filmmaker Shyam Benegal, DCSAFF will also host a special screening of his iconic classic “Manthan,” newly restored from 35 mm to 4K.
Beyond screenings, audiences can engage with cinema in new ways through two exclusive masterclasses led by acclaimed industry professionals. The festival will also host a glittering red carpet on Sept. 5 at 6:30 p.m. EST, welcoming a host of prominent guests. Among the attendees are celebrated actors Shishir Sharma and Chitrangada Satarupa, along with noted directors Vinod Kapri, Aditya Kripalani, Hariharan Krishnan, Jayajose Raj, and Reshmi Mitra. Several other directors and actors from the short film and documentary circuit will also join, making the festival a hub for rich artistic exchange.
With its unique hybrid model, DCSAFF 2025 ensures that audiences whether in Rockville or across the globe can access world class South Asian cinema. By amplifying diverse narratives and creating space for dialogue, the festival continues to strengthen its reputation as one of the most important cultural events for South Asian cinema in North America.
Passes and tickets for both in-person and virtual screenings are now available at http://dcsaff2025.eventive.org