An authentic Indian film, “Echoes of Us,” took home trophies for all three major short film awards at the just concluded South Asian International Film Festival (SAIFFF) in Tampa, Florida.
This win stands out and changed the competitive landscape of the event, given over 50 films were selected from more than 200 international submissions.
The fiction film delicately deals with an often-overlooked global issue of emotional neglect toward women in relationships, which cautiously reflects reality and deeply resonated with the audience.
The sweep was anchored by veteran actor Deepak Tijori and actress Iulia Vantur, both of whom earned top performance honors for their roles in the Pooja Batra-produced drama.
Directed by Joe Rajan, the film’s screening at the NCG Cinema culminated in a standing ovation, signaling its status as the festival’s definitive entry.
The three-day event, which ran from Feb. 21–23, 2026, transformed Tampa into a global hub for South Asian storytelling.
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Submissions poured in from the United Kingdom, Switzerland, Nepal, and Canada, though the spotlight shone brightest during the Saturday “India Day” celebration.
Sponsored by the Consulate General of India, Atlanta, the day honored the global diaspora’s cinematic contributions. The gala featured legacy screenings of “English Vinglish” and “Zindagi Na Milegi Dobara,” hosted by Batra and Omi Vaidya.
“Receiving over 200 submissions from across the globe and welcoming filmmakers who traveled to Tampa to share their stories made this year truly special,” said SAIFFF Director Hemant Dinkar. He noted that the success of “Echoes of Us” reflects a growing appetite for authentic storytelling that transcends borders.
The South Asian International Film Festival Florida is a volunteer-driven nonprofit organization. It remains dedicated to providing a global platform for emerging filmmakers while fostering cultural exchange through the power of independent cinema.