The Indian American and broader South Asian community in the Washington, D.C., area is set to get a major dose of independent cinema this month as the DC South Asian Film Festival (DCSAFF) celebrates its 15th anniversary.
The three-day, in-person festival, taking place Sept. 11-13 at Regal Rockville Center in Rockville, Maryland, will feature films, short films, documentaries, filmmaker conversations, master classes and post-screening discussions, giving Montgomery County audiences an opportunity to connect with stories from across the South Asian diaspora.
This year’s theme, “Bridging Cultures Through Cinema,” highlights the festival’s focus on stories and filmmakers connected to India, Pakistan, Afghanistan, Bangladesh, Nepal, Bhutan, Tibet and Sri Lanka.
Speaking exclusively to The American Bazaar, Manoj K. Singh, executive director of the DC South Asian Arts Council, said, “As the USA celebrates 250 years of independence, the DC South Asian Film Festival celebrates 15 years of its journey. What began in 2012 on a university campus, with no idea what the future held, has grown into a celebration of independent filmmakers and South Asian stories. In today’s digital and AI-driven world, when audiences can watch films anytime, anywhere, DCSAFF reminds us that cinema is more than a screen. It is about human connection, shared stories, and coming together.”
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For Indian Americans, the festival offers more than a showcase of films from the subcontinent. It also creates a space where audiences can engage with stories that reflect the region’s diverse cultures, identities and experiences while building connections within the diaspora community.
The festival will open with “52 Blue,” a film centered on human connection and resilience. Lali will headline the closing night program after gaining international recognition with its world premiere at the 76th Berlin International Film Festival earlier this year.
The lineup also includes “Madam Mumtaz & Co.,” “Boong,” “Shadow Box,” “The Great Shamsuddin Family,” “Timeless,” “Notice Me Now,” “On the Mountain and Dad’s Dream,” among other independent productions.
Pakistani filmmaker, writer, producer and actor Sarmad Khoosat will return to DCSAFF with “Lali.” Khoosat has a longstanding relationship with the festival. He was previously recognized for his contribution to Pakistani television and cinema, while his film “Kamli” won the DCSAFF Best Director award in 2023.
The anniversary edition is also focused on strengthening the film community in the Washington region. On Sept. 6, DCSAFF hosted a Lunch Mixer & Panel Discussions at The Writers Center in Bethesda, presented by Kimberly Skyrme/Creative! Butterfly Films and DCSAFF.
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The event will bring filmmakers, actors and other production professionals together to discuss the festival’s 15-year journey, the Mid-Atlantic talent pipeline and the region’s growing production opportunities. The program will also include networking with DCSAFF alumni, Maryland Film Office representatives and other industry professionals.
Over the past 15 years, DCSAFF has increasingly positioned itself as a meeting point for filmmakers and audiences across the South Asian community in the U.S. The festival provides a platform for actors, writers, directors, producers and crew members while bringing independent South Asian stories to audiences outside the traditional commercial film circuit.
The festival will also extend beyond its in-person program. Its virtual edition is scheduled to run from Sept. 14 through Sept. 30, allowing audiences to watch and discover South Asian independent cinema beyond the theater weekend.