The excitement is building as the New York Indian Film Festival (NYIFF) presented by Indo-American Arts Council gears up for its highly anticipated 2024 edition, promising original cinematic brilliance and a celebration of diversity and Indian cultural empowerment. From May 30 to June 2, film enthusiasts and culture aficionados alike will converge in New York City for four days of captivating screenings with red carpet stars in attendance, insightful panels, vibrant connections and fun after parties.
A curated lineup led by acclaimed film journalist, Aseem Chhabra, NYIFF Festival Director, champions the stories of modern yet timeless, global Indian cinema. With a focus on strong women representation and groundbreaking narratives, the festival will serve as a platform for filmmakers to expand awareness, shatter stereotypes and ignite conversations that resonate across borders.
The festival will kick off on Friday, May 31, with the opening film “Dear Jassi,” a poignant exploration set in 1996 Punjab, India, directed by Hollywood director Tarsem Singh. The film follows the story of Jassi, a Canadian-born Indian girl who defies societal norms by falling in love with Mithu, a rickshaw driver. Can their love withstand the pressures of family and society? “Dear Jassi” had its premiere at the 2023 Toronto International Film Festival, where it took home the coveted Platform Prize for “artistic merit and strong directorial vision”.
A highly sought-after director, Tarsem Singh’s first major breakthrough work was the music video for REM’s “Losing My Religion,” which won eight MTV awards and a Grammy. His commercial work is now part of a permanent collection on display at the Museum of Modern Art in New York. He has co-written, produced, and directed the critically acclaimed film “The Fall” and has worked on and directed multiple features, including “Immortals,” “Mirror Mirror,” and “Self/less.”
Screening of “Dear Jassi” will take place at the historic Village East by Angelika, located in the heart of New York City’s vibrant Lower East Side. Director Tarsem Singh will be in attendance.
As the festival draws to a close on Sunday, June 2, audiences will be treated to the closing film, “Mrs,” a powerful story directed by Arati Kadav. Prepare to be captivated by Sanya Malhotra’s stellar performance as Richa, a successful dancer, who is set up with the boy of her dreams, a hardworking shy doctor who loves simple home-cooked food. But after her marriage, she realizes she is just a minor cog in the hectic household routine of her new home. As she tries to navigate her way in the kitchen and the house, she also strives to find her identity. The film also features Kanwaljeet Singh in an impactful role.
Arati Kadav, whose debut feature “Cargo” (2019) played at 27 film festivals around the world, including SXSW, Bifan, Bafici, and Shanghai Film Festival, where Arati was nominated for the Asian New Talent Award. Her short film “Astronaut And His Parrot” won the Audience Choice and Best Director Award at the Fantasia festival in 2022. “Mrs” is produced by Baweja Studios and Jio Studios. Producer Harman Baweja will be in attendance.
The closing film will also screen at the Village East by Angelika, followed by the NYIFF 2024 awards ceremony to honor the filmmakers and artists who have graced the festival with their creativity and vision.
“Celebrating the resilience and creativity of modern global Indian cinema, the New York Indian Film Festival returns with a powerful agenda,” NYIFF Festival Director Aseem Chhabra said. “I first saw the opening film ‘Dear Jassi’ at the Red Sea International Film Festival in Jeddah and I knew then I had to share this important work by Tarsem Singh with our New York audience. Our closing night film ‘Mrs.’ boasts of a moving performance by the luminous Sanya Malhotra,” he added.
“This year, we embark on a journey to smash patriarchy, break gender stereotypes, and pave the way for a new, inclusive world. We invite you to join us in shaping the narrative of change and progress,” says Suman Gollamudi, Executive Director, Indo-American Arts Council.
In addition to the stellar lineup of films, NYIFF 2024 will feature engaging panel discussions, Q&A sessions with filmmakers, and networking opportunities for industry professionals and enthusiasts alike. With a diverse array of voices and perspectives represented on screen and behind the scenes, the festival promises to be a transformative experience for all who attend.
Tickets for the New York Indian Film Festival 2024 Opening and Closing Films are now on sale and tickets for the full lineup will be available soon, offering audiences the opportunity to immerse themselves in the magic of Indian cinema and culture. For more information and updates, visit www.nyiff.us.
