The anticipation for the Indian Film Festival of Los Angeles (IFFLA) is palpable, with Tarsem Singh’s captivating tale of forbidden romance, “Dear Jassi,” slated as the opening title. Scheduled from June 27 to June 30, this cinematic extravaganza promises a diverse showcase, encompassing seven feature films, an innovative industry section, and a compelling collection of female-centric South Asian short films. The festival will culminate with the Los Angeles premiere of Nithilan Saminathan’s Tamil-language thriller “Maharaja,” featuring Vijay Sethupathi and Anurag Kashyap in pivotal roles.
The grandeur of IFFLA will unfold at the Writers Guild Theater in Beverly Hills for its opening and closing galas, while the majority of screenings will take place at Landmark Theatres Sunset.
Tarsem Singh, recognized for his visionary works like “The Fall” and “The Cell,” ventures into new territory with “Dear Jassi.” Inspired by real events, this poignant narrative explores the challenges faced by a Canadian-born Indian girl who falls in love with a rickshaw driver from a lower social stratum. Starring Pavia Sidhu and Yugam Sood, the film delves into the complexities of societal expectations and class disparities, earning accolades for its portrayal of “a sobering tragedy of young lovers punished for their class difference,” as described by Variety.
Among the festival’s cinematic gems are “Kill,” a stylized martial arts thriller by Nikhil Nagesh Bhat, produced by Karan Johar and Guneet Monga; “Girls Will Be Girls,” a Sundance prizewinner by Shuchi Talati, depicting a poignant coming-of-age tale; Christo Tomy’s exploration of female solidarity in “Undercurrent”; Shaun Seneviratne’s tender love story, “Ben and Suzanne, A Reunion in 4 Parts”; and the gripping drama “A House Named Shahana,” co-written by Leesa Gazi and Aanon Siddiqui.
“Kill,” which premiered at the 2023 Toronto festival and received acclaim, will hit U.S. theaters on July 4, followed by its release in India on July 5.
Additionally, IFFLA will feature two episodes of the Riz Ahmed-produced documentary series “Defiance: Fighting the Far Right,” directed by Primetime Emmy Award-winner Satiyesh Manoharajah. This illuminating series sheds light on the protest movement led by young British Asians in the late 1970s and early 1980s against anti-immigrant rhetoric and assaults.
Anu Rangachar, IFFLA’s artistic director, expresses enthusiasm for the festival’s diverse lineup, which spans various South Asian regions and themes, from solidarity and resilience to tender love and familial dynamics.
Moreover, IFFLA’s inaugural Industry Day promises to be a groundbreaking forum for South Asian film and TV executives in the U.S., featuring spotlights on emerging voices, educational opportunities, and Launch Pad, a pitch competition offering a $10,000 development grant to the winner.
The festival’s shorts competition showcases the talent of six female directors, presenting diverse narratives in ten different languages. Notable premieres include “Hema,” directed by Ritvik Dhavale and starring Rajshri Deshpande, and Shashwat Dwivedi’s comedic tale “Bobby Beauty Parlour,” produced by Anurag Kashyap.
Supported by NBCUniversal, Joy of Sharing Foundation, the Los Angeles County Arts Commission, and the City of Los Angeles Department of Cultural Affairs, among others, IFFLA stands as a beacon of cultural celebration and cinematic excellence.
