The 24th edition of the New York Indian Film Festival (NYIFF), recognized as North America’s longest-running and most prestigious Indian film festival, will present 49 films featuring some of the most notable names in cinema.
This year’s festival, held from May 31 to June 2 in New York City, will also honor the 50-year cinematic journey of veteran Indian actor Shabana Azmi.
?✨ Announcing the nominations for the 24th New York Indian Film Festival! ✨?. This year, we celebrate an array of talent and storytelling! Check out the full list of nominees including the legend, Amitabh Bachchan, acclaimed actress Sanya Malhotra and director Tarsem Singh. pic.twitter.com/M1v9EEKEA9
— New York Indian Film Festival (@nyindianff) May 25, 2024
Organized by the Indo-American Arts Council, Inc., NYIFF is dedicated to showcasing alternative and independent films from the global Indian community. The festival will open with Dear Jassi, directed by Indian-American filmmaker Tarsem Singh, known for his work with Jennifer Lopez and Julia Roberts, as well as music videos for REM and Lady Gaga. The festival will close with Mrs, starring Sanya Malhotra and directed by Arati Kadav.
Naseeruddin Shah talks about his film ‘Khidki’. The story of an elderly man who faces eviction from his cherished apartment and finds solace in a window, screening at #NYIFF2024, along with other powerful short films.
1st June, 12:15 pm
Book ticket: https://t.co/5Wwf8LkzFy pic.twitter.com/iERJKYUgAu— New York Indian Film Festival (@nyindianff) May 28, 2024
Among the highlights this year are The Umesh Chronicles, starring Amitabh Bachchan and Vivek Gomber, directed by Pooja Kaul; the short film Khidki featuring Naseeruddin Shah; the documentary Merchant Ivory; and American filmmaker Wendy Bednarz’s debut film Yellow Bus, starring Tannishtha Chatterjee.
This year’s festival lineup reflects the depth and diversity of contemporary Indian cinema, featuring cutting-edge dramas, documentaries, and shorts. Some of these films have premiered at renowned festivals such as Cannes and the Toronto International Film Festival, according to the IAAC.
“NYIFF is a must-watch event for anyone interested in Indian cinema and its growing impact on global cinema,” said Dr. Nirmal Mattoo, chairman of the Indo-American Arts Council.
“It offers a unique opportunity to explore and appreciate the diverse cinematic voices emerging from India today,” he added.
Festival director Aseem Chhabra emphasized the festival’s commitment to diversity and cultural representation. This year’s NYIFF will feature films in 12 languages spoken across India, including Assamese, Bengali, English, Gujarati, Hindi, Kannada, Kashmiri, Malayalam, Marathi, Oriya, Punjabi, and Tamil.
IAAC board member Poonam Khubani highlighted the festival’s selection of films, stating that it “not only epitomizes the artistic brilliance we champion but also mirrors the vibrant narratives we strive to share with our community.
This year, the amalgamation of cultural richness, outstanding narratives, and stellar performances is poised to make this edition of the festival unparalleled in its appeal.”
NYIFF screens feature films, documentaries, and shorts that are made from, of, and about the Indian subcontinent in the independent, art-house, alternate, and diaspora genres. The festival also includes post-screening discussions, industry panels, and award ceremonies.
