The Big Apple came alive on Friday night October 22, 2021 at the Helen Mills Event Space & Theater, marking the 2021 NYC South Asian Film Festival‘s opening night, with the stars arriving in style and renewed energy as only the South Asian film community can muster. Being the return of in person events for Festival Director and Jingo Media founder Jitin Hingorani and Artistic Director Ambica Dev, there was no question their unbridled passion to bring the evening to bear with always expected flair and high anticipation for what the upcoming weekend of films would deliver, it was an impactful, superbly fun, and deeply moving night of reconnection and renewal of bonds with established friends as well as the excitement of creating new ones.
The evening progressed in the also expected fast-paced, joyful mix of the red carpet featuring many of the weekend’s film’s talent, from directors to producers and actors, as well as Sponsor representatives and those associated with the primary benefactor behind NYC SAFF 2021, Toyota USA. From there, beyond the photo ops and interviews, we moved to the event’s opening night offering, the documentary film “WOMB: Women of My Billion” which served as a sobering yet inspired effort that touched every heart in attendance, capped off by an equally fascinating Q&A session post-screening with producer Apoorva Bakshi and executive producer Juliet Blake who regaled us with tales of the film and its necessary significance for necessary changes that need to occur and are occurring thanks to the film’s potent message.
Followed by an afterparty complete with drinks, excellent Indian food, and dancing to the undeniably infectious grooves of South Asian music, the night was a complete winner and heralded the beginning of what will truly be the magnificent event that is NYC SAFF 2021! Enjoy the pictures that I hope will give you just a taste of what transpired and hope you are able to make it out to see this incredible line-up of films! Reviews of the projects will be forthcoming during and after the event from this critic as well!
Take care, be safe, a hearty “Cheers!” from NYC, and, as always, this is all for your consideration and comment. Until next time, thank you for reading!
