DFW SAFF & NYC SAFF 2021: A Triumphant Return To South Asian Cinema-LIVE & IN PERSON!
Unanticipated hurdles. Time away. Adaptation. The opportunity to overcome. A triumphant return. In a world that saw an unprecedented global shutdown in the wake of a monster known as COVID-19, there were moments where it seemed life as we know it would never return to what it once was. While this concept overall carries merit and a sobering level of truth, there is also no question that in spite of what appeared to be overwhelming, insurmountable odds to overcome, dogged perseverance has now won the day. With film festivals, among many of the entertainment industry’s other venues and events, being initially sidelined by the pandemic, the means slowly but surely arose to turn towards the virtual world to maintain momentum and allow audiences worldwide to gain access to the wonders of these cinematic experiences in a whole new way–online. Yet, there remained the undeniable fact that the loss of being live and in person at said events was deeply missed and hence the longing to be once more connected face to face grew.
Now, it is happening. With their virtual offerings tiding us over (VERY effectively so, I might freely add! See HERE) through 2020’s harsh realities, a fresh light shines forth for a glorious restoring of the South Asian-based film festivals known as DFW SAFF and NYC SAFF, their upcoming 2021 manifestations springing back into the real world, vibrantly alive and fully in person. Sponsored by Toyota USA and hosted as always by the prolifically talented, evidently unending creative powerhouse that is Jingo Media and Festival Founder/Director Jitin Hingorani, along with the equally skillful and first-rate Artistic Director Ambica Dev, this year’s sister festivals once more find us supreme opportunity to be immersed in the magic of South Asian indie cinema via a kaleidoscopic journey covering multiple thematic foundations, celebrations of our differences and similarities, and all encompassing the myriad of facets that make up the diverse actuality that is humanity.
In traditional SAFF fashion, the magnificent line-up of films brings about an exceptionally impressive FOUR World Premiers, EIGHT North American Premiers, and 11 Texas/NYC Premiers We first offer the exposure to this year’s excellent line-up of films October 15th-17th at DFW SAFF, located in Dallas, TX with screenings being featured at the Dallas Holocaust & Human Rights Museum starting with a gala opening night/red carpet Friday evening and following into a weekend packed with entertainment and after parties! But, this isn’t the end folks. If Dallas cannot be your destination, worry not! Why not make it The Big Apple instead! This beautifully relentless train of rich cinematic wonder makes it’s way to NYC SAFF October 22nd-24th, with screenings being held at the Helen Mills Event Space & Theater. With the same format kicking things off Friday night through another red carpet/cocktail reception leading us into another weekend to take in the films NYC style!
Of course, as if the movies themselves weren’t enough, let’s never forget the post-screening Q&A sessions that will allow us the chance to hear directly from the wealth of incredible talents that make up so many of the efforts we will see! A multitude of directors, producers, and actors will be in attendance to regale us with their own perspectives on the films being displayed while also answering questions from the audience and perhaps even being available for a few pics. Did I happen to mention the afterparties?? With hotspots like 3Eleven and the Courtyard Marriott Downtown Rooftop in Dallas or the Tailor House in NYC, these spaces consistently promise a VIP level experience to accompany a day and/or evening of screenings, complete with food, drinks, fellowship, and plenty of all-out fun into the wee hours should you choose. Once more, it’s all a part of the grandeur and uniqueness presented in arriving back IRL to the festivals as only Hingorani & Co. can provide.
Additionally, the closing nights at both events will also deliver the official awards ceremonies to add further degrees of honor and well-deserved recognition to the sheer artistry the films represent, ideally to likewise further the efforts in their quest for greater acknowledgement and expose more and more the absolute quality that is found in South Asian cinema to what I constantly hope is a broadening range of mainstream filmgoers who truly need to see what they’ve been missing! AND…as if this wasn’t enough to digest and find excitement in…stay tuned for additional announcements about the SAFF Virtual Festival that will see the release and showings of films not seen at either physical festival! This means MORE South Asian indie film to relish?? BRING..IT..ON!! So, suffice it to enthusiastically proclaim, this is ultimately an utterly impassioned request that you make it a point of at all possible to attend DFW SAFF or NYC SAFF 2021 in order to be transfixed by the quality and distinctive atmospheres being conveyed.
As an American (or as seen through these filmmakers’ eyes, Western) film critic, I know I have been immensely grateful to have been introduced to and then strived to remain involved with the South Asian film community and the elevated heights of aptitude and brilliance it offers. I am beyond ecstatic to be back in person for NYC SAFF in particular this year, look forward to reconnecting with old friends and making plenty of new ones, and I therefore ONCE MORE encourage everyone to discover the means to make these festivals an ongoing or freshly acquired occurrence on your calendars. I can promise you from multiple direct experiences….IT IS WORTH IT!! And, to wrap it up, here’s a little teaser of the films to come:
Want to follow the action? Here’s a listing of some key social media accounts to check out and Follow:
DFW SAFF: Twitter Facebook Instagram
NYC SAFF: Twitter Facebook Instagram
JINGO Media: Facebook Instagram
Event Host/Founder Jitin Hingorani: Facebook Instagram
SEE YOU AT THE MOVIES!! As always, this is all for your consideration and comment. Until my coverage officially begins at NYC SSAFF 2021, thank you for reading!
