Fresh starts. Ongoing ambitions. The realization of a dream. All can be tied to the notion of the aims we have as human beings to seek accomplishment, success, achievement, recognition, and the associated accolades that accompany them. Yet, there are means by which these can be attained that showcases the true soul, the real worth of a person and their desires to not just find self fulfillment, but provide that feeling of elation, excitement, and expectation to all whom have the benefit of being a part of a grander picture. As I further delve when possible into the ever-expanding world of South Asian cinema from its home on the other side of the world to right here in the U.S.A., one fact has remained solidly in my mind ever since I first connected with Jingo Media guru & the Dallas Fort Worth South Asian Film Festival founder/director Jitin Hingorani–THIS is a man going places. Already having accomplished so much and demonstrating a seemingly endless, unshakable, and potently determined work ethic the likes of which I had personally rarely encountered, the total level of dedication he and his team had to providing the increasingly entertaining and captivating experience that is DFW SAFF (much less any other business they put their hands to, and it’s plenty!) was unquestionable and irrefutable. Just attend the event and you’ll see what I mean.

  

So, there formed an idea, burning under the surface most likely for years, but suddenly coming to fruition and garnering tangible traction. With newly acquired major sponsor Toyota USA, it was officially announced at DFW SAFF 2019 that a brand new sister festival was about to explode onto the scene, but this time far to the north in a place known as The Big Apple–New York City. Alone having the shared sense of intense exhilaration course through my being, it then caused this critic’s mind to soar with the possibilities of what a festival would be like in NYC under the guidance of such an adept and hard-working team like Jitin & Co. Well, the magnitude of what shall come about has now been answered, as the festival line-up is set, the theater of choice nailed down, the venues for post-film frivolities and celebrations squared away, the it’s now the countdown to November 15-17 when the FIRST INAUGURAL NYC SAFF takes flight, my friends, and it promises to be yet another Hingorani-inspired, Jingo Media-fueled South Asian film and cultural exchange that will rock what’s also been called The Greatest City In The World. But, this isn’t some fly-by-night production, folks. The planning, preparation, and execution of such an extravagant three days takes, shall we say, JUST a little effort and a winning formula that simply, flat out WORKS. Let’s take a quick look at all the primary ingredients involved in making up this sure-to-be-delicious event! How about we start with:

Our Sponsor: Toyota USA.

Yeah, that image speaks for itself. CHECK!

Location, location, location. It’s what it’s all about. And where better to look towards than:

The City: New York, The Big Apple, The Greatest City In The World, The Melting Pot

   

VERY impressive whether at: Sunrise-CHECK. Daytime-CHECK. Sunset-CHECK. Nighttime-CHECK.

Ok, that’s a solid start, but let’s keep going.  How about now we take a quick gander at:

The Theater: AMC LOWES 34th ST 14

   

Nice exterior-CHECK. Beautiful Lobby-CHECK. Plush interior hallways-CHECK. Impressive recliner seating-CHECK.

Ok, Jitin’s got things simmering pretty well here so far, but this critic wants more. Next, we shall take peek at:

The Opening Night, Saturday After Party, and Closing Night Venues: The Altman Building (hosted by Toyota), The Taylor NYC (hosted by JioSaavn), & RUMI Event Space (featuring the deft musical stylings of Subhi Khanna & her band)

   

Swank-CHECK. Hip-CHECK. Ready to handle South Asian actors, directors, honored guests, special invitees, AND a certain film critic-CHECK.

We are on a roll! This is one of the best recipes I’ve seen in quite some time (well, at least since DFW SAFF 2019). BUT, I still cannot help we’re missing something here to finalize the dish. To round it off. To make it the crème de la crème. OH! Right!!:

The FILMS: As if it would be any surprise, the debut of NYC SAFF boasts an amazing line-up of twenty-four (yes, that’s 2-4!) highly diversified film fare for all tastes and cinephiles as a whole. Just like the format of DFW SAFF, there is a mix that kicks off huge via the Friday night Opening Feature (“Line of Descent“). Saturday’s full line-up encompasses the Manhattan Shorts (“Proof“, “Fractured Souls“, The Unexpected“, “Ephemera“, “Freak“, “Agency“, and “Super Sonic“), followed by shorts/feature length offerings in Medical Programming (“Sunny Side Upar” & “Lovesick“), LGTBQIA Programming (“Home Girl“, “The Last Letter“, “Darling“, & “Khejdi“), Arts Programming (“What Did You Think?“, “Apna Apna Andaz“, & “Kaamyaab“), Christian Programming (“The Least of These“), and the Centerpiece Programming (“Bombay Rose“). But wait, you think THAT’S IT?? Far from it! Sunday continues the movie blitz through delivering Pakistani Programming (“Indus Blues“), Senior Programming (“Namdev Bhau“), Rural Programming (“Kayantar” & “Mai Ghat“), and the grand finale of NYC SAFF 2019 (“Roam Rome Mein“).

                      

Full slate of films-CHECK. Offerings that cover a multitude of themes and genre styles-CHECK. Sure to entertain every person who attends any (or ALL!) of them-CHECK.

That, I feel just might cover it–oh, man, wait a moment. With everything added to this dish, we’ve had our cocktails, appetizers, main course, and dessert–THAT is it. The CHERRY on top. How about a stellar line-up of VERY special guests to enhance the viewing experience of said films above?? Let’s see.  There will be Q&A sessions over the course of all three days that feature:

The TALENTS: Rohit Karn Batra & Abhay Deol (“Line Of Descent”), Sonny Chatrath, Nora Jaenicke (“Proof”), Asim Farooki, Eliezer Vergara (“Fractured Souls”), Rishi Kumar (“The Unexpected”), Siraj Huda (“Freak”), Omar Rahim, Ami Sheth, Saks Afridi, Sadiq Samani (“Agency”), Saleem Gondal (“Super Sonic”), Priya Giri Desai (“Lovesick”), Ashish Sharma, Archana Taide Sharma (“Khejdi”), Neeraj aka Lotus Visual (“The Last Letter”), Mahak Jiwani (“Darling”), Hardik Mehta (“Kaamyaab”), and Tannishtha Chatterjee & Nawazuddin Siddiqui (“Roam Rome Mein”).

          

Talented Directors, Producers, and Actors-CHECK. Will be completely AMAZING to meet in person-CHECK. Will showcase that South Asian indie cinema is a force to be reckoned with-CHECK.

The AWARDS: A beautiful cap to the event as we take the time to honor the films, directors, and actors who made the biggest impact at NYC SAFF 2019!

Independent Film talent given well-served acknowledgement-CHECK.

 

WHEW!!! After imbibing, voraciously devouring, ravenously consuming this large of a meal, I think an exercise program will have to be put in place post Feastival-er, I mean Festival. Of course this will have to wait until all the reviews are written, but that’s another story. In all seriousness, there is no denying that the First Annual 2019 NYC SAFF (along with the SAFF brand overall, I might add), which Jitin Hingorani, artistic director Ambica Dev, and the Festival Brand Ambassadors have toiled via countless hours to bring to life, is already and will definitively be an event NOT TO MISS.  So, in any and all ways, help support this by reading up about the event at their WEBSITE, and spreading the word to anyone who will be in the vicinity of NYC this November 15-17 so as to assist in promoting South Asian cinema and culture here in our great nation, in one of its greatest cities, in the hopes that more people worldwide will get to fully realize the high quality of entertainment, social relevance, and unique approaches to filmmaking independent movies offer. Plus, people, the event is ultimately hosted by none other than, you guessed it, Jitin Hingorani, who I can personally vouch for as being one of the most genuine individuals you will ever meet, a highly gracious emcee, and wholeheartedly invested in ensuring that everyone who attends is treated with equal respect, cheer, and guaranteed to have an epic time!

It’s an atmosphere this critic has been a part of multiple times, and every time, it takes my breath away and leaves the most incredible sense of satisfaction I could ever hope for in a film festival.  This isn’t exaggeration, this isn’t just random hype–it’s the truth! It began with an IDEA. It found a way to its INCEPTION. It is now on the cusp of its EMERGENCE. The GENESIS that will follow is yet to be revealed! So, need I say it again–COME ON and join in. This is Year One for NYC SAFF! Be a part of history!

As always, this is all for you consideration and comment. Until next time–see you there!!