LOS ANGELES - 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 festival promises a diverse showcase of films and an innovative industry section.
The Indian Film Festival of Los Angeles (IFFLA) is set to captivate audiences from June 27 to June 30, with the opening title "Dear Jassi" by Tarsem Singh. This year’s festival features seven feature films, an innovative industry section, and a collection of female-centric South Asian short films.
The grand opening and closing galas will unfold at the Writers Guild Theater in Beverly Hills, while most screenings will take place at Landmark Theatres Sunset. Tarsem Singh’s “Dear Jassi,” inspired by real events, explores a forbidden romance between a Canadian-born Indian girl and a rickshaw driver.
Starring Pavia Sidhu and Yugam Sood, the film has received accolades for its portrayal of societal and class challenges.
The festival's lineup includes Nikhil Nagesh Bhat’s martial arts thriller “Kill,” produced by Karan Johar and Guneet Monga; Shuchi Talati’s coming-of-age tale “Girls Will Be Girls”; Christo Tomy’s “Undercurrent”; Shaun Seneviratne’s love story “Ben and Suzanne, A Reunion in 4 Parts”; and “A House Named Shahana,” co-written by Leesa Gazi and Aanon Siddiqui.
Nithilan Saminathan’s Tamil-language thriller “Maharaja,” featuring Vijay Sethupathi and Anurag Kashyap, will close the festival with its Los Angeles premiere.
- Festival Dates: June 27 to June 30
- Opening Film: "Dear Jassi" by Tarsem Singh
- Closing Film: "Maharaja" by Nithilan Saminathan
- Venue: Writers Guild Theater for opening/closing galas; Landmark Theatres Sunset for other screenings
- Highlight Films: “Kill,” “Girls Will Be Girls,” “Undercurrent,” “Ben and Suzanne, A Reunion in 4 Parts,” “A House Named Shahana”
- Special Features: Industry Day, shorts competition, and documentary series “Defiance: Fighting the Far Right”
IFFLA 2024 promises to be a vibrant celebration of South Asian cinema, highlighting diverse stories and voices. The festival's focus on films from various regions and its innovative industry section make it a must-attend event for cinema enthusiasts. Supported by major cultural organizations, IFFLA continues to stand as a beacon of cinematic excellence and cultural celebration.