A quick-hit/public service post concerning two of the major annual events on the American desi cultural circuit. First, the South Asian International Film Festival (SAIFF) opened last night in New York City, and runs until Sunday. The films and events are taking place at venues around Manhattan; you can buy tickets online or just show up at the door. Here are some film synopses to whet your appetite:
“My Cultural Divide” – A three month visit to Bangladesh becomes a discovery of family and home that runs parallel with the filmmakers attempt to tackle the complex issue of global trade. Accompanied by his ailing mother, he takes us on a very personal journey to bridge the gap between his heritage in Bangladesh and his life in Canada. He connects his politics with his humanity, and weaves together a story that is both thought provoking and touching.
“Driving in India” – There are no traffic regulations and much like survival of the fittest, the biggest vehicle on the road wins unless you’re an elephant. Shot all over Northern India, “Driving In India” is about a sudden and fast-paced economical environment that has contributed to this challenging way of transportation, but it also shows the relentless optimism and humor of the people and the unwavering need to survive.
“A Cry in the Dark” – This film captures an extraordinary succession of abuses of authority and culminates in a horrifying, desperate act. She was an ordinary village girl but the popular movement that rose up in the wake of Thangiam Manorama’s death shook the foundations of a government. Reportedly raped and killed in police custody her death shook the foundation of local government and barely made the world news.
“Quarterlife Crisis” – Dumped on his 27th birthday by his college sweetheart Angel for being indecisive, Neil makes a silly bet that takes him on a wild ride through New York’s singles scene, accompanied by four testosterone-packed imbecile buddies and one crazy scheming New York taxi driver. On these madcap adventures Neil journeys from life choice paralysis to real life manhood. [w/ Lisa Ray and Russell Peters]
…and lots more feature films, documentaries, and shorts. Many of the films are by emerging or first-time filmmakers. Ali at Eteraz has an interview with one of the latter, Shripriya Mahesh.
On a less happy note, we hear from Sarita Vasa of ArtWallah, the decade-old Los Angeles desi arts festival, that the organization and festival are in jeopardy. They are launching an appeal for emergency funding. Sarita writes:
It has been just one year since I left my position as Executive Director of ArtWallah. In that time, two talented young women took my place in staff leadership and produced one of the most artistically sound festivals ArtWallah has ever seen. They were also able to launch “Uncharted”, a new program that captures the stories of first generation immigrants through theatre performance.
Our hope upon me leaving was to grow the organization to a vibrant size of 500K a year, with at least four full-time staff and regular year round programs. Unfortunately, not only have we not been able to get close to that goal, but we are in danger of closing our doors this month. (…)
What we are seeking immediately is $10,000, by October 31. We seek this support from you so that we are able to get through this rough time, and come up with a strategy to create a smaller and financially viable organization. This is a small amount of funding that we need to keep us alive in this time of transition.
For more information you can email Sarita here.
“A Cry in the Dark” – This film captures an extraordinary succession of abuses of authority and culminates in a horrifying, desperate act. She was an ordinary village girl but the popular movement that rose up in the wake of Thangiam ManoramaÂ’s death shook the foundations of a government. Reportedly raped and killed in police custody her death shook the foundation of local government and barely made the world news.
btw, this was assam rifles, a paramilitary force. Police would be something like the crpf. Get your facts right.
It also seems unclear that Ms. Thangiam was an innocent “ordinary village girl”. (this does have a bearing, see end of comment) Most activist literature is completely silent on the point. There are indications here and there that she was actually an active member of some terror group. (Indications like some activists in interviews saying some thing to the effect: “even members of militant groups have human rights”). Other activists, including the film makers are acually completely silent on this very point. It seems reasonable that if there was the slightest doubt about her antecedents, the film makers would have added that to their arsenal ^W^W^W^W^W mentioned it.
About culpability and different standards of human rights: It’s basically a fact of life within India. Even the news-paper columnists recognize this as a vital compromise, given the weakness/sloth of the judicial process and the likelihood of Kandahar style blackmail operations in the future. Unless the justice system is strengthened so that criminals and terrorists can be tried and convicted in a reasonable amount of time and not have their punishments commuted by politicians later; people suspected of terrorist activities will get a harsh treatment in the hands of the army.
Also, the army is generally reputed to behave in a by-and-large just fashion; but the para-military forces do not enjoy that degree of trust in mainstream Indian eyes.
I realize this is probably a pretty unwelcome message on this leftist board, but hey deal with it.
Dude, take it up with the filmmaker, not with us. This post is to advise folks that a festival is taking place, not to endorse or oppose opinions expressed in the films being shown. Hey deal with it, yourself.
Why is this a leftist board? Because the post on Sri Lankans and porn doesn’t decry moral terpitude? Or celebrate them as entrepreneurs? Or condemn them as illegal immigrants? Why can’t we just write about a story without passing a litmus test?
BTW, do you feel that human rights are largely a left wing issue, one that the right does not care about? That’s what it sounds like to me.
Dude, take it up with the filmmaker, not with us. This post is to advise folks that a festival is taking place, not to endorse or oppose opinions expressed in the films being shown. Hey deal with it, yourself.
You’re right. Sorry.
You’re right. Sorry.
Left. He’s left.
Siddhartha, you and I should organize some leftist viewings. Anything that takes on the Man, or features an AILF, or (ideally) is a combination of those two things, like an AILF taking on the Man. Not that I have the time, but I want to make time. I really enjoyed last year’s SAIFF.
I was visiting Abhi during Summer of 2003 in Los Angeles, and went to one of the Artwallah event. I was impressed by the quality of show and the dedication and enthusiasm of folks helping put this event. I vaguely recall, very briefly meeting Sarita Vasa. It would be a shame if they have to close their shop for lack of funding. I urge if you know anyone who would donate to their cause please call and have ’em send some “dough” so that they can survive these bad times. I refuse to believe that with so many “BROWNZ” doing marvellous – financially, and so many Barrons/Patels with all their motels across the nation (especially) in California, this institution cannot survive. Imagine only 1000 folks sending them as little as $10.00 would help meet their target. I sound like a true “GUJU” don’t I? Seriously folks help ARTWALLAH. May be Taz could call Kalpen Modi or Sheetal Sheth or any such celebrity and have them chip in. Just a thought.
Love it.
Marine Drive or Memorial drive?
You decide.
http://www.boston.com/news/local/gallery/100506_circus?pg=2
Bring Paula back. That’ll fix e’rething
Is there a way to purchase, order, download these documentaries? Why is it so hard to find content of value like documentaries and so easy get smut, hollywood and bollywood?