IFFLA Returns With An Expanded Industry Days Programme
Following the roaring success of its debut, the Indian Film Festival of Los Angeles (IFFLA) returns with an expanded Industry Days programme and the official launch of IFFLA Connect, spotlighting South Asian cinema and fresh voices from India, Nepal, Bangladesh, and North America.
Hold onto your dhotis and bring out the popcorn, because the Indian Film Festival of Los Angeles (IFFLA) is back — and this time, it’s not just rolling out the red carpet, it’s practically laying down a sari the length of Sunset Boulevard. Following the roaring success of last year’s inaugural Industry Day (where, let’s face it, some rather smashing conversations and cinematic love affairs began), IFFLA is doubling down with a souped-up two-day edition of Industry Days from May 8-9 at the ever-glamorous Landmark Theatres Sunset.
But wait, there’s more. This year sees the grand unveiling of IFFLA Connect, a shiny new initiative launched in partnership with Cinévesture — or as one might call it, the film equivalent of matchmaking, but with less awkward first dates and more artistic alchemy.
Now, if you’re imagining just another networking do with lukewarm samosas and starry-eyed hopefuls clutching USB drives — think again. Under the chic new banner CinéV-IFFLA, the programme promises a meticulously curated clutch of South Asian projects from India, Nepal, and Bangladesh. Think spicy stories, rich narratives, and more emotional depth than your nan’s tiffin box.
On the other side of the pond, IFFLA will also present a tip-top selection of North American South Asian-led projects, handpicked like mangoes in May — juicy, ripe, and ready to be devoured by Hollywood’s bigwigs.
Christina Marouda, IFFLA’s Executive Director and clearly the fairy godmother of global cinema cross-pollination, remarked, “Following the tremendous success of last year’s inaugural Industry Day, the expanded Industry Days offers a vital, curated space for visionary creatives from South Asia and its diasporas to connect, engage with prominent industry leaders, forge and nurture meaningful relationships…” and possibly, find someone who’ll bankroll their next magnum opus.
Festival producer Noopur Sinha added with evident glee, “We’re delighted to introduce IFFLA Connect… it’s all about getting these 10 powerful, South Asian-led projects the access and backing they need from Hollywood industry partners to bring vital and diverse stories to the mainstream.” Translation? Less typecasting, more typewriters.
And the talent? Oh, darling, it’s a veritable thali of cinematic delights. There’s producer Vikramaditya Motwane, the ever-brilliant Radhika Apte making her directorial debut with Koyta, the ever-intriguing Nuhash Humayun’s Moving Bangladesh, Ravi Kapoor’s Patel, and Deepak Rauniyar’s poetic Taste of My Dreams. If that doesn’t tickle your filmic fancy, perhaps check your pulse.
The feature film jury is a power trio to reckon with — actor Rajshri Deshpande, author Priyanka Mattoo, and critic Carla Renata. Meanwhile, the short film jury features director Maureen Bharoocha, actor-writer Kausar Mohammed, and Sundance’s very own Sudeep Sharma — all poised with pens sharper than a tailor’s needle and just as precise.
And just in case you’re already checking your calendar, mark this: IFFLA 2025 will run from May 6-10. So, whether you’re in the biz or just a film buff with a fondness for masala and metaphors, you know where to be next May.
Until then, keep calm and cue the credits.
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