• By Mabel Pais

The annual eagerly awaited 19th edition of the Tasveer Film Festival & Market (tasveerfestival.org – TFFM) makes history this year marking a pivotal moment for South Asian Cinema in North America, taking place in Seattle, Washington State. Not only does this year’s festival celebrate the vibrant storytelling of the region, but it also launches North America’s first-ever global film market dedicated to South Asian filmmakers. The Festival runs October 15-20, 2024 at the Seattle Center and the Tasveer Film Market (TFM) will feature the celebrated, award-winning filmmaker Deepa Mehta (‘Fire’, ‘Water’) as the inaugural Keynote Speaker, setting the stage for an unmissable event.

THE TASVEER FILM MARKET

The Tasveer Film Market is a groundbreaking initiative designed to reshape financial and distribution models for South Asian filmmakers worldwide. With a focus on expanding the reach and fostering collaboration, the market will host events such as the Co-Production Market, Tasveer Film Fund pitches (supported by Netflix), industry panels, and networking sessions. These activities aim to empower creatives by connecting them with producing partners, distributors, and global platforms.

The Tasveer Film Market will include keynotes by influential figures such as directors Deepa Mehta, and Pan Nalin (‘Last Film Show’, ‘Angry Indian Goddesses’), and representatives from companies such as CAA, WME, Blumhouse, NBCU Launch, Amazon MGM Studios, Red Sea Film Foundation, and more.

“As the first film market dedicated to the South Asian community, our mission is to build a groundbreaking platform where diverse voices can thrive and be heard,” said Rita Meher, Founder of the Tasveer Film Market and Co-Founder of the Tasveer Film Festival. “By carving out this space, we aim to empower underrepresented filmmakers, amplify South Asian stories, and foster global connections that will bring these narratives to the world stage.”

Deepa Mehta added, “Tasveer Film Festival’s legacy and contribution to South Asian cinema is one for the history books. Launching the first South Asian film market on a global scale could not have come at a better time. I am honored to inaugurate the Tasveer Film Market this year.”

Meticulously curated projects, including Narrative, Documentary, and TV projects, all seeking producing partners, Minimum Guarantee (MG) deals, sales, and distribution will be showcased at the market. Tasveer’s flagship Tasveer Film Fund Short Film Pitches, supported by Netflix, will have finalists present their projects for a chance to secure a $25,000 grant, with a total of $75,000 available in funding.

THE TASVEER FILM FESTIVAL: A LEGACY OF EMPOWERMENT THROUGH STORYTELLING

As the only Oscar® qualifying South Asian Film Festival globally in the short film category, Tasveer has championed social change through the power of South Asian storytelling. This year’s Tasveer Film Festival (TFF), October 15-20, 2024, is a testament to that commitment and will showcase 110 films including 36 world premieres, 28 North American premieres, 45 Seattle premieres, and 19 feature films from 15 countries (Bangladesh, Canada, France, Sri Lanka, Switzerland, Denmark, Germany, India, United Kingdom, United States, Nepal, Nigeria, Pakistan, Portugal, and Sweden).

There are 91 short films that are a part of the class of the 2024 edition with 35 world premieres, 22 North American premieres, and 33 Seattle premieres. Some of the impressive short films in the lineup are Yassa Khan’s ‘Pink’ (World Premiere), Rippen Sindher’s ‘Flight 182’ (N. American Premiere), Tathagata Ghosh’s ‘If’ (Seattle premiere), and more. 52 films of the 110 films showcased at the festival are by women, trans, and non-binary directors.

This year the festival boasts of prolific jury members who will be in attendance such as Oscar-nominated filmmaker Shaunak Sen (‘All That Breathes), actor Omi Vaidya (‘3 Idiots’) and director Geeta V. Patel (‘House of the Dragon’).

Some of the selected films that reflect the vision and filmmaking artistry of South Asian filmmakers and important issues from the subcontinent and diaspora are Payal Kapadia’s feature narrative debut, ‘All We Imagine as Light’ – the 2024 Cannes Grand Prix winner, Iram Parveen Bilal’s social media true story, ‘Wakhri’, Nik Dodani’s LGBTQIA+ semi-autobiographical drama, ‘Blue Boy’, and more.

The 19th edition of the Tasveer Film Festival will feature engaging fireside chats, post-film Q&As with filmmakers from around the world, and a remarkable lineup of industry talents.

FILM FESTIVAL HIGHLIGHTS

Opening Night Feature: ‘Wakhri’, Directed by Iram Parveen Bilal

Centerpiece: ‘The Umesh Chronicles’, Directed by Pooja Kaul

Closing Night Feature: ‘A Nice Indian Boy’, Directed by Roshan Sethi

Tasveer Emerald Spotlight: The Cannes Grand Prix 2024 winner – ‘All We Imagine As Light’, Directed by Payal Kapadia

LGBTQIA+ Film: ‘Blue Boy’, Directed by Nik Dodani

Documentary Short: ‘Yatra’, Directed by Hemal Trivedi and Matt Alesevich

Mental Health: ‘The Tides That Binds Us’, Directed by Gavin Sea

Local Focus: ‘Last 30 Days’, Directed by Vivek Roy

Girl Power: ‘Anuja’, Directed by Adam J. Graves

Music Focus: ‘Too Beautiful: A Spaceman Story’, Directed by Utkarsh Ambodkar & Alex Salsberg

For a complete line of films and events, visit tasveerfestival.org

TICKETS & VIEWING INFORMATION

19th Tasveer Film Festival & Market Badge is available at tasveerfestival.org/ticket.  Passholders will have access to the market, and film festival programming, including online streaming options on mobile devices, tablets, computers, and apps like Roku and Fire TV.

HEALTH & SAFETY PROTOCOLS

For in-person event guidelines, including COVID-19 safety protocols,visit tasveerfestival.org.

Tasveer

Tasveer is committed to fostering social change through South Asian films and storytelling. With a rich legacy spanning over two decades, Tasveer remains at the forefront of promoting diversity, inclusion, and representation in the arts. Learn more at  tasveerfestival.org.

Follow Tasveer on Social Media:

Instagram @TasveerOrg

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Facebook @TasveerOrgUS

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(Mabel Pais writes on The Arts and Entertainment, Social Issues, Spirituality, Cuisine, Health & Wellness, Business, and Education)