Rockville, Maryland: The 14th Annual DC South Asian Film Festival (DCSAFF), held from September 5-7, 2025, at the Regal Rockville Center, wrapped up with what organizers described as a “resounding success,” drawing packed theatres and enthusiastic participation from audiences, filmmakers, and dignitaries.

The three-day festival featured 54 screenings and opened on September 5 with a red-carpet welcome for actors and directors including Shishir Sharma, Sahil Vaid, Chitrangada Satarupa, Vinod Kapri, Jayajose Raj, and Reshmi Mitra.

DCSAFF Founder and Executive Director Manoj Singh said audiences were deeply moved by the opening night feature “Main Actor Nahin Hoon,” and the closing film “Pyre,” both of which left “lasting impressions for their emotional depth and artistic brilliance.” Films sponsored by the Embassy of India and works by local filmmakers also played to full houses, highlighting the diversity and creativity of the South Asian diaspora.

“Attendees and artists praised the festival venue for its comfort and accessibility – with the hotel, restaurants, and Metro station just steps away – making it an ideal hub for cinema and conversation,” Singh noted, adding that the pleasant weather further enhanced the welcoming atmosphere. He emphasized that DCSAFF continues to serve as “a vital cultural platform, spotlighting bold storytelling and bridging communities through the power of film.”

Festival Director Geeta Singh expressed gratitude to filmmakers and attendees. “We really thank all of you for all your support. If you all don’t come, we can’t have this,” she said.

Actor Shishir Sharma, returning after nine years, shared his delight at reconnecting with the festival and colleagues. “It seems lovely to be back here after nine years. The first time I was here is 2016,” he said.

Sharma told South Asian Herald, “I have three films being screened here,” expressing his delight that Kuch Sapney Apne, Qafas, and Blind Spot were featured at the festival. On September 7, he also joined the director of Kuch Sapney Apne for a short talk titled “From Script to Screen: Independent Cinema.”

On behalf of Governor Wes Moore and Lt. Governor Aruna Miller, Maryland Secretary of Higher Education Sanjay Rai conveyed greetings and praised organizers Manoj and Geeta Singh for their dedication.

Rai told South Asian Herald, “Congratulations to the DC South Asian Arts Council for bringing this remarkable film festival to our community. This festival is a powerful gathering of artists, films, and audiences, offering stories that reflect our global society in a medium that makes understanding and connection more accessible,” adding “I feel privileged to attend and am truly pleased that such an important cultural gathering is taking place here in Maryland.”

The festival also provided a platform for socially conscious films. Harij Weds Sajili, a dark comedy on dowry practices written and produced by Angela Page, drew strong responses. “It’s a dark comedy on the dowry issue, which is major in South Asia. 

It’s a beautiful film which conveys the message very clearly and firmly,” executive producer and actor Anshulika Kapoor told South Asian Herald. 

Producer Page told South Asian Herald, “The film is a satire on dowry murder, and we hope to raise the awareness of the dowry system.”

Actor Sahil Vaid, who recently appeared in The Hunt, told South Asian Herald “My attendance at the festival is a beautiful accident.” Originally in Maryland for another event, Vaid said he was eager to catch Aditya Kripalani’s work at the festival.

Vaid, who has recently been seen frequently on OTT platforms, described it as a “serendipity” to be cast in The Hunt. He recalled how Nagesh Kukunoor, “who all of the actors have always wanted to work with,” was searching for a Punjabi actor who could also speak Tamil. “As fate would have it, I am a Punjabi guy who’s born and brought up in Salem, Tamil Nadu, so there was no prep,” Vaid said.

“I just had to put on a little weight,” he added, to resemble the real-life SP Amit Verma, noting that Verma himself remarked, “There’s a striking resemblance between him and me.” Vaid continued, “I personally felt this was the least hectic thing that I’ve shot for… it’s one of those very easily coming characters for me… I had a lot of fun shooting for the show.”

After the film’s release, Vaid even received a message from journalist and filmmaker Anurudhya Mitra, who shared, “the family saw the show, and they kind of really appreciate what I’ve done with the character.”

Among the closing highlights was the premiere of Sarhadein, a film exploring friendship between an Indian and a Pakistani set against themes of love, rivalry, and unity. Directed by Mansoor Qureshi and Syed Arshi Ali, the film delivered the message that “borders may divide countries, but they can never divide hearts.”

Virginia Secretary of Trade and Commerce Juan Pablo Segura, who attended the premiere, told the audience, “This is a time for people to believe in friendship, love, unity, and humanity – and to stay away from those who spread hatred.”

Qureshi emphasized that the film seeks to reinforce South Asian solidarity. He said, “Sarhadein is not just about comedy, it’s about unity — reminding us that in America and beyond, South Asians share the same culture, food, music, and dreams. Love and friendship are stronger than division.”

The film also marked collaborations with Anna Sudha Community Kitchen for outreach and Esha Bhargate Productions for marketing and distribution, aiming to take South Asian stories to wider global audiences.

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