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The DC South Asian Film Festival (DCSAFF) will mark its 15th anniversary this September under the theme “Bridging Cultures Through Cinema,” highlighting its commitment to showcasing diverse South Asian stories and filmmakers with connections to India, Pakistan, Afghanistan, Bangladesh, Nepal, Bhutan, Tibet and Sri Lanka.
The three-day, in-person festival from September 11-13, at the Regal Rockville Center, Maryland, will bring feature films, shorts, documentaries, filmmaker conversations, master classes and post-screening discussions to Montgomery County, Maryland.
According to a DCSAFF statement, 52 Blue will anchor the opening-night program, setting the tone for a festival focused on human connection and resilience. Lali will headline closing night after attracting international attention, including its world premiere at the 76th Berlin International Film Festival earlier this year.
The broader lineup includes Madam Mumtaz & Co., Boong, Shadow Box, The Great Shamsuddin Family, Timeless, Notice Me Now, On the Mountain and Dad’s Dream, among other independent productions.
Pakistani filmmaker, writer, producer and actor Sarmad Khoosat will return to DCSAFF with Lali. Khoosat has a long association with the festival, which previously honored him for his contributions to Pakistani television and cinema. His film Kamli earned him the DCSAFF Best Director award in 2023.
The anniversary celebration began ahead of the screenings. On September 6, DCSAFF hosted a lunch mixer and panel discussions at The Writer’s Center in Bethesda. The event was presented by Kimberly Skyrme/Creative! Butterfly Films and DCSAFF.
The program brought together filmmakers, performers and production professionals for discussions about DCSAFF’s 15-year journey, the Mid-Atlantic talent pipeline and film production in the region. The conversations were followed by a networking session.
Featured speakers included DCSAFF alumni, Maryland Film Office representatives and other industry professionals.
“The 15th edition continues DCSAFF’s evolution as a connector within the regional creative economy, creating opportunities for filmmakers, actors, producers, writers and crew while giving audiences access to stories that entertain, challenge and connect,” the statement added. “The festival’s virtual program is scheduled for September 14–30, extending the opportunity to discover South Asian independent cinema beyond the theater weekend.”
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