A vibrant celebration of parallel cinema at Atlanta Indian Film Festival (AIFF)
From October 18-20, the Georgia Indo-American Chamber of Commerce (GIACC) hosted the 6th Annual Atlanta Indian Film Festival (AIFF). This threeday event was a vibrant celebration of Indian and Georgian cinema, bringing together filmmakers, actors, industry professionals, and a diverse audience. The festival featured an impressive selection of films, from shorts to fulllength features, and fostered important conversations about the future of Indian cinema in the U.S., particularly Atlanta’s emerging role as a growing hub for film production.
[Left] Consul General Ramesh Babu Lakshmanan and his wife Renuga Devi inaugurating the 6th Atlanta Film Festival.
Conversations with festival leaders and filmmakers
During a media Q&A session, I had the opportunity to speak with GIACC board members Jayant Joshi, Grace Puri-Multani, Anita Ninan, and the festival’s dedicated director, Pamila Dembla. Alongside the filmmakers and jurors, they were instrumental in the festival’s success. The jury, which spent countless hours reviewing 64 films based on a detailed 10-point rubric, assessed various aspects, including narrative structure, cinematography, and cultural impact. Their challenge in selecting winners reflected the exceptional quality of submissions, showcasing the growing talent among filmmakers creating content for both Indian and diaspora audiences.
Short films: the “calling card” of emerging directors
One of the festival’s key panel discussions centered around the increasing popularity of short films. Filmmakers like Anshul Agrawal, Santosh Rai, Samyukta Vijayan, and Rishi Raj emphasized that short films are often the preferred format for independent filmmakers. Short films allow them to respect the audience’s time and work within limited resources. These projects are of ten self-funded, making festivals like AIFF vital for connecting filmmakers with potential sponsors and investors who can help scale their ideas into feature-length films. As one filmmaker put it, short films serve as a “calling card” for emerging directors.
Gala reception and cultural exchange
A gala reception at Sankranti Restaurant on Friday allowed attendees to mingle with filmmakers, jurors, and film enthusiasts. The event featured a ceremonial lamp-lighting by Consul General of India Ramesh Babu Lakshmanan, a comedy performance by Zain Sharif, and a captivating dance performance by Laasya School of Performing Arts. Attendees from across the U.S., including from New York and the West Coast, connected with locals and students from SCAD (Savannah College of Art and Design), creating a vibrant cultural exchange.
[Right] Samyuktha Vijayan (L), winner of the Best Feature Film Award, with Grace Multani, Chairwoman of GIACC, at the opening night reception
Atlanta: A growing hub for cinema
Atlanta was a central theme in many of the discussions, with filmmakers praising the city’s tax incentives and production subsidies for films with budgets over $500,000. The city’s strong infrastructure, access to skilled crews, and rising reputation as a film-friendly destination were repeatedly highlighted. Comparisons between Atlanta and other major film hubs like Los Angeles and Indian cities emphasized the city’s growing appeal for both Bollywood and Hollywood collaborations. Pamila Dembla described Atlanta as a bridge between Hollywood and Bollywood, while Rishi Raj, a Seattle-based filmmaker and Microsoft tech entrepreneur, underscored the increasing influence of the Indian diaspora on global cinema.
Bridging cultures: India and Georgia
The festival underscored the cultural dialogue between India and Georgia, which GIACC has actively promoted. In addition to film screenings, the event featured script pitches and workshops on acting, script development, and independent filmmaking. Panels led by experts like Dr. Ethan Trinh from Georgia State University, Trevor Williams from Global Atlanta, and jury members highlighted the global reach of independent cinema and the deepening Indo-American cultural collaboration through events like AIFF.
Film Bazaar: An exciting initiative of the festival
One of the festival’s most exciting initiatives was the “Film Bazaar,” where five filmmakers pitched their stories to potential investors, aiming to foster more India-U.S. co-productions. This initiative reflects the growing demand for Indian content in the U.S. and the desire to create collaborative ventures between the two countries. Filmmaking workshops, led by Prerna Chauhan and Asad Farouqui, also provided valuable insights for aspiring filmmakers.
[Left] AIFF President Jayant Joshi and Board member Vaishali Joshi at the opening night reception.
Memorable films
The festival opened with Blue Sunshine, a courageous film by techie-turned-filmmaker Samyukta Vijayan. The film tells the story of Aravind, a schoolteacher undergoing hormone treatment, and explores the struggles of acceptance faced by his family and community. Set against the backdrop of a school, the film addresses complex issues like societal norms and personal transformation. Samyukta shared her aspiration of taking Blue Sunshine to the Oscars after its success in Indian film festivals, including accolades at the International Film Festival of India (IFFI) in Goa.
Another standout film was Chor, directed by Ayush Anita Sharma, which tells the heartwarming story of an elderly man who goes to great lengths to keep his Filmmaker Rishi Raj (Center) with Grace Multani, Chairwoman of GIACC, and Dr. Pamila Dembla, Director of the AIFF (R) wife and granddaughter happy despite limited means. An unexpected encounter with a young pickpocket leads to a touching twist in the story.
Sham Hi To Hai (A Night After All), directed by Anshul Agrawal, was another highlight, portraying the financial and emotional struggles of an elderly couple caring for their cancer-stricken niece in Mumbai. The film, beautifully shot and set against a game of Monopoly, metaphorically represents the couple’s financial dilemma as they contemplate selling their home to fund their niece’s treatment.
Meera Welankar’s Butterfly was the festival’s closing feature, a compelling coming-of-age story about a homemaker rediscovering her passion for badminton. With its inspiring narrative and an unlikely mentor, Sahil, the film left a lasting impression on the audience.
Other notable films included Yes Sir by Mudit Singhal, which explored caste tensions in the workplace, and 251 by Buddhayan Mukherjee, a tragic tale set during the COVID-19 pandemic.
[Right] Filmmaker Rishi Raj (Center) with Grace Multani, Chairwoman of GIACC, and Dr. Pamila Dembla, Director of the AIFF (R)
AWARD WINNERS
Best Feature Film:
Blue Sunshine – Directed by Samyukta Vijayan
Best Short Film:
Chor – Directed by Ayush Anita Sharma
Best Director, Feature:
Strange Life of Dhrubo – Directed by Abhijit Chowdhury
Best Director, Short:
Yes Sir – Directed by Mudit Singhal
Best Cinematography, Feature:
Butterfly
Best Cinematography, Short:
A Night After All
Best Pitch: Genesis:
Presented by Anoop Surya
Closing thoughts
The 6th Annual Atlanta Indian Film Festival was more than just a celebration of cinema; it was a testament to the growing Indian-American cultural collaboration in Georgia. It highlighted the immense respect filmmakers have for both their craft and their audience’s time, while also showcasing the global narratives that resonate deeply. The festival continues to strengthen its role in bridging Hollywood, Bollywood, and Tollywood, and Atlanta is fast becoming a key player in the global film industry.
[Left] “Filmmakers Santosh Ram, Anshul Agrawal, and Bharat Tejasvi with the reporter Monita Soni and a lady friend of Agrawal”
Prerna Chauhan, one of the jurors whose film Bi The Way was featured at last year’s AIFF, expressed her appreciation for the festival’s focus on curating films and promoting talent. I also had the opportunity to speak with Asad Farooqui, who co-hosted the scriptwriting and production workshop with Chauhan. We discussed the potential of hosting annual workshops outside of the festival, as they provided invaluable practical insights on filmmaking—from writing and editing to rhythm, dialogue, and budgeting. The examples shared from films like Pulp Fiction, Moonlight, Manchester by the Sea, Joker, and Spider-Man were truly inspiring.
By continuing to cultivate these meaningful cultural and cinematic exchanges, AIFF is cementing its place as a premier platform for Indian cinema in the U.S. and beyond.
— Monita Soni
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