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Cultural Crossroads at the South Asian International Film Festival |
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South Asian International Film FestivalOct. 3rd-9th, 2007
AMC/Loews Cineplex - Lincoln Square
1998 Broadway at 68th St.
AMC/Loews-Village VII Theatre
66 Third Ave. (Corner of 11th St.)
Clearview Cinemas
Broadway & 62nd St.
Rubin Museum of Art
150 West 17th St. at 7th Ave.
212-274-8787
saiff.org
 The Luxurious Clearview Cinemas  Bhanwari the Policewoman - Promoting women in Education  The Trials and Tribulations of Swaroob in "Milk and Opium" 
The South Asian International Film Festival is a not-for-profit 501(c)(3) organization dedicated to supporting emerging and established artists from India, Pakistan, Nepal, Sri Lanka, and Bangladesh. With a focus on dynamic, visionary independent cinema, SAIFF aims to bring communities together to support these artists and unite in celebration of a common spirit. This year, SAIFF premieres all of the downtown screenings at its official headquarters--The Rubin Museum of Art. Located in Chelsea, the RMA is a cultural and educational center dedicated to the South Asian Culture.
The SAIFF will also present films in uptown venues such as the Clearview Cinemas on Broadway and 62nd Street near Lincoln Center. During the 7-day festival, a wide range of genres will be premiered, from the large flashy productions of Bollywood to demure self-funded documentaries
Some of focus features are the three "Girl-Star" films, "Anita the Beekeeper", "Bhanwari the Policewoman," and "Anuradha the Medical Student." These are eight minute films chronicling the tales of ordinary girls who have changed their lives by going to school. "Girl-Stars" is an ambitious project supported by UNICEF of India to promote education.
"Milk and Opium" is a heartrending stor of Swaroop, a young Muslim boy from a caste of musicians who leaves his desert village with his Uncle Nizam in search of work. The film portrays the confrontation Swaroop has to the unfamiliar, globalized, modern Indian society. Issues of traditionalism versus the benefits of progress arise, all set to traditional Sufi musical performances. The music contextualizes the film as it is seen through the perspective of the boy.
For the complete list of films and the festival's schedule, visit: saiff.org
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