Indian Film Festival Cincinnati (IFFCincy) will once again bring the world — seen through the eyes of some of the most creative and interesting international filmmakers — to your doorstep Oct. 15–Nov. 1. After initially postponing IFFCincy 2020 due to COVID con- cerns, the organization began an intensive search for virtual platforms that would allow the annual cinema cel- ebration to carry out its mission of keeping the commu- nity engaged through diverse film experiences. Welcome Indian Film Festival Cincinnati 2020, Virtual Edition!
IFFCincy organizers encourage viewers to create their own watch parties, grab their popcorn, sit back, and enjoy the films in the COVID-free safety of their own homes this year. Tickets and passes are available at iffcincy.com. “Inspired by the South Asian migration around the world, our 50 features and shorts, all either spoken or subtitled in English, cover a range of human experiences and social issues sure to resonate with all communities,” says Dr. Ratee Apana, IFFC founder and executive director.
The movies that were screened at the Cincinnati Art Museum, Esquire, Mariemont and Kenwood theatres for the past five years will now appear in your home! The event is the only Indian film festival in the tri-state and is a programing partner of The India Cincinnati Sister
City. The festival is widely recognized as the premiere showcase for prestigious and groundbreaking Indian and international cinema. Many of the films are made in the U.S.
“Whether you are a movie buff, looking for some weekend fun, or want to go on a cultural mind adventure, there is something for everyone,” Apana says. “Each film is rated and some are family friendly. Our team has curated an amazing film assortment, which includes several USA and world premieres, for your enjoyment. Most importantly, fewer than 40% of our films make it into commercial distribution — it is highly likely this may be your only chance to see these fresh, new films and support the independent filmmakers!”
For 15 pandemic-riddled weeks, IFFC connected film aficionados in the United States and abroad via a curated selection of award- winning films. Each weekend, the audience met with the directors, writers, producers and cast of the selected film via Zoom for a Q&A and open discussion to unveil the ‘story behind the story’ and the filmmaking process with the audience.
It was the audience’s eagerness to learn more about the films that convinced Apana that the 2020 event must go on, so they decided to go virtual instead of postponing the event until 2021.
“Five years ago, we saw an emerging gap between the exquisite output of indie film from the global Indian diaspora and the mainstream film selections grabbing the attention of movie lovers worldwide,” Apana says. Indian Film Festival Cincinnati stepped into this gap – the first-ever festival dedicated to engaging diversity through film.
It has been an interesting journey, Apana notes. “I realized there were amazing filmmakers out there and an immense vacuum in our cultural fabric that can be served through the media of film, and that our larger community could benefit from our shared stories. We have movie-lovers who appreciate independent films, we have the film community that wants to attract movie makers to our city, and we have the independent filmmakers who want to show their work. Voila! The idea for Indian Film Festival Cincinnati, showcasing premiers and the best of South Asian cinema, was born.”
IFFC is funded by the Ohio Arts Council and Mercy Health this year. The all-volunteer festival works on a lean budget and is always looking for funding sources and grant writers who want to volunteer their time.
“We partner actively with film festivals across the world and have special relationships with film festivals in Boston and New York,” Apana notes. “We have developed a model that will continue to expand the scope of IFFCincy to encourage local independent filmmakers in the Greater Cincinnati tri-state area, even beyond South Asian submissions. Local filmmakers have the opportunity to be awarded cash prizes at our festival to encourage arts and inclusivity within our community. Get your Early Bird passes today at iffcincy.com. We hope to see many more Cincinnatians engage in our festival this year.”
For more information about Indian Film Festival Cincinnati, visit iffcincy.com, and follow them on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter @iffcincy