Get ready, cinephiles! The 2022 Indian Film Festival of Los Angeles (IFFLA) is marking its return to in-person festivities just in time for its 20th edition, which runs from April 28 to May 1.
Since its conception in 2002, the non-profit organization has shared Indian cinema with Western audiences through a diverse array of films screened during each event. The festival also provides Indian filmmakers with opportunities to hone their skills, as well as a center for creatives to discuss filmmaking’s current state and future within the Indian diaspora community. This year, the IFFLA will continue this tradition with 26 films (10 features, 16 shorts) in their lineup, including a viewing of IFFLA alum Pan Nalin’s “Last Film Show,” which debuted at this year’s Tribeca Film Festival to critical acclaim.
IFFLA’s screenings also feature three notable directorial debuts on April 30. Faraz Ali’s coming-of-age film “Shoebox” and Natesh Hegde’s “Pedro” will both make their North American debuts. Anmol Sidhu’s feature film “Jaggi,” a stark look into toxic masculinity in the Indian state of Punjab, will also make its World Premiere.
In addition to the film screenings, this year’s IFFLA will feature various events celebrating the 20th anniversary of the festival and South Asian filmmaking as a whole. The 20th Anniversary Shorts special program will highlight films representing each year of the festival’s history, and the inaugural Spotlight on South Asia section will showcase the greater South Asian subcontinent and members of its diasporas. Another exciting addition to the IFFLA program is a masterclass with Anurag Kashyap, a critically acclaimed Indian auteur, on April 30. Fans and creatives can attend and learn about the ups and downs of Kashyap’s career, as well as his advice for the next generation. Finally, the festival is also set to announce a new mentorship program that will continue the growth of South Asian filmmaking.
The screenings will be at various venues like the Regal L.A. Live (1000 W. Olympic Blvd.) and Harmony Gold (7655 Sunset Blvd.). Get your tickets, along with more information about the festival, here at the IFFLA’s website!
