SAIFF Archives - India Independent Films

Talking “Blood Relative” with Nimisha Mukerji and Mark Ratzlaff

By IIF|2012-11-02T14:32:25+00:00November 2nd, 2012|Interviews, movies we loved, SAIFF 2012|

Before Hurricane Sandy did her worst to New York, I managed to sit down with Nimisha Mukerji and Mark Ratzlaff, the filmmakers behind the documentary “Blood Relative”, which premiered at SAIFF Oct. 25. Mukerji directed while Ratzlaff took care of the editing. The movie is about young sufferers of thalassemia major, a genetic disease, one variant of which is endemic to South and Southeast Asia where millions are affected with potentially fatal consequences.You can read our review of the film right here (spoiler alert: We loved it). httpv://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SVRMpgbO1uU&feature=plcp IIF: What is the challenge behind making a documentary so important and [...]

“…Or Die” Review

By IIF|2012-10-31T17:04:52+00:00October 30th, 2012|movies we loved, reviews, SAIFF 2012|

"Attempting to get at truth means rejecting stereotypes and cliches." - Harold Evans Stereotypes exist for all races across the board. Some of them can be true while others are blatantly false. Nearly all of them can be associated with ignorance. Yes, some cab drivers are brown. Yes, a lot of IT guys are also brown. Yes, even many terrorists have brown skin. As it turns out though, there are brown people around the world who also happen to be athletes, artists, writers, actors, teachers, pilots, directors, editors, journalists, bartenders, painters, comedians, zookeepers, train conductors, lawyers, politicians, construction workers, cops, [...]

Kabir Bedi discusses his Hollywood years and the role of South Asian actors in America

By IIF|2012-10-29T16:37:29+00:00October 29th, 2012|SAIFF 2012|

Kabir Bedi is quite the accomplished actor. He just recently received the Star Foundation Award during the South Asian International Film Festival (SAIFF). He's found a form of stardom on three different continents through projects and films like "Octopussy", "The Bold and the Beautiful" and "Sandokan." Kabir Bedi with moderator James Janowsky during the SAIFF Conversation Series Saturday. Bedi recently participated in a conversation series at SAIFF where he discussed his legacy, stardom, family and much more with moderator James Janowsky. IIF managed to participate in the conversation by asking Bedi about the struggles and challenges of making it [...]

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“Balak Palak” Review

By IIF|2012-10-29T16:38:50+00:00October 27th, 2012|movies we loved, reviews, SAIFF 2012|

So let's talk about sex. What? You don't want to? What do you mean you're embarrassed? Why? Wait where are you going?! Who the hell is supposed to explain this stuff to me? "Balak Palak" premiered at the South Asian Film Festival Friday night. These are the questions many adolescents face as they grow older and attempt the decipher one of nature's most confounding experiences. Sex. And those kids who grow up in communities (especially India) where such talk and communication is considered taboo, the ramifications can be particularly damaging. This is the premise of "Balak Palak", a film directed by [...]

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“Blood Relative” Review

By IIF|2013-05-02T14:46:39+00:00October 26th, 2012|movies we loved, reviews, SAIFF 2012|

"Blood Relative" is a truly moving, gripping documentary by Nimisha Mukerji, director of numerous films including the multiple award-winning documentary 65_RedRoses, set to air soon on the Oprah Winfrey Network. Set in Mumbai, we see a true life story of two brave, young sufferers of thalassemia major, a genetic disease, one variant of which is endemic to South and Southeast Asia where millions are affected with potentially fatal consequences. "Blood Relative" was shown at the South Asian International Film Festival Thursday night. The truest meaning of selflessness and humility defines the contributions of Vinay Shetty, the leader of [...]

Legendary actor Kabir Bedi accepts Star Foundation Award at SAIFF

By IIF|2012-10-24T02:42:25+00:00October 24th, 2012|Awards, SAIFF 2012|

The South Asian International Film Festival gave this year's Star Foundation Award to the legendary actor Kabir Bedi. It was introduced for the first time last year when it went to filmmaker Shekhar Kapur. Bedi received his award during the South Asian Rising Star Film Awards Tuesday night after he was introduced by SAIFF President and Founder, Shilen Amin. "Kabir has mastered all three entertainment outlets: film, television and theater. He has acted in over 60 Bollywood films [including] hits like 'Khoon Bhari Maang', 'Kurbaan', 'Main Hoon Na', as Emperor Shah Jahan in 'Taj Mahal: An Eternal Love Story' and a pivotal [...]

South Asian Rising Star Film Awards Recap

By IIF|2012-10-24T02:43:42+00:00October 24th, 2012|Awards, SAIFF 2012|

Before the actual festival kicks off, SAIFF 2012 got started with the 1st Annual South Asian Rising Star Film Awards. Adult film star and emerging Bollywood actress Sunny Leone and Jay Chandrasekhar, director of films like "Beerfest" and "Super Troopers", hosted the event Tuesday night. Jay Chandrasekhar and Sunny Leone hosting the awards ceremony. "With the South Asian Rising Star Film Awards we are taking another massive stride to not only just identify and develop talent, but also to recognize their achievements to the art and craft of cinema," Shilen Amin, President and Founder of SAIFF, said before the awards. [...]

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