April 30th 2024.
New York: Next month, the city will be buzzing with excitement as the New York Indian Film Festival celebrates a major milestone in the career of veteran Indian actor Shabana Azmi. With an impressive cinematic journey of 50 years under her belt, Azmi will be honored at the prestigious festival, which is dedicated to showcasing features and documentaries from the Indian subcontinent.
Known as North America's longest running Indian film festival, the 24th edition of NYIFF will take place from May 31st to June 2nd. The festival will feature a diverse lineup of 49 films, including narratives, documentaries, and short films, all starring some of the biggest names in Indian cinema. Superstars like Amitabh Bachchan and Naseeruddin Shah will grace the screen with their stellar performances.
This year's festival holds a special significance as it coincides with Azmi's five decades in the Indian and international film industry. To celebrate this landmark anniversary, a special event will be held featuring the screening of Azmi's 1996 film "Fire", directed by Deepa Mehta. Expressing her excitement, Azmi shared, "I have been associated with the New York Indian Film Festival since its inception and I am heartened by the progress it has made over the years. I am happy that my 50th year is being celebrated at the NYIFF and I look forward to it."
Azmi, who is 73 years young, will be attending the festival and will delve into her remarkable journey, from her groundbreaking debut in Shyam Benegal's "Ankur" to her award-winning roles that have earned her five National Film Awards and international recognition. But beyond her cinematic achievements, Azmi's dedication to social activism, particularly for the rights of women and the underprivileged, is truly inspiring.
With over 140 Hindi films and 12 international productions in her repertoire, including projects with renowned directors like Shekhar Kapur and Steven Spielberg, Azmi's talent knows no bounds. As the festival organizers put it, "her collaborations transcend borders" and her diverse roles serve as a testament to her unparalleled skill. As she continues to shine on screens and stages alike, Azmi's legacy as a trailblazer in Indian cinema remains unparalleled.
The New York Indian Film Festival, presented by the Indo-American Arts Council, will kick off with the film "Dear Jassi", directed by Indian-American filmmaker Tarsem Singh. The festival will close with the highly anticipated film "Mrs", directed by Arati Kadav and starring Sanya Malhotra. Other highlights of the festival include films starring Amitabh Bachchan, Naseeruddin Shah, and Tannishtha Chatterjee, showcasing the depth and range of contemporary Indian cinema.
According to the IAAC, the festival will feature films in 12 different languages spoken across India, including Assamese, Bengali, English, and Tamil. Festival director Aseem Chhabra reiterated the organizers' commitment to diversity and cultural representation in film, stating that this year's lineup is a reflection of the diverse cinematic voices emerging from India today.
IAAC board member Poonam Khubani also expressed her excitement for the upcoming festival, saying, "This year, the amalgamation of cultural richness, outstanding narratives, and stellar performances is poised to make this edition of the festival unparalleled in its appeal." The NYIFF promises to be a must-watch event for anyone interested in Indian cinema and its growing impact on the global film industry. With premieres, post-screening discussions, industry panels, and award ceremonies, this year's festival is sure to be a celebration of Indian cinema like no other.
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