It’s that time of year again for the Indian Film Festival of Houston, now in its 16th year. This annual event showcases Indian cinema, culture, and community to the diverse audience in Houston, bringing together people from various backgrounds to enjoy heartwarming narratives and captivating performances.
Spearheading this festival since its inception is Sutapa Ghosh, the founder and executive director. In May 2023, she was honored with the prestigious “Lifetime Achievement Award” by President Joe Biden at the White House for her unwavering dedication to strengthening the community through volunteer service and fostering connections between different groups.
In an interview with Houston Life, Ghosh expressed her gratitude for the recognition but emphasized that the true reward for her is the love and respect she receives from organizing this event each year.
Joining Ghosh is Sooraj Gunjal, a seasoned Indian filmmaker with 12 years of experience. His film “Naam (Identity)” is a featured work at the festival, depicting the story of a single mother who assumes a new identity to secure a job as a maid for survival.
Both Ghosh and Gunjal appeared on HL to offer a sneak peek of the Indian Film Festival of Houston, as reported by KPRC TV.
The festival lineup includes the following six selections for this weekend:
Short Film:
“Naam (Identity)” – Follows the journey of a single parent who adopts a new identity to make ends meet as a maid.
“Ghost Walk” – Explores the unique and profound bond between two individuals with a touch of subtlety.
Feature Film:
“Kabuliwala” – An enduring narrative by Nobel Laureate Rabindranath Tagore that captures the essence of heartfelt relationships transcending boundaries of religion, culture, and geography.
“It’s Time To Go” – Chronicles the existential dilemma faced by an elderly couple seeking a dignified conclusion to their lives in pursuit of a happy ending.
Documentary:
“Parama: A Journey with Aparna Sen” – An insightful documentary tracing the life of the iconic Indian actress, Aparna Sen.
“Colours of Life” – A filmmaker’s return to Himalayan Mountain villages after five years of shooting a national award-winning feature film, exploring the lives, philosophies, and cinematic experiences of the local villagers.
Apart from film screenings, the festival offers engaging Q&A sessions with the filmmakers, live entertainment, music, and a variety of culinary delights.
Mark your calendars for the festival on Feb. 23-24 at the Asia Society Texas Center.
Tickets for the 16th Annual Indian Film Festival of Houston can be purchased through KPRC TV.