Tasveer Unveils its High-Powered Jury led by Oscar-nominated Shaunak Sen for the 19th Edition Oscar-qualifying Tasveer Film Festival (TFF), 2024
Tasveer, a leading South Asian organization dedicated to showcasing diverse and impactful South Asian films is excited to announce its esteemed 2024 Film Festival Jury.
Shaunak Sen Expresses Gratitude On Leading The Jury
“I have long admired Tasveer’s unwavering commitment to amplifying South Asian voices worldwide. It is a privilege to return to Tasveer as President of the 2024 Film Festival jury and contribute towards this important mission,” expressed Shaunak Sen.
Academy Award-nominated, acclaimed filmmaker and a Tasveer alumnus, Shaunak Sen (All That Breathes, 2023) will be joined by:
- Elham Ehsas (Afghanistan, UK): BAFTA-nominated and Academy Award-shortlisted writer/director (Yellow, 2024)
- Omi Vaidya (USA): Indian-American actor and filmmaker (3 Idiots)
- Kanak Mani Dixit (Nepal): Writer, journalist, civil rights and democracy activist
- Samia Zaman (Bangladesh): Film producer, director, and President, International Film Initiative
- Geeta Vasant Patel (USA): Emmy-nominated writer and director (Meet The Patels, House of the Dragon, Ahsoka)
- Beena Sarwar (Pakistan, USA): Journalist, filmmaker, human rights activist, founder and curator of Southasia Peace Action Network (Sapan) and Editor, Aman ki Asha
- Arshad Khan (Pakistan, Canada): Acclaimed award-winning Montreal-based filmmaker of Pakistani origin (Abu, 2017)
- Saket Saurabh (USA): Indian award-winning Cinematographer (The Lost Behrupiya)
- Priya Vashist (USA): Filmmaker and Assistant Professor of Film (Old Dominion University), focusing on social justice and representation of queer South Asian immigrants on screen
- Chaitanya Sareen (USA): 2024 Jury Lead, Creative, technologist, and executive producer of several acclaimed films including Yellow, Meet the Patels, and Alien: American Dream Denied
Creating Awareness And Social Change Through Films
The 2024 jury was conscientiously appointed to reinforce Tasveer’s mission of creating awareness and social change through films that explore social justice issues and complex human experiences while educating and entertaining audiences of all backgrounds.
Jury Lead, Chaitanya Sareen remarked, “We are honored to unite a brilliant constellation of storytellers, creatives, and changemakers to our jury panel. These Oscar and BAFTA nominees, acclaimed artists in front and behind the camera, passionate human rights champions, and innovative technologists, awe us with their unique perspectives.”
Officially slated to open on October 17, 2024, the Tasveer Film Festival (TFF) celebrates South Asian cinema and culture, providing a unique opportunity to discover new voices and stories. Films gracing the lineup give a glimpse into South Asian lives that are rarely portrayed in mainstream media or the larger-than-life film industry.
At the recent Festival Launch party on September 14, 2024, Board President and TFF Associate Director Shailaja Rao said, “We strive to showcase nuanced stories that pique curiosity, allow for a thought-provoking examination, and share the uniqueness and commonness in a diverse and divided world.”
More About Tasveer Film Festival
Since the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences bestowed the Oscar®-qualifying status to Tasveer in 2023, the prestigious recognition has elevated Tasveer to the ranks of international festivals like Tribeca, Sundance, and Cannes. Tasveer is the sole South Asian film festival with this distinction.
The recognition has led to an increase in submissions. Tasveer received nearly 500 submissions this year, resulting in a final lineup of 110 films, 91 of which are shorts. Films from 14 countries include the UK, Portugal, Denmark, Sri Lanka, Bangladesh, Afghanistan, Pakistan, India, and North America.
“Stories will resonate with audiences of all ages and backgrounds. There is something for everyone,” commented Rita Meher, Executive Director and co-founder of Tasveer. While themes of female empowerment and social class issues are present each year, films on resilience in adversity, LGBTQIA topics, and immigrant stories have increased. The lineup is distinguished by stories exploring masculine emotions, elderly emotions, and euthanasia, offering a fresh perspective.
The Award Ceremony will be held on October 20th at the PACCAR IMAX Theater, Seattle. Awards will be presented in Best Feature Narrative, Best Feature Documentary, Best Short Narrative, and Audience Choice Awards.
The winning Short film will become eligible to compete for next year’s Academy Awards. The previous winner, Yellow (Director, Elham Ehsas), was shortlisted for the 96th Academy Awards 2024 (Oscars).
Get To Know Tasveer More
- Contact Us: TSAFF@tasveer.org
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