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‘Life of Pi' Stage Adaptation in Spotlight as IFFLA Expands Industry Days (EXCLUSIVE)

‘Life of Pi' Stage Adaptation in Spotlight as IFFLA Expands Industry Days (EXCLUSIVE)

Yahoo22-04-2025
The Indian Film Festival of Los Angeles (IFFLA) will spotlight the acclaimed stage adaptation of 'Life of Pi' during its expanded Industry Days program. The panel 'Bringing Life of Pi to Life – From Page to Stage' will explore the journey of transforming Yann Martel's beloved novel into groundbreaking theater featuring innovative puppetry and staging.
Cast members Savidu Geevaratne, Sharayu Mahale and Sorab Wadia will participate in a conversation about representation, adaptation and the cultural significance of a South Asian-led narrative on Broadway and beyond.
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The panel is part of IFFLA's robust two-day industry forum scheduled for May 8-9, 2025, at the Landmark Theatres Sunset in Los Angeles, which has been expanded following last year's successful inaugural edition.
'Following the tremendous success of last year's inaugural Industry Day, the expanded Industry Days offers a vital, curated space for visionary creatives from South Asia and its diasporas to connect, engage with prominent industry leaders, forge and nurture meaningful relationships, and explore an eclectic slate of projects with universal appeal,' said Christina Marouda, executive director of IFFLA.
A masterclass titled 'From Dhaka to Hollywood: The Genre-Bending World of Nuhash Humayun' will highlight one of South Asia's emerging filmmaking talents. In this session, Humayun, known for his horror short 'Moshari,' will reflect on telling bold local stories that resonate globally, working across industries and geographies, and creating space for South Asian horror in global cinema.
A highlight of this year's program is the launch of IFFLA Connect, a new initiative presented in collaboration with Cinévesture. The program will showcase South Asian film projects from India, Nepal, and Bangladesh under the banner CinéV-IFFLA, alongside North American projects curated by IFFLA.
The South Asian lineup includes 'Friends and Fascism' from director Sindhu Sreenivasa Murthy (India/U.S.); 'Kafala' and 'Moving Bangladesh' from Nuhash Humayun (Bangladesh); actor Radhika Apte's directorial debut 'Koyta' (India), produced by Vikramaditya Motwane; 'Papita' from director Aakash Bhatia (India) with producer Richa Chadha; Leena Manimekalai's 'Saracura' (India); Afronza Hossain's 'Song of Jhinuk' (Bangladesh); and Deepak Rauniyar's 'The Taste of Dreams' (Nepal), with the latter two films being produced by Nina Lath.
The North American projects feature Sachin Dheeraj's 'Mouna Tharangam (A Silent Wave)' (U.S.) and Ravi Kapoor's 'Patel' (U.S.), bringing diverse South Asian diasporic voices to the program. 'This initiative is about getting these powerful, South Asian-led projects the access and backing they need from Hollywood industry partners,' said Noopur Sinha, festival producer.
The Launchpad: Pitch Competition returns with finalists Alisha Bhowmik ('Untitled Kolkata Film'), Vankshita Mishra ('The Moth & the Fly'), the team of Venk Potula, Rena Patel and Bijon Imtiaz ('Now & Then'), Kiana Rawji ('Adult Children'), and Minoti Vaishnav ('The Secret Life of Samira Sen') presenting projects to industry executives for a chance to win a $10,000 development grant. The competition will be judged by a diverse panel including TV and film producer Aanch Khaneja, Temple Hill Entertainment's Isaac Klausner, Gaumont Television's Santiago Marcos, writer Madhuri Shekar, and Inflection Point Entertainment's Chisom Ude.
Industry Days will also feature panels on AI in storytelling and international cinema's future, with participation from executives representing Netflix, Neon, Orion Pictures, Film Independent, and other major players. The feature film jury includes acclaimed actor Rajshri Deshpande, author Priyanka Mattoo, and film critic Carla Renata, while the short film jury comprises director Maureen Bharoocha, actor-writer Kausar Mohammed, and Sundance programmer Sudeep Sharma.
IFFLA runs May 6-10.
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Savannah Bananas, Lucy Dacus, Nas, Diplo's Run Club, more things to do in Philly this weekend
Savannah Bananas, Lucy Dacus, Nas, Diplo's Run Club, more things to do in Philly this weekend

CBS News

time2 hours ago

  • CBS News

Savannah Bananas, Lucy Dacus, Nas, Diplo's Run Club, more things to do in Philly this weekend

Weather aside, this weekend is going to be a hot one, Philly! The fun begins with Lucy Dacus as she kicks off Make the World Better Concert Weekend in FDR Park. Rap icon Nas is also taking the stage in Philly with the Philadelphia Orchestra Friday night. The fun continues as the iconic Savannah Bananas are coming to town for two Banana Ball games Saturday and Sunday. Plus, it's the final weekend to catch "Life of Pi" at the Academy of Music. Here's what else is going on in the Philadelphia region this weekend. Citizens Bank Park is going bananas this weekend! That's because the one, the only Savannah Bananas are bringing their signature tricks and gimmicks to South Philly for two games of pure Banana Ball against the Texas Tailgaters this weekend. A Savannah Bananas game is not your mother's baseball game. Between the team's circus-like skills, plus the special rules of Banana Ball, guests are in for a truly entertaining and eventful performance. Tickets to see the 2025 Banana Ball World Tour will cost you a bit, however. Tickets to Saturday's 7 p.m. game start at $96, while tickets for Sunday's 3:30 p.m. game start at $120. Considered one of the greatest rappers of all time, Nas, will be in Philadelphia this week for a very special performance. Nasir with The Philadelphia Orchestra will be performing Illmatic: Live at the TD Pavilion at The Mann on Friday, rain or shine. His debut album, Illamtic, was released on April 19, 1994, making the album 31 years old. Aging like fine wine, this album put the Queensbridge, New York, native on the map, eventually becoming platinum. Tickets start at $47. Doors open at 6 p.m. and showtime is expected to start at 8 p.m. The Grammy Award-winning emcee has 17 albums under his belt, with a new collaborative project with DJ Premier expected to be released this year. The star-studded Make the World Better Concert Weekend takes over FDR Park this weekend. On Friday, catch singer-songwriter Lucy Dacus with Hop Along and Jay Som starting at 5:30 p.m. It's sure to be a special night with Dacus, who previously lived in Philly and has said her song "Modigliani" was inspired by art at the Barnes Foundation, one of her favorite museums. Her latest album, "Forever is a Feeling," was released in March. Dacus also performs as part of the band Boy Genius with Phoebe Bridgers and Julien Baker. General admission tickets start at $75 online. Remi Wolf will take center stage on Sunday as part of the concert weekend at FDR Park. The "Disco Man" singer will be joined by Annie DiRusso for the show, which starts at 5:30 p.m. Prices to see Remi Wolf and Annie DiRusso on Sunday start at $79. Start your Saturday with some morning miles and music as Diplo joins the fun at FDR Park. The Temple grad is bringing Diplo's Run Club to Philly for the first time. The 5K run starts at 8:30 a.m., and you can celebrate your achievement at the post-race concert. 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Known for smash hits like "Body Like A Back Road," "Take Your Time," and "Leave the Night On," Sam Hunt is bringing his 2025 summer tour to the Hard Rock Live at Etess Arena in Atlantic City Friday night. Fellow country musician Austin Williams will kick off the show ahead of Sam Hunt. Showtime is 8 p.m. Tickets start at $105. The Philadelphia Chinese Lantern Festival is back, illuminating Franklin Square for visitors all summer long. This year's festival celebrates the Year of the Snake and features over 1,000 sculptures placed in nearly 40 brand-new lantern displays. Visitors can also enjoy authentic Chinese food, immerse themselves in cultural performances and watch the magic continue with the Franklin Square Fountain Show! The Chinese Lantern Festival is open from 6-11 p.m. every night. Guests can purchase their tickets online. 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The final weekend of this family-friendly festival will surely not disappoint. Rapper T.I. and country duo Big & Rich are both scheduled to perform. Additionally, both Friday and Saturday feature a 12-hour lineup of activities for guests to choose from throughout the day. A full lineup of the final weekend's activities is available online. The Delaware State Fair opens at 9 a.m. Friday and Saturday.

Filipino and Indian Flavors Merge at This ‘Top Chef' Star's New Wicker Park Cafe
Filipino and Indian Flavors Merge at This ‘Top Chef' Star's New Wicker Park Cafe

Eater

time4 hours ago

  • Eater

Filipino and Indian Flavors Merge at This ‘Top Chef' Star's New Wicker Park Cafe

Zubair Mohajir has helped redefine South Asian cuisine in Chicago, with the successes of Lilac Tiger and the Coach House in Wicker Park, and more recently, with the fusion of Mexican and Indian flavors at Mirra in Bucktown. Then, Mohajir leaped to the national stage earlier this year as part of the cast of Top Chef: Destination Canada. His colleagues say that Top Chef hasn't gone to Mohajir's head. He's remained grounded. He wants to elevate the people around him and push boundaries. But Coach House chef de cuisine Jacob Dela Cruz has seen one change. He's become a really good photographer, constantly snapping photos of his boss posing with star-struck customers. Jokes aside, Mohajir isn't resting. He's formed a new team, along with Dela Cruz and Salt Burger and Fries co-founder Hassan Jaffrani. Earlier this week, the trio unveiled Sarima Cafe, which shares a space with Salt's Wicker Park location at 1924 W. North Avenue. Jaffrani and Mohajir have known each other for years. When Jaffrani, who's also behind the IDOF brand (like Salt, a hit with young Muslims) decided to close the Wicker Park branch of Beard Papa's, Mohajir jumped at a chance to open a cafe. Like his other projects, this spot would infused dishes with South Asian flavors — this time blended with Dela Cruz's Filipino heritage. Sarima serves breakfast sandwiches and pastries. Eventually, they'll add small-batch ice cream in flavors like red mung bean to the menu. Mohajir is excited to brew the same masala chai he serves at his other restaurants (bartender David Mor has made creative use of the spiced tea at his bars Truce and Lilac Tiger). They also pour Dark Matter Coffee. Kim Kovacik Kim Kovacik Kim Kovacik Kim Kovacik Mohajir brought on local baker Reema Patel to fill the pastry case with delights like chai flan, an ube crinkle cookie stuffed with cream cheese, and calamansi shrikhand doughnut based on a Boston Creme. Patel, who's been working in Pilsen on the pastry team at Mariscos San Pedro, has created a unique lineup of cake doughnuts, cookies, and more. There's even a cashew cookie with a silver leaf based on the classic South Asian diamond-shaped sweet, kaju katli. The 'Food For the Gods' bar is made with dates and black tea. Patel also appeared on Season 2 of the reality cooking show Baking It. She teases upcoming treats like a gulab jamun banana pudding. 'A really cool part of creating a space and creating recipes is knowing that you can change things and still end up with something even better than what you thought,' Patel says. Sarima will also offer something that Mohajir has been reluctant to offer: dosa. Paper dosa is thin and crispy, and they'll stuff it with mushrooms and sweet potato. It's almost cliché for a South Indian chef to offer the iconic crepe-like item. They'll have other toppings available, too. Jaffrani says they need to offer a 'steak and eggs' like dosa option. Kim Kovacik Kim Kovacik Kim Kovacik Kim Kovacik The food at Sarima is halal, which means no pork. Diners who sink their teeth into the breakfast sandwich will taste tocino made of chicken. Mohajir says he 'gets a kick out of' serving halal versions of tocino and longganisa as the Muslim community doesn't typically eat pork: 'I think bacon smells amazing, but like, I've never eaten bacon, you know?' he says. So what's with the name? Dela Cruz explains it's from a legend that started on the Filipino island of Mindanao. It's derived from 'Sarimanok' a colorful bird meant to symbolize good fortune. The crew has seen Chicagoans wait in long lines for pastries at bakeries like Del Sur and Fat Peach. Mohajir hopes to see good fortune and long lines out the door on North Avenue and says they're concentrating on keeping up with supply and demand: 'We're here to sell food, we're here to sell pastries,' he says. 'If we don't make enough, then what's the point?' Sarima Cafe, 1924 W. North Avenue, open 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Wednesday through Sunday, hours will be expanded later this summer Kim Kovacik Kim Kovacik Kim Kovacik Kim Kovacik

Watch: Sombr releases '12 to 12' music video starring Addison Rae
Watch: Sombr releases '12 to 12' music video starring Addison Rae

UPI

time5 hours ago

  • UPI

Watch: Sombr releases '12 to 12' music video starring Addison Rae

July 25 (UPI) -- Sombr released the song "12 to 12" and an accompanying music video starring Addison Rae on Thursday. The "Diet Pepsi" singer dances beneath a disco ball before she joins Sombr on the dance floor in the music video. Sombr also performed his song "Undressed," which dropped March 21, on Jimmy Kimmel Live Wednesday. He appeared on the stage behind a mirror before singing to an apparent love who'd lost interest. "I'm looking at you and you're looking at me, but the glimmer in your eyes is saying you want to leave," he sang. His new music arrives ahead of the North American leg of his Late Nights & Young Romance Tour, which winds down in Los Angeles Oct. 28.

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