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