Schedule:

September 19, 2024

6:00 PM: FULL & FINAL
A nice man gets sick of chasing his ex-boss for his pending salary. He decides to change his ways and inadvertently ends up inspiring his housemaid to do something crazy.

6:00 PM: KHADDA
Khadda is a short film that follows a wealthy football player determined to prove his worth and earn his rightful place on the team, despite facing bias from the captain and others. The film explores themes of overcoming stereotypes that suggest wealthy individuals don't need to work hard. Through relentless effort and dedication, he seeks to break this societal stereotype and demonstrate that hard work and merit are what truly matter.

6:00 PM: MAN UP
Man Up by Shivani Shah explores the masks we don to live a seemingly normal life when silently struggling with depression. A look at men's mental health and how gender norms make men beholden to ideas of masculinity that prevent them from asking for help & support.

6:00 PM: PLEATS
When Gayatri confesses to having an extramarital affair, she is ostracized by her family. No one is willing to listen to what she has to say - except for Meera, her granddaughter.

An ashamed, devastated Gayatri pours her heart out to Meera, forcing herself to recount the details of her affair that she was trying so hard to forget. She has loved her husband for over 40 years, and doesn’t understand what drew her to someone else. She questions how she could have fallen in love with another man. Witnessing her grandmother being so vulnerable, Meera sees this as an opportunity to share a piece of herself that she's been keeping from the rest of her family. Meera reveals that she is bisexual and is in a polyamorous relationship with a man and woman. Using herself as an example, Meera explains to Gayatri that it is indeed possible - and perhaps even expected - to love more than one person. Love is fluid and endless, and pouring all of it onto only one person isn’t fair, she tells Gayatri. This is a lot for Gayatri to process - Meera’s queer and polyamorous identity all in the same conversation. Justifiably, Gayatri is curious. How does this work? Do they practice safe sex? How can they trust one another? The two women question each other's choices and slowly grow to understand not only one another, but also the ability to love abundantly in a way that is safe, honest and fulfilling.

2:30 PM: FAR FROM HOME
Samira Faizi and her family escaped to India from Afghanistan in 2021, right before the Taliban takeover. She hoped for a better life for her children by eventually leaving India and settling in a new country. But she is now grappling with the possibility of being stuck forever, as slow asylum processes and the lack of a refugee law in India threaten her existence. She is also stuck in India at a time when violence against Muslims is steadily increasing in the country, led by a right-wing nationalistic government. This film touches upon Samira's struggle and sheds light on the situation of refugees in India.

The film has a diverse cast and crew. The director's family also came to India as refugees, and the cinematographer belongs to the Muslim community of India. The project features Afghans who live in the Bhogal market Afghan settlement in Delhi.

12:00 PM: A LULLABY FOR YELLOW ROSES
In the heart of a sprawling metropolis, where towering condominiums pierce the sky, an estranged working-class couple finds themselves nestled in the depths of a basement dwelling. Beena, the laundress, and Pankaj, the lift operator, carry the weight of their unfulfilled dreams and unspoken sorrows.

The film opens with a haunting scene: the couple, faces etched with anguish, digging a clandestine grave at a forsaken dumpyard. Their unborn daughter, a victim of circumstance and despair, is laid to rest on the cold earth. Returning to their windowless room, a cramped sanctuary shared with Pankaj's mother, Beena seeks solace in her weary embrace. The older woman, a survivor of a bygone era, shares her own harrowing tale of sacrificing three daughters before Pankaj's birth.
A makeshift curtain of bedsheets, a flimsy barrier hung between them, divides the shared bed into two solitary islands. Beena and Pankaj, haunted by their loss, grapple with their grief in silence. Their isolation deepens as they navigate the labyrinthine corridors of their shared existence.

12:00 PM: RSVP
After her father's sudden and unexpected death, Zeesha is grappling with an unsettling feeling she can't quite figure out. It is grief, but why does it feel it without connection? She wishes she could process this without the constant interruption by her mother, Benaifer, who, let's say, does not seem to be grieving 'appropriately' at all. At least not according to Zeesha. All this, while they were in the midst of preparing for Zeesha's wedding; the coffee table is a mélange of wedding RSVPs and condolence cards. Zeesha only wants one person to respond to her right now-her mother. After failed attempts to reason with Benaifer, Zeesha's unprocessed grief quickly turns into anger. She pushes, but Benaifer pushes right back, or deflects. Zeesha can't hold back anymore when her mom labels her reaction as 'over the top'. It is one thing for Benaifer to not process her own emotions, but to call Zeesha's exaggerated is not something Zeesha was prepared for. She lets it all out, holds nothing back. That's when Benaifer finally responds to her. But what Benaifer has to say is something Zeesha did not expect. Did that response bring them closer?

6:00 PM: KURTA PANTS
A girl is bringing her boyfriend home for dinner. But will her family accept him for all of who he is? In this fast paced comedy, two people from two different backgrounds test their relationship like it's never been tested before.

Location: AMC River East 21

September 20, 2024

8:00 PM: NAMAK
Rushan Jesani was born on July 26, 1999, in Gujrat, India. Rushan is a filmmaker known for his dynamic approach to storytelling. He honed his craft under the mentorship of legendary director Ramesh Sippy before earning his Master’s in Filmmaking from the New York Film Academy in Hollywood. This educational foundation, combined with practical experiences, shapes his philosophy: learn from the best, dive into practical experiences, and never stop improving. Influenced by his father and his background in sports, Rushan emphasizes training, teamwork, and relentless pursuit of excellence in his work.

Rushan's dedication is evident in his projects, such as "Sundown," a poignant film about a father and son crossing the border for a better life, and "Khadda," inspired by his sports background, showcasing the depth of his narrative skills. He believes in continuous practice and pushing boundaries, driven by a commitment to inspire others and foster a collaborative environment.

8:00 PM: THE MEHTA BOYS
After the loss of his mother, Amay, a young architect is forced to live for 48 hours with the one person he cannot stand, his father. It seems like a recipe for disaster. Wrong! It's much worse. Will the young architect crumble, or will this bumpy ride help him rebuild his relationship?

Amay, a junior architect, has been struggling for the last 10 years trying to make it. On hearing the news of his mother's death, he must return home immediately. What scares Amay the most is not the sight of his deceased mother but the thought of confronting the only man he can't stand - his father, Shiv.

Shiv is a man of his word and promises matter to him, especially the one made to his departed wife. So when his daughter, asks him to move with her to America, he accepts the proposal without a fuss. Amay is more than happy with this plan, but on the day, Shiv's flight is postponed and he is forced to spend 48 hours with his son in his mess of a house in Mumbai.

A disastrous dinner with Amay's girlfriend, a caved ceiling, three visits to the airport, and two accidents later, it's an even bigger, quirkier mess. It's a conflict of one of them trying to become a man while the other is losing every version of the man he once was.

'The Mehta Boys' attempts to explore this strange yet universal cross-wiring between fathers and sons.

8:00 PM: TOO BEAUTIFUL: A SPACEMAN STORY
Part animated short, part visual concept album, Too Beautiful follows the journey of a little Spaceman who crash lands on Earth and joins an eccentric collective of artists and street performers. Alongside rapper Utkarsh Ambudkar's epic and poignant original hip-hop soundtrack, we follow our Spaceman as he faces trials of love, fame, creativity and betrayal as he tries to inspire the people of Earth and outrun his intergalactic past.

5:30 PM: ZENDE: THE SUPERCOP
Zende follows 82-year-old retired assistant commissioner of police in Mumbai, Madhukar Zende, known for capturing serial killer Charles Sobhraj twice. Sobhraj is just a small part of Zende's vibrant life. Through his eyes, we explore Bombay's crime history over four decades. Zende brought real change to the city and its people with his eccentric, comical yet effective methods. From parading underworld dons to quelling communal riots, he demonstrated the power of words and unwavering humanity. His inspiring love story takes us back to a time when real love lasted a lifetime. Watch this true super-cop, who, without a holster, became a hero from Bombay to Mumbai, leaving an indelible mark on the city's heart and soul.

12:00 PM: MAARAN
In a dystopian patriarchal society where masculine dominance is the norm, a social pariah settles scores and deals with his sense of emasculation by ruthlessly getting back at unsuspecting women, changing their lives forever.

Two females, complete strangers, Birwa and Tara. One is a victim of human trafficking, one is about to meet the same fate. As their lives and worlds collide, Maaran explores the dystopian reality of a patriarchal world where gender based discrimination, subjugation and violence are the norms.

September 21, 2024

8:00 PM: WAKHRI
Wakhri is about a widowed school teacher in Pakistan who becomes a viral sensation overnight when she accidentally unleashes her unabashed opinions on social media. This newfound fame as an unlikely influencer comes with its own challenges as she has to navigate archaic mindsets and secret identities while raising her ten-year-old son in a world where women's right to have a voice and own their own space, physical or online, is a constant challenge. The film draws inspiration from the bravery of individuals like Qandeel Baloch, Pakistan's first social media celebrity who was strangled to death by her brother for bringing disrepute to the family's honour. Qandeel rose to prominence due to her videos on social networks discussing her rights as a Pakistani woman and various controversial issues which were considered bold and outrageous by the conservative Pakistani community. With Wakhri, we aim to support and encourage all those who aspire to be seen and heard.

5:30 PM: SEEN
During an interminable corporate motivational retreat, Anju is accidentally ****** into a portal that leads to a magical subterranean step well. She is terrified. Namita, her colleague, comes looking for her. As they navigate rhizomatic levels of this 15th century structure, they encounter different levels of intimacy: a different way of looking, teasing, testing, and flirting. It's all fun and games until Anju accidentally drops her phone inside the well. Panic turns to contrition when she realises it's Namita's phone that's missing. Namita's reaction opens up for Anju a new way of seeing herself.

4:00 PM: A NIGHT, AFTER ALL
A retired couple, one sleepless night, a game played, a question asked, a decision pending and a life hanging. Is it right to sacrifice everything? Is it wrong to not do the same? Can a caregiver be tired of giving?

Shaam hi toh hai is a story of a night which is dark, lonely yet warm and full of love. Love which exists between its characters that we see and the ones we do not.

Supriya and Kishore are two souls in the twilight of their lives, Supriya being a retired teacher and her husband Kishore a retired railway's officer. Having lived a quiet life in various cities over various transfers, they are now settled in their own house.

But there is someone else who is a part of their life now. Bittu, the 19 year old daughter of Supriya's elder sister is living with them. Her presence in their life creates a dilemma they both are unable to solve.

The story unfolds as the night progresses, sharing with us the vulnerabilities of the human heart, how it falls prey to attachment, and asks us to think about the meaning of sacrifice.

1:00 PM: PAPER FLOWERS
Based on an incredible true story, Shalin Shah, an ambitious USC graduate, leaves behind his loving Indian American family and devoted Taiwanese American girlfriend, Fiona, to pursue his dream of making a difference as a Peace Corps volunteer. However, his life takes a devastating turn when a check-up for a lingering cough reveals a shocking diagnosis: a rare and aggressive form of cancer. Forced to return home and undergo treatment, Shalin confronts the fundamental question: what is the true meaning of life when faced with limited time? PAPER FLOWERS is a poignant and inspirational journey of love, loss, and hope. It serves as a road-map to cherish the moments we have and to remember to stop and enjoy every sunset.

12:00 PM: BETELGEUSE
Betelguese is a brightest star in the constellation Orion, marking the eastern shoulder of the hunter. It derives energy from the other stars in order to survive. This film is a journey of a girl, Chitra, whose life is changed after an accident. Her career, her dreams are destroyed. The film depicts the choice that girl makes with the help of her family and some strangers meeting in the journey of life. She must fight to be a Betelgeuse. And once she is a Betelgeuse, the life becomes more meaningful and brighter.

Additional Credits - Director: Sunder Konar; Executive Producer: Akhil Nayar; Director Of Photography: Mayur Hardas; Music Composer: Arun Raj; Lyrics: Prashant Johari; Writers: Lokesh Singh, Mayur Hardas; Costume Designer: Niha Hardas; Art Director: Moinac Banerjee; Editor: Mayur Hardas, Akshay salve; Singer: Sukhamrit Soin

12:00 PM: GOLD MEDAL
Gold Medal tells the story of a pre-teen boy who discovers a pure gold medal while collecting coins at the river bottom. He believes this newfound treasure will bring him wealth and prosperity. However, his journey with the medal leads him through unexpected challenges,

September 22, 2024

7:30 PM: MITHYA
Mithya is a journey alongside Mithun, an eleven-year-old, coming to terms with the sudden loss of his parents. Things turn gloomier as their families squabble over his custody, even as questions over the nature of his Father's death remain unanswered. We walk in step with Mithya's tottering feet, as they search for solid ground. Can a new house be home, can friendships be forged again or is it all just a search for something long gone!

6:00 PM: RAMADAN AMERICA
Ramadan America is a feature film anthology that celebrates stories of love, family and tradition. The film features five stories and explores many genres, themes, and cultural nuances in an effort to showcase what Ramadan and Eid mean to different American Muslims.

5:30 PM: AYESHA
Ayesha, a Muslim house-help, reluctantly takes on a one-day job at a Hindu household. She wants to be upfront about her identity, but when she introduces herself, the owner of the house mishears her name to be "Asha," a common Hindu name.

Hereon, "Asha" works dedicatedly - she fixes their broken tap, cooks food, tends to a crying baby and wins them over. But all through the day, she finds herself in situations where the Hindus of the house speak unabashedly and degradingly about Muslims, without knowing that their "Asha" is also one!

3:30 PM: NEXT, PLEASE
A Woman walks into a bar. But not just any bar, and not just any woman. Arpita, a heart-hardened cynic, has entered a virtual-reality dating bar for the first time to give love one last shot.

Her blind date is just what she was looking for. He's just as cynical and jaded as Arpita, and she loves his acerbic wit. Arpita breaks the cardinal rule of virtual-reality dating: she pulls off her VR headset.

1:00 PM: ALL THE MEN I MET BUT NEVER DATED
When Ali and Oliver first spot each other across the gym, they feel an instant attraction that their first few dates confirm. Ali seems happy - but something inside him still holds him back.

One night at a party, Oliver calls Ali out on his hesitations. Ali tells the truth: like many gay Muslims from conservative families, he is in the closet, protecting his family from the fact of who he is. Oliver sympathizes, but he is out and proud and he doesn't want to be someone's secret.

1:00 PM: IT WAS LOVE TO ME
Ali, 15, a youthful innocence about him, watches Neil at tennis practice. During a break, Neil approaches him, much to his surprise, and asks if he can go get him a Gatorade. The two bond, and Neil clearly shows a particular interest in Ali, inviting him to hang out the next day on the golf driving range. Ali is ecstatic by the invite , and the following day, Neil teaches him how to hit a golf ball. It's a sensual moment, as Neil gets close to him to adjust his grip. But the moment is interrupted by Kimberly, a bundle of joy, and Neil's girlfriend. The two share a welcoming kiss as Ali watches on, trying to hide his confusion. Later that night, Neil and Ali are alone again, hanging out at Neil's place as they lounge on his bed, a glazed sexual tension in the air. Neil talks about how he admires Ali for being true to himself, and not living a lie or a show. Ali doesn't say much as Neil talks, becoming more vulnerable, and showing some weakness. He submits himself to Ali, and Ali takes initiative by giving him a *******. During it though, something brews within Neil, he's not enjoying the experience. Quiet guilt and remorse sweep over his face. After the fact, the two bask in an unsure silent moment. Later, Ali walks home alone, taking in the fresh air, feeling like a new person. He's joyous, he's felt like he's found love. But the next day, he goes to the tennis courts, and Neil is nowhere to be seen, and he's not responding to his texts. He looks for him at the driving range, but he's not there either. Kimberly is though, however. He asks her where Neil is, and Kimberly looks at him confused, saying that he flew out to Virginia last night for college. Ali's world is shattered, he's in denial. He leaves Kimberly abruptly, his mind racing, as he rushes over to Neil's apartment. Deep inside he knows there's nobody on the other side, but he knocks anyway. Of course, there's no answer. Defeated, Neil sits across the door and lets it all out, crying, betrayed, and searching for answers.

1:00 PM: SAHELA
Sahela (Companion) tells the story of Vir Oza and Nitya Behl, an Indian-Australian couple grappling with Vir's recently discovered gay identity in suburban Sydney. As they navigate traditional expectations and modern norms, the pressures of family, finances, and Nitya's dreams for their future add to their struggles.

12:00 PM: BARIR NAAM SHAHANA
The story follows the turbulent life of Dipa, a young divorced woman whose refusal to suffer silently makes her a misfit in a rural town in 90s Bangladesh.

She is raised by weak and ineffectual parents in a peculiar family dynamic dominated by her maternal uncle and aunt. Under their authority, Dipa is married off to a widower in England over a trunk-call wedding ceremony to protect her from the dangers of teenage passions. She suffers marital rape, refuses to settle and escapes.

12:00 PM: DANCING IN FIRE: KHALIKHANE FIRE-WALKING AND RITUAL HEALING IN THE KATHMANDU VALLEY OF NEPAL
Anthropologist, Alfred Pach, and film director, Ramesh Khadkas' documentary takes us into the depth of the ritual world and social life of a rural Hindu community in Nepal. Based on six weeks of continuous filming and extensive interviews, the documentary presents a comprehensive and nuanced ethnographic perspective on a profound response to human suffering.

Date: September 19-22, 2024

Location: AMC River East 21, 322 East Illinois Street, Chicago, IL 60601

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