TSAFF is the largest South Asian Film Festival in the United States

Tasveer unveiled the 12th annual Tasveer South Asian Film Festival (TSAFF) artwork, a stunning reflection of the cultural beauty and diversity of Nepal, the 2017 Festival focus. This 10-day Festival offers over 45 thought-provoking and meaningful films as well as forums on South Asia and its diaspora, aimed at engaging viewers in open dialogue on issues of human rights and social, political, and economic injustice. The Festival will run throughout greater Seattle from October 6-15, 2017, and tickets will go on sale September 6, 2017.

Founded as a grassroots art organization, Tasveer provides a platform for South Asian voices through films, workshops, monologues, talks, and panel discussions. The Festival aims to initiate a dialogue that bridges ideas, individuals, and communities by creating a deeper understanding of self in relation to the society. The organization employs films as a powerful tool to highlight marginalized communities, clarify misconceptions, and broaden perspectives, thereby leading to happier and healthier communities.

Last year Tasveer celebrated Bangladesh throughout the Festival; this year, the focus is on Bangaldesh’s neighbor to the northwest, Nepal. “It has been a couple of years since the tragic earthquake in Nepal; in that time, much change has occurred there. The country has gotten back on its feet, with tourism growing and new art flourishing, so the timing feels right for Tasveer to play a role in bringing an update to our Seattle community by telling those stories through the work of the filmmakers who will be part of this Festival,” Rita Meher, co-founder and executive director of Tasveer explains.

“The Nepali community is proud and delighted to play such a significant role in this year’s TSAFF. We are inspired by the prospect of sharing our country and its unique qualities with the broader Pacific Northwest community,” His Excellency Dr. Arjun Kumar Karki, Nepali Ambassador to the United States, comments.

Over 45 films are slated to be experienced this year, and roughly 10 of those films will be devoted to Nepal, including the Opening Night Red Carpet Gala and screening. Additional programming will also feature Nepal, including the symposium at the University of Washington’s South Asia Center, panel discussions, and workshops around greater Seattle.

TSAFF features the work of South Asian filmmakers from countries including: Afghanistan, Bangladesh, Bhutan, India, Tibet, Nepal, Pakistan, and Sri Lanka. The full Festival schedule and filmmaker appearances will be announced in early September at Tasveer.org.

Tasveer South Asian Film Festival:

WHEN:
October 6-15, 2017
WHERE:
Seattle Art Museum
Carco Theatre, Renton
Redmond City Hall
Bellevue Arts Museum
Northwest Film Forum
University of Washington – Seattle
University of Washington – Bothell

About Tasveer

Farah Nousheen and Rita Meher founded Tasveer in March 2002 in Seattle, soon after 9/11/2001. Troubled by the stereotyped and highly prejudicial images of South Asians depicted in the mainstream media at that time, they sought to dispel those mischaracterizations by giving South Asians a chance to speak for themselves. They selected storytelling-specifically, through art and film-accompanied by community dialogue, as their method. Tasveer means picture in Hindi/Urdu.

– Tasveer South Asian Film Festival