WALTHAM, MA– India International Film Festival of Boston is set for October 5-7 in Waltham and Burlington, MA. The film festival will showcase two documentaries: Naach Bhikari Naach and ‘Veil Done’; and two feature films: Half Widow and the Golden Mountain, among others.
The Boston film festival is organized by Razia Mashkoor, who is founder of BDCTV YouTube channel, a short story writer and founder of the Aligarh Urdu Club.
Ms. Mashkoor, who is known as Razia Boston, said Boston is now ready to have its own Indian film festival.
“I believe we have matured enough to have our own gala event as a tribute to Bollywood. I believe Boston audience is ready for such a show. My team and me are excited to launch this new initiative and also showcase our own talent,” Ms. Mashkoor told INDIA New England News via email.
She said the nominated film “Half Widow” is excellent and Boston-based Sunayna Kachroo wrote songs and dialogue for it.
“In short, we have interest, talent and are now providing a unique platform through BDCTV and IIFFB,” said Ms. Mashkoor. “If you ask me about the IIFFB, I am so hopeful that Boston Indian community will love it.”
She said when organized “Tamseeli Mushaira” in 2013, the Boston community was not initially sure what it was, but it became very successful. “I know every new thing takes time to endorse but if we present with passion and positive intention eventually it will be accepted and loved. I am hoping for love from Boston Indian community.”
Poonam Ahluwalia, who is helping Ms. Mashkoor in organizing the film festival, said some film directors have confirmed to attend the festival. They include Rajat Kapoor, Mehnaaz Nadiadwala and Sangeeta.
Ms. Ahluwalia said the three-day film festival will conclude with a grand finale red-carpet award gala night on Sunday, Oct 7th. The second nominated film “The Golden Mountain” staring Tanuja Mukherji will be screened. She is also nominated for the ‘’Best Actor (Female)” category. Organizers were trying to get Ms. Mukherji to attend the
festival but they were not sure if she would attend.
Here is the tentative schedule of the film festival:
Friday, Oct. 5, 2018: 5.30 pm – 10.30 pm: Half Widow at Hilton Garden Inn, Waltham, MA
Saturday, Oct. 6, 2018: Session 1: 12 – 3 pm Bagheera and My Dear Wife at Hilton Garden Inn, Waltham; Session 2: 5 – 5.15 pm Welcome Guest; 5.15 – 7.20 pm Ankhon Deekhi ; 7.20 – 7.40 pm Interview with Rajat Kapoor: Commercial versus Independent Films; 7.40 – 8.30 pm: Dinner;
8.30 – 9 pm: A tribute to Sridevi
Sunday, Oct. 7, 2018:
Session 1: Academy of Creative Arts, Burlington
9.30 am – 2.30 pm: Rupees 500; White Melancholy; Five O’clock Shadow; Divorce’ish, Palayan; Dum Dum Damaroo
Session 2: 4 pm – 10 pm: Closing Nights Award Gala at Burlington Marriotin Burlington, MA
The film festival will have special screening is of two films: “My Dear Wife” and Rajat Kapoor’s “Ankho Dekhi.” The tribute to Sridevi will include dances and songs by local artists, there will be interesting talks between writers and directors with an opportunity for audience participation.
