ATLANTA INDIAN FILM FESTIVAL

Experience Indian Cinema

October 18th to 20th, 2024

Tara Theater, 2345 Cheshire Bridge Rd. NE, Atlanta 30324

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Our Story

Since 2018, the Atlanta Indian Film Festival has been showcasing Indian cinema to the people of Atlanta, Georgia, and introducing visiting Indian directors, actors, and producers to the state's movie production infrastructure and subsidies. Our commitment to quality films, exceptional events and incomparable customer care keep our community coming back again and again.
After four very successful AIFF’s in 2018, 2019, 2022 and 2023 and a virtual one in 2021, AIFF 2024 has 3 premier events including the reception, workshops, and showcasing of Indian movies from
October 18th to 20th, 2024.


About the Festival

     Since 2018, the Atlanta Indian Film Festival has been showcasing Indian cinema to the people of Atlanta, Georgia, and introducing visiting Indian directors, actors, and producers to the state's movie production infrastructure and subsidies. Our commitment to quality films, exceptional events and incomparable customer care keep our community coming back again and again.

Kick Off Gala & Workshops

film posters

Opening/Closing Feature Films

Click on the title of any movie to read more about it!

  • Blue Sunshine - Samyukta Vijayan

    Aravind, a high school teacher, wants to transition from male to female while working for a school in a small town in South India. Aravind’s parents do not know that Aravind is already taking

    hormone treatment for the transition. When his parents force a marriage upon him due to their financial situation, Aravind gains courage under pressure. He starts to live as a woman named Bhanu with his friend Haritha's help. The school administration creates problems by not acknowledging Bhanu as a woman. As Bhanu struggles to find happiness after transition, she meets a student Karthik who is being bullied by his classmates for his feminine demeanor. Unable to withstand the bullying, Karthik retaliates by wearing makeup and nail polish to school. The school administration blames Bhanu for all the problems. How Karthik and Bhanu deal with the problems form the rest of the story.

  • Butterfly - Meera Welankar

    Immerse yourself in the enchanting tale of "Butterfly," a Marathi film that breathes fresh air into storytelling with its unique narrative. Follow Megha, a devoted homemaker, whose life takes an unexpected turn when a chance encounter on an old badminton court rekindles a forgotten passion. As she secretly pursues her dreams, Megha embarks on a thrilling journey of self-discovery, guided by the unlikeliest of mentors, Sahil.


    This is not just Megha's story; it’s the story of countless middle-class women and families across India, cutting across languages and generations. As Megha breaks free from societal norms, her journey of transformation touches not only her life but also the lives of her husband and family, inspiring them to embrace a world of vibrant colors and endless possibilities.


    With its simple yet captivating storytelling, "Butterfly" has resonated deeply with audiences, making it a must-watch that transcends the boundaries of Marathi cinema. This is a tale that echoes in the hearts of middle-class households, offering a universal message of hope and empowerment.

Feature Films

  • Bijoyar Pore (Autumn Flies) - Abhijit Sri Das

    "Bijoya Pore" (Autumn Flies) is a poignant story about love, family bonds, and reunion during Durga Puja. The elderly couple, Ananda Roy and Alokananda Roy, eagerly await their family's annual gathering during the festival. Their simple yet strong relationship emphasizes the importance of togetherness in their quest for eternal happiness. The couple's life becomes vibrant as Durga Puja nears, and their children and grandchildren reunite. This year holds special significance as their daughter, Mrinmoyee, visits with her husband, Mizanoor, for the first time since their marriage.


    Meanwhile, their sons Kumar and Ujaan plan to convert the family home into a homestay without considering their parents' feelings. On Bijoya day, Ananda plans to share cherished memories with his family. However, tragedy strikes when he passes away before their arrival. Devastated, Aloka conceals the news and creates the illusion of Ananda's presence to unite the family as he had wished. When Mrinmoyee discovers her father's passing, she also hides the truth to avoid blame. Amidst light moments, Aloka overhears her children's arguments and their plans for the family home. Unable to bear the pain, she reveals Ananda's death and asks her children to pay their last respects with a Bijoya Pronam.


    "Bijoya Pore" is a heartfelt tale that explores complex family relationships and the growing distance between generations. Set against the backdrop of Durga Puja, the film highlights the resilience of the human spirit and the power of love to transcend life and death. "Bijoya Pore" serves as a touching reminder to cherish our loved ones and the moments shared together.



  • Strange Life of Dhrubo - Abhijit Chowdhury

    "The Strange Life of Dhrubo" is a crime drama film, structured into four chapters, each

    delving into distinct facets of the protagonist's journey. Seamlessly interwoven with the

    narrative are the works, themes, and philosophies of four prominent Bengali artists: Jamini

    Roy, Gaganendranath Tagore, Bikash Bhattacharya, and Benode Behari Mukherjee.

    Through these connections, the film not only tells Dhrubo's story but also offers a profound

    exploration of art's influence on identity, morality, and human experience.

    The inaugural chapter unveils the narrative in 2002, wherein a woman embraces Rimi from

    the confines of an orphanage, severing her from the intimate bond shared with Dhrubo.

    Two decades elapse, and Dhrubo, entwined in a relationship with Rimi, extends financial

    support to her family amidst a dire financial quandary, pledging further assistance.

    However, Rimi doubts Dhrubo's methods, fearing he might pull a con job to help them. She

    makes him promise that he will not do anything wrong and will go back home. Yet, in a

    pivotal juncture, Dhrubo diverges from his intended course, steering towards his painter

    guru's house. Unbeknownst to him, Laltu, a shadowy figure, trails his every move, later

    revealed as one of Dhrubo's creditors. Within the sanctuary of his guru's sanctuary,

    Dhrubo clandestinely absconds with a prized creation by the revered artist, Jamini Roy. A

    tapestry of events unfolds, wherein Dhrubo orchestrates a duplicitous exchange with an art

    broker, peddling a replica of the pilfered masterpiece. Restoring the stolen artwork to its

    rightful abode, Dhrubo embarks on a visit to Rimi's residence, only to encounter an

    unoccupied and disheveled dwelling, adorned with remnants of their shared past. A

    sudden intrusion by Laltu heralds a confrontation, wherein demands for repayment are met

    with Dhrubo's assurances and ultimately, a harrowing discharge of a firearm which

    eventualy kills Dhrubo.

    In the second chapter, Dhrubo keeps his promise to Rimi and returns home. His friend

    Nandi, a member of the ruling political party, offers to assist Rimi's family financially. Nandi

    proposes a documentary on Bengal's fashion history, enlisting Dhrubo's help to persuade

    Firoza, a former actress and art curator, to participate. Despite initial reluctance, Dhrubo

    successfully convinces Firoza, bonding over their shared admiration for Gaganendranath

    Tagore. As they work on the project, Dhrubo discovers the documentary is a guise to

    locate Firoza's estranged husband, a political extremist. Despite his reservations, Dhrubo

    reluctantly aids in extracting information from Firoza.

    When news breaks of Firoza's husband being murdered by political adversaries, Firoza

    confronts the party leaders, demanding answers. In an attempt to cooperate, she presents

    a suitcase containing what she believes is further information about her late husband's

    associates. Tragically, the suitcase conceals a bomb, which detonates upon its opening,

    critically injuring Dhrubo, Nandi, and several party members. Amidst the chaos, Rimi

    arrives at the party office and rushes out to ask for help. However, her cries for help are

    drowned out by the noise of a passing Durga Puja procession.This climactic scene mirrors

    the imagery of Gaganendranath Tagore's painting, 'Pratima Bisorjon,' adding a profound

    layer of symbolism to the narrative.

    The third chapter unfolds with a captivating twist, casting the spotlight on the woman who

    chose to adopt Dhrubo instead of Rimi back in 2002. Fast forward two decades, and

    Dhrubo finds himself entrenched in the gritty pursuit of notorious child traffickers amidst

    the rustic expanse of rural Bengal. In the midst of this high-stakes operation, Atanu,

    Dhrubo's colleague, delivers a sobering directive—they've been tasked with confronting

    one of the nefarious traffickers. Ignoring Atanu's suggestion to retreat to headquarters,

    Dhrubo staunchly asserts his ownership of the case, refusing to yield. Atanu, undeterred,

    implores Dhrubo to take decisive action, urging him to wield his weapon. Initially hesitant,

    Dhrubo grapples with the weight of the moment, the traffickers seizing the opportunity to

    taunt him with their powerful political connections. Yet, in a sudden surge of resolve,

    Dhrubo unleashes a fatal shot, silencing the elder trafficker and unraveling a vital clue—

    the revelation of an enigmatic old city, igniting echoes of Dhrubo's orphanage past.

    Returning to this ghostly old city, Dhrubo seeks refuge within the walls of a somber hotel,

    his mind besieged by haunting guilt and surreal nightmares. Desperate for answers, he

    enlists the aid of the enigmatic local informant, Laltu, plunging deeper into the labyrinth of

    secrets surrounding the orphanage. Confronting the enigmatic caretaker, Dhrubo's world is

    shattered by a chilling revelation—his own parents' complicity in the abhorrent child

    trafficking network. Confronting his mother, he is met with a confession tinged with

    remorse—a misguided attempt to rescue the forsaken children. Overwhelmed by this

    staggering revelation, Dhrubo is left reeling, his world crumbling around him as he flees

    into the unforgiving night.

    The fourth chapter unfurls amidst the mocking taunts of the two goons, their confidence

    buoyed by the shield of political patronage. Despite Dhrubo's valiant efforts, the elusive

    trigger eludes his grasp, leaving behind a bitter taste of frustration as he exits the scene.

    Back at the precinct, his seasoned superior, Rajib, entrusts him with a new assignment—a

    perplexing case entwined with the enigmatic world of high-stakes finance. Swiftly

    executing a raid on the opulent abode of the implicated professor, Dhrubo orchestrates a

    compelling interrogation, unearthing a startling revelation concealed within the recesses of

    the academic's conscience.

    Initially cloaked in hesitation, the professor unveils a chilling truth—a clandestine operation

    involving the implantation of a microchip within his daughter, Rimi's, cerebrum, bestowing

    upon her the rare gift of precognitive insight at the grievous cost of her sight. In a

    testament to Dhrubo's persuasive prowess, he beseeches Rimi's reluctant cooperation in a

    scientific quest for truth, transcending the boundaries of conventional investigative

    methods. Yet, amidst the unfolding drama, Dhrubo himself becomes ensnared in a surreal

    encounter—a journey through the corridors of time and space, guided by the ethereal

    presence of Rimi.

    Amidst the ethereal tapestry of their encounter, Dhrubo's senses are assailed by the vivid

    depiction of his own past, etched upon the mural of destiny—an evocative tableau echoing

    the cherished memories of his orphanage companion, Rimi. As the boundaries of reality

    blur, Rimi extends an otherworldly invitation, whisking Dhrubo away to alternate

    dimensions, where myriad permutations of his existence unfurl across the vast expanse of

    the multiverse.

Shorts

  • Tail of a Thief - Ayush Anita Sharma

    On his way to work, an old man encounters a young and carefree individual who strikes a conversation with him. Little does he know, the young individual is a pickpocket looking to make his daily score. Will the old man be his next victim or will good prevail over evil?

  • A Night Afterall - Anshul Agrawal

    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?


    “a night, after all” is a story of a night which is dark, terrifying, 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.

  • Unwrapped - Rishi Raj

    April shares her candid thoughts during an insufferable Christmas dinner gone wrong.

  • The Story of a Casteist - Arun Mo


    Seeing that his younger sister had hung herself, her brother cries profusely. But without any concern his wife is working in the kitchen and his daughter is doing her homework. Hearing the elder brother cry, the neighbors gather. A neighbor then calls a police officer who is a relative of the dead sister. Meanwhile the wife makes and distributes tea to the crowd and continues to work in the kitchen without any concerns. As the police man arrives, the brother cries and holds on to him. The so far silent wife then walks out of the kitchen and shouts at them, "it was both of you that strangled and hung her and now are you acting for others?". She courageously spills the truth in front of everyone and removes her "Thali" and throws it on her husband's face and leaves the house with her daughter. The daughter then goes back into the house to take her books. The husband, without caring about his wife leaving the house or his sister's death, starts to remove the gold from the "Thali". Seeing this his daughter throws the slipper at him, and leaves the house.


  • Random Beats - Manoj Madhusudanan

    Chhavi's excitement to connect with her boyfriend's family fades when she starts receiving baffling messages. She can make peace with herself only if she can figure out what's going on.

  • Speaking With Yesterday - Rishi Raj

    A young woman from the future accidentally travels too far back in time to before she was born. She decides to confront the person she wanted to meet regardless: her father.

  • Yes Sir! - Mudit Singhal

    The film is about bringing social change, and a change in the mindset of people about caste discrimination which has been an unfortunate social reality and human rights issue in India for centuries.


    Ramnarayan Tiwari, a Brahmin (dominant caste in India) is a peon/attendant in a government office to a Dalit (lower caste community that has been oppressed and treated as 'untouchables' by upper castes for centuries) who has risen to become a big officer. Tiwari burns with resentment towards this officer’s hierarchical superiority because he considers himself superior as per the religiously ingrained caste system. Tiwari is also frustrated as his promotion has been overdue for years.


    The officer’s bathroom’s drain has choked. Tiwari tries to look for the official sweeper, also a lower caste man.


    This story is about how this reverse hierarchical order, and Tiwari's caste prejudice towards the officer, counterbalance each other to solve the problem of the choked drain.

  • 251 - Bauddhayan Mukherji

    As Covid spreads during the first wave, many horror stories unfold in India - some of them in the inglorious send offs. Based on true events, 251 is the touching story of a son who is asked to come over to a makeshift crematorium to bid his dead mother the final goodbye. What unfolds is a heart wrenching saga of human endurance and the never ending trauma that we all went through.

  • Chakras for Sale - Punya Chatterjee

    After failing to make it big as a rock band in 1966 San Francisco, four Indian-Americans rebrand themselves as an Indian classical music group (despite knowing nothing about it) and become instant hippie icons, but soon learn what their new image means.

  • Weave of Culture -Santhosh Ram

    A determined Indian graduate seeking a software job in the city to free his mother from bonded labor, revives his father's handloom weaving for a promise she made."

Trailers

Yes Sir Trailer

Chakras for Sale Trailer

A Night After All

The Strange Life of Dhrubo

The Story of Castiest

CHOR - The Tail of a Thief

Blue Sunshine

251

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