From correspondents in NY, India, 10:30 PM IST

The 2008 South Asian International Film Festival – Presented by HBO, will be held from October 22 – 28 in New York City.

The festival will open with Nandita Das’sFIRAAQat the famed ZIEGFELD THEATRE on Wednesday, October 22, 2008 at 7PM.The film, taking place over a 24 hour period one month after the communal violence in Gujarat during 2002, features a star studded ensemble cast portraying the emotional journeys of ‘ordinary people’ – some victims, some perpetrators and some who watched silently.

“Often films are about the violence that they set out to critique,” said filmmaker Das.“I am not interested in the spectacle of an action film that orchestrates rioting, raping, looting, arson, and other acts of hatred – even though all these monstrosities did take place.For those who have been directly affected, the magnitude of their loss is just sinking in. Those who haven’t suffered are eager to proclaim that things are back to ‘normal’. Our film centers on the tension, anxiety, and ambivalence in such times.”

FIRAAQ made its ‘World Premiere’ in September at the 2008 Toronto International Film Festival.Audiences immediately struck an emotional chord with the film by clamoring for additional screenings after its original run at the festival.The film also drew enormous industry and audience praise at the Telluride Film Festival in August of this year.

“The journey of making Firaaq gave me the opportunity to express my concerns and beliefs.It has also been a kind of cathartic experience. It has pushed my boundaries and has helped me grow both personally and professionally,” said Das.“In my travels and interactions with people, I have sensed a collective desire to understand the complicated and violent world we inhabit, and, with it, a palpable desire for peace. I hope Firaaq reflects this spirit and touches the hearts and minds of those who watch it.”

“We are honored to kick off the week long event with Nandita Das’s directorial debut,” said Shilen Amin, SAIFF President. “ It is SAIFF’s continuing mission to discover and promote up and coming independent South Asian filmmakers and Das, a veteran film actress who has appeared in over thirty films, including many acclaimed independent ventures, continues this storied tradition.”

For more information about the 2008 SAIFF, please log on to: www.saiff.org.

Source: Press Release Distribution via India PRwire