Indie Meme, a non-profit organization supporting independent cinema and filmmakers from South Asia and Iran, is excited to announce the return of the Indie Meme Film Festival (IMFF2023). Additionally, it’s Indie Meme’s 10th year in the community facilitating conversations through socially relevant, independent cinema from South Asia & Iran, as well as forums designed for exchange of perspectives. Scheduled from April 12 to April 16, this film festival will be held at the Austin Film Society theater, providing the perfect backdrop for the best in independent cinema.
With more than 20 films covering over 13 different languages from 10 different countries, the 8th Indie Meme Film Festival is set to be one of the most exciting events of the year! From short films, feature films and documentaries, this film festival aims to showcase a spectrum of diverse stories from the most talented filmmakers from South Asia. Oscar Nominations, Debut films, INternational & US Premiers, Celebrities and Controversies are all a part of this year’s programming!
One of the highlights of IMFF 2023 is the Opening Night Indian film “Goldfish”, presented by filmmaker Pushan Kriplani with the lead star, actor Kalki Koechlin in attendance. “Goldfish” is a powerful and touching film that tells the story of a young woman who returns home to deal with her mother’s dementia and the scars of her childhood. With its insightful portrayal of mental health and complex family relationships, “Goldfish” is sure to be one of the most talked-about films of the festival this year.
The Oscar nominated “Tell It Like Woman” with filmmaker Leena Yadav in attendance will be the kick off event of Imff2023. It’s an anthology of short films, made by women, about women set in 7 different countries and the song ‘Applause’ from the soundtrack of the film by songwriter Diane Warren, is nominated at the Academy Awards this year.
The not to be missed, Iranian film “Leila’s Brothers” will have its Texas Premier at the 8th Indie Meme Film Festival. Saeed Roustaee’s film was touted as “‘The Godfather’ of Tehran” by critics. Taraneh Alidoosti’s performance is riveting as Leila!
Indie Meme is proud to have scored TWO Internationals Premiers this year - “Dhabari Quruvi” and “Eikhoigi Yum”
“Dhabari Quruvi” (Sparrow, It’s father Is Unknown) by the veteran filmmaker, Priyanandanan is an exquisitely shot film featuring a completely indigenous ( tribal) cast from Attappadi, Kerala. In the Irula language, the film will screen at Imff2023, with hopefully the filmmaker in attendance.
The inspiring & beautiful “Eikhoigi Yum” (Our Home) a Manipuri film directed by Romi Meitei features an 11yr old boy, from a fishing community in Loktak Lake, who has an undaunting spirit to excel at school against all. The filmmaker will be in attendance for its International Premier!
In addition to these the 8th Indie Meme Film Festival will also feature a variety of genres and themes centered around intersectionality, queer experiences, socio-political complexities, and many others. Films from Sri Lanka, Bangladesh, Nepal, Pakistan as well as the South Asia Diaspora ( films set in the US, Canada, Australia and UK) all make the diverse and representative slate of this year’s programming.
The contender for the Best International Documentary at the upcoming 95th Academy Awards - “All That Breathes” will also be one of the highlights of IMFF2023. Team Indie Meme will be rooting for it at the Oscars!
Author, Historian, Vivek Bald & stand up artist, actor and comedian Alaudin Ullah’s “In Search of Bengali Harlem” will have it’s Texas Premier with them in attendance. Indie Meme is also delighted to feature Alum filmmaker Vinay Shukla’s 2nd documentary “While We Watched” at the 8th film festival, having screened his first documentary feature “An Insignificant Man” in 2017 at the 2nd Indie Meme Film Festival!
Whether you’re a fan of independent film or simply looking for unique entertainment, the upcoming Indie Meme Film Festival is the perfect place to be.
To make sure you don’t miss out on the fun, be sure to buy your badges for the 8th Indie Meme Film Festival on Indiememe.org/IMFF2023. And if you’re a fan of independent cinema and South Asian & Iranian culture, this is an event you won’t want to miss. This festival solidifies Austin’s place on the World map as it continues to be “the best international passport” as awarded by The Austin Chronicle in 2016.
About Indie Meme Org:
Indie Meme is a non-profit organization dedicated to supporting independent cinema and filmmakers from South Asia & Iran. With a focus on promoting diversity and cultural exchange, Indie Meme provides a platform for the best in independent South Asian cinema, and brings the work of these talented filmmakers to audiences across the United States.
