Tag: south asian

Business, Community, India, Reel SpinLeave a comment

IFFSA: Voice of South Asian Cinema in Canada

SITHARA

On April 18th, IFFSA Toronto unveiled an exciting lineup of films and events for this year’s festival, which runs from May 9th to May 20th. As a film festival, every year IFFSA’s attempt has been to surprise the film lovers, to take us on new adventures.

To begin with,   IFFSA, is over the moon to have the opportunity and honour to share some very special films, with their audiences, as part of our celebration of the ‘Hundred Years of Bengali Cinema’,

IFFSA Toronto is THE LARGEST SOUTH ASIAN FILM FESTIVAL IN NORTH AMERICA. In its 8th year now, the festival has become an international icon and the voice of South Asian cinema in Canada.

This 12+ day extravaganza showcases a diverse, language independent, selection of the best feature films, featurette films, short films, documentaries and music films from around the world, on themes of South Asian cultures and identities. In the spirit of “Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam – the world is one family”, a select number of foreign films are considered under Beyond South Asia segment.

In addition, the festival also features gala dinners, red carpet premiers, concerts, lounge parties, exhibitions, seminars, workshops and networking opportunities with government representatives, business leaders, local organizations that support film development, film stars, producers, directors, members of the media and more. Continue reading “IFFSA: Voice of South Asian Cinema in Canada”

Community, LifestyleLeave a comment

desiFEST 2018 Showcases the best in Urban Desi Music

SITHARA
desiFEST 2018 Bigger and Better Than Ever​​

The 12th annual desiFEST wowed crowds once again with 12 hours of entertainment, featuring more than 25 artists in the heart of Toronto at Yonge and Dundas Square.

This year’s festival featured Canadian and International artists including: Calgary born Punjabi singer, The Prophecy; one of India’s most popular rappers and Hip Hop stars, Divine; a special tribute to Nusrat Fateh Ali Khan by The Mad Band; Amar Sandhu and Pranna from Dallas, USA and fan favourites hailing from British Columbia, Anjali and
GPS. Thousands of attendees were also treated to a surprise performance by UK legend, Manj Musik.

“We had a dream line-up this year for our 12th annual festival,” says festival founder and CEO Satish Bala. “Giving artists a platform to share their music, their energy and message is what desiFEST is all about. Big Thanks to all the artists, fans and all sponsors including TD Telus and all our media friends, that made this year’s event so amazing.”

This year’s festival featured 3 days of artist meet and greet opportunities, industry events, receptions and more, across the GTA. Continue reading “desiFEST 2018 Showcases the best in Urban Desi Music”

Community, LifestyleLeave a comment

Celebrating South Asian Culture

SITHARA

 

MARKHAM (October 5, 2017) –The Flato Markham Theatre is proud to celebrate the vibrant cultures that reside in the GTA. Flato Developments is presenting a series of performances featuring South Asian artists grace the stage bringing moving music, incredible stories and powerful movement to Markham.

Sachal Ensemble Song of Lahore on November 9 – No music lover could fail to be moved by the inspiring story of The Sachal Ensemble as depicted in the documentary film Song of Lahore by two-time Academy Award-winning director SharmeenObaid-Chinoy and Andy Schocken.  Having to disband in 1977 due to the implementation of Sharia law in Pakistan, the musicians were reunited in an underground movement that saw them become a YouTube sensation by blending their age-old tradition with American jazz.  The Sachal Ensemble shows a different side of Pakistan as this is true “world music” at its finest.

Passage to Bollywood November 28 & 30 – Direct from India, A Passage to Bollywood is a vibrant stage musical with foot tapping music, colourful costumes and a gripping plot that keeps you at the edge of your seat, covering various aspects of the Indian Bollywood culture. It comprises of old classics as well as the latest Bollywood songs. The audience can expect to experience drama, action, romance, and dance just like a typical Bollywood Film.  Presented by Navdhara India Dance Theatre.

HONOUR: Confessions of a Mumbai Courtesan March 10 – HONOUR: Confessions of a Mumbai Courtesan is a fun, poignant and deeply moving coming of age story of a girl in modern day Mumbai by the award-winning actress Dipti Mehta. Continue reading “Celebrating South Asian Culture”