The Fifth Annual - South Asian International Film Festival, SAIFF, will kick-off this year on Wednesday, October 22nd and will conclude on Tuesday, October 28th, 2008. With a busy week of screenings, panel discussions and evening events this hallmark event in South Asian cinema is planning on having one of its most exciting years yet.

“SAIFF is definitely becoming an international destination for South Asian filmmakers,” said Manjri Srivastava, SAIFF Festival Director. “We have nurtured our audience over the past few years by bringing quality South Asian storytelling and filmmaking to the forefront. It is going to be an exciting week and we look forward to the next wave of emerging talent that will be discovered and recognized at the festival this year.”

In the last four years, the South Asian International Film Festival has surpassed all expectations with its track record of quality films and growing attendance. It has continued its mission to provide a spotlight on South Asian stories told from different points of views and regions and give them an opportunity to be heard and appreciated. SAIFF has provided audiences with opportunities to discover the most innovative work from today’s emerging South Asian independent filmmakers and will continue the tradition this year.

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About SAIFF: The South Asian International Film Festival is a not-for-profit 501(c)(3) organization dedicated to supporting established and emerging artists from and with films about India, Pakistan, Nepal, Sri Lanka, and Bangladesh, and Worldwide. Infour short years SAIFF has become the largest South Asian film festival in the country. With a focus on dynamic, visionary independent cinema, SAIFF aims to bring communities together to support these artists and films to unite in celebration of a common spirit.