The 21st Indian Film Festival of Los Angeles (IFFLA) has officially announced the distinguished winners of their annual jury and audience awards for 2023. In this article, we’ll delve into the honorees and the remarkable films that stood out during this cinematic celebration.

Celebrating Excellence at IFFLA

IFFLA, in its 21st year, successfully wrapped up its annual celebration of Indian cinema. The festival, which has grown to be a major platform for showcasing films from South Asia and its diasporas, has received accolades for its commitment to independent cinema. Here are the notable highlights from this year’s event:

Aattam (The Play) Steals the Spotlight

The Feature Grand Jury Prize was awarded to “Aattam (The Play),” directed by Anand Ekarshi. This thought-provoking ensemble film, set against the backdrop of a Kerala theater troupe, garnered critical acclaim. The jury hailed it as “a stunningly written and acted film that manages to provoke, question, and interrogate the politics of gender.” Dominic Sangma’s “Rapture” received an Honorable Mention for its evocative cinematography and a compelling narrative that explores the darkness descending on a Meghalayan village. Both films left a lasting impression on the audience.

The Esteemed Jury Members

The Feature Film Competition had an illustrious panel of jury members:

• Karan Soni (Actor, known for roles in Deadpool, Spider-Man: Across The Spider-Verse, Miracle Workers)
• Bilal Qureshi (Journalist and Film Critic, NPR and Washington Post)
• Utkarshini Vashishtha (Screenwriter, associated with projects like Gangubai Kathiawadi and Sarbjit; Associate Director, India’s Got Talent)

Outstanding Shorts

The Shorts Grand Jury Prize was bestowed upon “Men In Blue,” directed by Sachin Dheeraj. The jury was deeply impressed by its bold vision, assured direction, and emotionally charged performances. The fact that this film was based on true events added weight to its impact. Honorable Mentions were given to “Places I’ve Called My Own” by Sushma Khadepaun and “Anu” by Pulkit Arora.

The Jury Panel for Best Short Film

The Best Short Film Competition featured a distinguished panel of jury members:

• Priya Arora (Journalist, The New York Times, HuffPost; Podcaster, Queering Desi)
• Geeta Malik (Writer and Director, known for works like “India Sweets and Spices” and “Abbott Elementary”)
• Katie Walsh (Film Critic, Los Angeles Times)

Audience Choice Awards

The audience at IFFLA played a vital role in selecting the winners. The 2023 Audience Awards went to:

• Feature Title: “The Golden Thread” by Nishtha Jain
• Short Film: “Tall Dark And Handsome” by Sam Baron

A Global Showcase

The 2023 edition of IFFLA showcased 24 films from 13 countries, presented in 14 different languages. Notable premieres included Vishal Bhardwaj’s “Khufiya,” Atul Sabharwal’s “Berlin,” Varun Grover’s dramedy “All India Rank,” Dominic Sangma’s Garo language film “Rapture,” and Anand Ekarshi’s Malayalam film “Aattam (The Play).” The festival also featured the Los Angeles premiere of “Joram” by Devashish Makhija. IFFLA, which now provides year-round programming, aims to bring innovative independent films to Los Angeles audiences, covering various genres and styles.

Event Highlights

The Opening and Closing Night Galas took place at the Harmony Gold Theater in Hollywood, while other screenings, masterclasses, and panels were held at the downtown Regal LA Live.

A Festival Supported by Many

IFFLA enjoys support from various organizations, including the LA County Department of Arts and Culture, which contributes as part of Creative Recovery LA, an initiative funded by the American Rescue Plan. Additional funding comes from the California Arts Council, the Los Angeles County Arts Commission, and the City of Los Angeles Department of Cultural Affairs.

In conclusion, the 21st Indian Film Festival of Los Angeles was a resounding success, bringing together filmmakers, audiences, and enthusiasts to celebrate the vibrant world of Indian cinema. The event showcased exceptional films and provided a platform for recognizing and honoring outstanding talent in the industry. We look forward to what the future holds for IFFLA and the remarkable films it continues to champion.