INDIE MEME x AAAFF
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INDIE MEME x AAAFF 〰️
The 9th annual Indie Meme Film Festival is back in full swing This week, April 17-21, at AFS cinema to screen over 30 south asian films!
We at AAAFF are presenting three of these as community partners: “Something like an Autobiography,” “Bahadur: the brave” and “Mithya".”
Learn more about these amazing films, thoughts from Programming Director, Animon Jose, and how to watch them + discount codes!
Photo Credit: Indie Meme Film Festival
Something Like An Autobiography
Saturday Apr 20, 2024, 1:00 PM – 3:15 PM
Director Mostofa Sarwar Farooki (post Q&A)
This is a 82-minute Bengali, narrative feature film that follows a director-actor couple living in Dhaka while navigating a conservative and patriarchal Muslim society that criticizes them for not having children even after a decade of being married. It’s interesting navigating this intersection of South Asian and Muslim identities. Don’t miss its North American premiere!
“It delves into the complexities of urban Bangladeshi life, where a successful couple confronts societal pressures to have children. The film subtly critiques the expectation for women to prioritize motherhood and sheds light on the challenges faced by career women, even in their personal lives. Beyond social issues, it explores the power dynamics within Bangladeshi society, highlighting the influence of the wealthy elite, even on those who seem to have it all.
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PSSST get 10% off tickets by using the code “SLANCommunity" at checkout
Photo Credit: Indie Meme Film Festival
Bahadur: The Brave
Sunday Apr 21, 2024, 10:30 AM – 12:30 PM
Director Diwa Shah (post Q&A)
This is a 84 minute narrative feature that takes us back to COVID-19 lockdown, but in India. Nepalese migrant labourers are boarding to leave for Nepal, but while going on a side work quest, Nepal has closed its border and the migrants have no place to go. “Their innocent mischief has led to a tragedy of an irretrievable accord, ignorant of the pawns they have become at the mercy of the bigger powers at play.”
““Bahadur: The Brave” documents the other side of life for a South Asian audience, which shows the difficulties the migrant labor force faced during the Covid times. Set against the stunning backdrop of Nainital, the film uses captivating cinematography to showcase the struggles and resilience of this community. The performances, especially by the lead actor, are exceptional. Unlike the usual melodramatic films, “Bahadur” chose not to force the viewer to walk on the shoes but compel them to walk along them.
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PSST get 10% off tickets by using the code “BahadurCommunity” at checkout
Photo Credit: Indie Meme
Mithya
Thursday April 18, 2024, 6:15 PM - 8:45 PM
Director Sumanth Bhat (post Q&A)
This is a 98 minute journey alongside a 11 year old boy named Mithun who is coming to terms with the loss of his parents. “We walk in step with his tottering feet, as they search for solid ground. Can a new house be home, can friendships be forged again or is it all just a search for something long gone!”
PSST get 10% off tickets by using the code “MithyaCommunity” at checkout
A Message from Indie Meme
We hope these two films, along with the entire Indie Meme festival, spark a deeper understanding that transcends geography and culture. We want viewers to walk away not just with a glimpse of South Asia, but with a sense of shared humanity. By encountering the stories of Bangladeshi couples navigating societal expectations and Nepali migrant workers facing hardship, we aim to ignite conversations about the universal themes of family, resilience, and the challenges faced by people around the world. These films can bridge cultural divides by fostering empathy and prompting us to question our own realities. Ultimately, Indie Meme aspires to create a space for connection, where stories spark dialogue and understanding blossoms.- Programming Director Animon Jose