Tasveer South Asian Film Festival Makes History as the First South Asian Oscar-Qualifying Film Festival Globally

    SEATTLE, WA, July 03, 2023 /24-7PressRelease/ -- In an unparalleled achievement that reinforces its commitment to uplifting South Asian narratives, Tasveer South Asian Film Festival (TSAFF) has now become the first-ever South Asian Film Festival to earn the status of an Oscar-qualifying film festival in the world.

This milestone allows the award-winning films at TSAFF to be eligible for consideration for the prestigious Academy Awards, amplifying the reach of South Asian stories and opening new doors of opportunity for filmmakers from the region.

"We are ecstatic to announce this incredible milestone," says Rita Meher, Executive Director and Co-Founder of Tasveer. "We have always believed in the power of South Asian stories and this achievement means that these stories will now be recognized on one of the world's most respected cinematic stages. This is a monumental step forward for South Asian cinema."

The festival attributes this momentous achievement to the relentless efforts and hard work of Rita Meher, including Ariel Brownstein, whose contributions have played an integral part in this journey. TSAFF also wishes to express profound gratitude to Richa Rudola, Fawzia Mirza, and Srihari Sathe, for their support in this process.

"This is a testament to the collective efforts of a community that believes in the power of South Asian narratives," Meher added. "We thank everyone who has been part of this journey. It is your belief in us, our mission, and the stories we tell that has led us to this unprecedented moment."

Looking forward, TSAFF will continue to provide a platform for South Asian voices, offering an even more potent springboard for these narratives to reach the global stage. This accomplishment is just the beginning, and TSAFF is excited about the future and the potential it holds for South Asian cinema. Our submissions are still open.

About Tasveer South Asian Film Festival: The Tasveer South Asian Film Festival is a leading South Asian film festival that has been championing and showcasing South Asian stories and filmmakers for years. With its newly gained Oscar-qualifying status, TSAFF aims to provide a more substantial platform for South Asian narratives to be shared and celebrated globally.

For more information, please visit www.tasveerfestival.org

About Tasveer: A South Asian nonprofit film organization, founded in Seattle 21 years ago, in the aftermath of 9/11.

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