Home / Arts and Entertainment / Seattle's Tasveer Fest: A Bold Celebration of South Asian Cinema
Seattle's Tasveer Fest: A Bold Celebration of South Asian Cinema
23 Sep
Summary
- The 21st Tasveer Film Festival showcases 136 films from 16 countries.
- This year's theme, "Bring Your Story Home," highlights diverse voices.
- A new film market offers a $35,000 grant to four selected filmmakers.
The 21st Tasveer Film Festival & Market in Seattle will present 136 films from 16 nations between October 13-18. This year's theme, "Bring Your Story Home," is reflected in a diverse selection spanning over 25 languages, focusing on stories from South Asia and its diasporas.
The festival lineup emphasizes personal narratives from women, a significant rise in animation, and cinematic styles favoring imagery over exposition. It will feature four films centered on athletes and the themes of belonging, alongside 12 LGBTQ+ films, continuing a programming strand from 2002.
Highlighted screenings include the North American premiere of "Mayilaa" and Nepal's Oscar contender "Elephants in the Fog." Aparna Purohit of Aamir Khan Productions will serve as chief guest. The festival will host 20 world premieres, four North American premieres, and four U.S. premieres.
The Tasveer Film Market, running October 13-15, is North America's premier global market for South Asian film. It includes co-production market selects, pitch sessions, industry panels, and networking events. Four filmmakers will receive a $35,000 grant each for project development.
Founded over 20 years ago, Tasveer is a non-profit organization dedicated to providing a platform for South Asian storytellers. In 2025, it established the Tasveer Film Center in Columbia City, which now screens films daily.
