IIFFB 2024 Official Selection
IIFFB 2023 Nominations
Playlist
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About IIFFB
The India International Film Festival of Boston (IIFFB) aims to foster cultural conversations and promote lasting relationships by using film as a common ground. The festival seeks to showcase independent films, host panels and events, and provide entertainment that inspires and challenges audiences on diverse topics. Through its programming, IIFFB aims to reflect the increasing presence of the Indian American community in Boston and highlight the unique diversity of India and its diaspora.
The City of Boston and the Massachusetts Film Office have been supportive of local film festivals, encouraging them to bring the best of international cinema to represent the growing diversity of Massachusetts. Boston, with its prominent universities and cultural institutions, has always been a city that values film and provides an ideal platform for crossover audience participation.
The India International Film Festival Boston is dedicated to building cultural bridges and expanding visibility, serving as a representation of India’s inherent diversity through the medium of film. By creating a space for dialogue and exploration, the festival aims to celebrate and promote the richness of Indian cinema while fostering connections between different communities and cultures.
Our Team
The India International Film Festival of Boston (IIFFB) recognizes the rich cultural diversity of India and embraces it through its programming. India, with its multitude of languages, religions, and traditions, presents a unique challenge in sharing the vast array of stories it has to offer. However, the IIFFB is dedicated to overcoming this challenge by curating a selection of films that represent the diverse narratives of India.
The programming committee and staff of IIFFB are driven by a commitment to open minds, challenge perceptions, and foster engagement among the audience. By showcasing films that highlight the collective story of “us,” the festival aims to promote understanding, appreciation, and celebration of India’s cultural heritage. Through the power of cinema, IIFFB seeks to bridge gaps, foster empathy, and encourage dialogue among people from different backgrounds and experiences.
Urban conversations that drive opportunities – Invest in India Programming:
The India International Film Festival of Boston (IIFFB) is strategically positioned to attract and engage the growing Indian American and South Asian community in Metro Boston. With a significant population of Indian origin students and professionals in the area, the festival recognizes the economic impact and cultural influence of this demographic.
The Indian student population in Metro Boston, with over 35,000 students directly from India, contributes over $330 million annually to the local economy. This highlights the importance of recognizing and catering to the interests and preferences of this group. Given the boom in industries such as life sciences, healthcare, biotech-pharma, and finance, the Indian American and South Asian community plays a pivotal role in driving the Massachusetts economy.
IIFFB aims to bridge cultural gaps and connect with the urban Indian population by showcasing stories of social justice and cultural identity through film. By addressing relevant and thought-provoking topics, the festival aims to attract and engage this demographic, fostering a sense of community and shared experiences.
Furthermore, Indian Americans represent an overlooked consumer group with substantial buying power. Their buying power has been steadily increasing, projected to reach $1.1 trillion by 2020. Indian Americans, being the most affluent Asians in America, have the highest household income of any group, with an average annual household income exceeding $100,000. This demographic actively seeks the latest gadgets, designer apparel, and cultural experiences.
Indian tourism to the United States is also on the rise, with Indians spending significant amounts on investments, travel, and shopping. In Massachusetts, Indian tourists show a keen interest in historical outings and cultural events, demonstrating a desire to explore and engage with local experiences.
By recognizing the economic influence, cultural interests, and consumer power of the Indian American and South Asian community, IIFFB aims to create a film festival experience that resonates with this demographic.
Through its diverse programming and cultural offerings, the festival not only enriches the local cultural landscape but also provides an avenue for businesses and organizations to connect with this vibrant and influential community.
- 76% of Indian Americans households own tablets.
- 95% of Indian American TV households own smartphones.
- 93% of Indian American households have internet access.
- Indian Americans spend nearly twice as much time on multimedia devices.
- 55% of Indian Americans own their own home.
- Asian Americans have the largest households of any group with 5 or more.
- 58% of Indian Americans are U.S Citizens.
- 95% of Indian Americans are proficient in English.
- 71% of all Indian American are married.
- Indian Americans dine out 30% more at upscale restaurants.
- Indian Americans visit coffee shops 56% more than other demographics.
- Indians comprise the 2nd largest Asian population in America with nearly 4 million (2016)
Thank you for expressing your interest in the India International Film Festival platform (IIFFB). IIFFB values the participation of local, national, and international sponsors and recognizes the importance of film as a driving force for business development and tourism.
IIFFB is committed to providing a white-glove approach that caters to the needs of its sponsors, ensuring the best results for brand recognition. By building viable bridges to the dynamic Indian American community, IIFFB aims to make meaningful introductions and work towards ensuring that sponsors’ logos and stories are seen by its patrons.
If you have any specific inquiries or would like further information on sponsorship opportunities, please let us know. We would be happy to provide you with more details and assist you in exploring sponsorship options with IIFFB.
IIFFB PROGRAMMING:
India International Film Festival of Boston (IIFFB) takes pride in showcasing the best of Indian programming in Boston. Film has always been a powerful medium for India to share its stories, with iconic filmmakers like Satyajit Ray, Hrishikesh Mukherjee, and Shyam Benegal embodying the indigenous approach to filmmaking.
The Indian film industry has produced not only popular Bollywood films but also noteworthy independent films. Movies like “Shakespeare Walla” (1964), “The Guru” (1965), and “Bombay Talkie” have contributed to the rich cinematic history of India. Furthermore, Indian cinema has transcended cultural boundaries with crossover phenomena. Films such as “A Room with a View” (1985), “Maurice” (1985), and “Howards End” (1992) demonstrate the impact and influence of Indian directors and actors in global cinema.
Through IIFFB, these cultural bridges are celebrated “One Reel at a Time,” honoring the legacy of Indian cinema and recognizing the contributions of great directors and actors who have crossed boundaries and made a mark in the industry.
If you have any specific inquiries about IIFFB or would like more information on the films and events featured in the festival, feel free to ask.
Highlighting Diversity Through Film.
Festival Tracks
- American Born Confused Desi (ABCD)
- Feature Length Films
- LGBTQ films
- Documentaries
- Social Justice
- Desi Born Confused Abroad (DBCA)
- Women Empowerment
- Youth Films
- Shorts Program