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GEAR UP FOR INDIA FESTIVALS ALL OVER FLORIDA!
MELBOURNE MARCH 7-8; GAINESVILLE MARCH 7; FORT MYERS MARCH 14
MELBOURNE: Manav Mandir will present its 29th annual Indiafest on Saturday, March 7, and Sunday, March 8, at Wickham Park, 2500 Parkway Drive, Melbourne. The fun family event brings Indian culture to the Space Coast with cultural and fashion shows, henna, arts and crafts, Indian cooking demo, food, raffle drawings, etc. This year’s theme is “Dynamic Women of India,” which honors the contribution of Indian women, coinciding with International Women’s Day. Timings are 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Saturday and 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Sunday. Admission is $8 for adults, $4 for children 12 and under; kids younger than 5 years are free.
This festival is unique in its commitment to giving back to the community. Indiafest is a non-profit, cultural organization known for its charitable efforts to local charities, including the parent organization, Manav Mandir. With community support, the organization has raised and donated over $1.4 million to date. Last year’s selection were Aging Matters of Brevard, which serves meals to the senior population and, Children Hunger Project, which provides food to elementary school kids for the weekend who would otherwise go hungry. This year’s selection is WAYS for Life, a nonprofit offering wraparound youth services to at-risk young adults, including those transitioning out of foster care and experiencing homelessness. For information, call Nina Gadodia at (321) 779-0110, e-mail [email protected] or visit www.indiafestbrevard.org
GAINESVILLE/ALACHUA: Presented by the India Cultural & Education Center, India Fest (Traditions of India) will be held on Saturday, March 7. It will be held from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. at Legacy Park Multipurpose Center, 15400 Peggy Road, Alachua. There also will be Indian food, music/dance, fashion, jewelry, etc. For information, email [email protected] or visit www.icec-florida.org
South Asian Indian Film Festival of Florida (SAIFFF) Returns to Tampa FEB. 20-22
The South Asian Indian Film Festival Florida (SAIFFF) is returning to Tampa this February, bringing an exciting and diverse lineup of films and cultural experiences to the community. The third edition will take place Feb. 20-22 at NCG Cinemas (7999 Citrus Park Town Center Mall).
SAIFFF will screen 50+ films, including short films, documentaries and feature-length films, created by Indian and South Asian filmmakers from across the globe. Selected films represent countries such as India, Canada, Mexico, Germany, the Netherlands, Australia, the United Kingdom, Bangladesh and Pakistan, showcasing powerful stories rooted in South Asian perspectives while reflecting global experiences.
The festival will kick off with the opening night red carpet premiere and reception on Friday, Feb. 20, at NCG Cinemas. Screenings will continue Saturday and Sunday, culminating in the awards ceremony on Sunday, Feb. 22. SAIFFF will offer a variety activities, including meditation sessions, a Bollywood workout, and Bollywood dance parties on both Friday and Saturday nights.
Festival Director Hemant Dinkar shared that SAIFFF 2026 received a record number of submissions, with more than 50 films selected by a panel of judges. “The growth of SAIFFF reflects the incredible talent and storytelling emerging from South Asian creators worldwide. We are proud to bring these voices to Tampa,” Dinkar said.
Prominent Bollywood celebrities Omi Vaidya, Riya Sen and Aryan Vaid are expected to attend, along with 12-14 filmmakers from around the world.
A few highlights from this year’s short films and documentaries include:
- “Kaju Katli” – A grieving Marathi-American teen navigates loss, identity and healing through cooking during Diwali.
- “Ismail” – After failing school twice, a young man redefines success by forging his own unconventional path.
- “Pestilence” – A haunting coming-of-age story where a young boy’s innocence erodes after a terrifying task.
- “My Comrade” – A wounded rebel finds refuge in a tribal villager’s home, where politics and forbidden love collide.
- “JAAR” – Set in 19th-century Nepal, former lovers flee oppressive caste laws in pursuit of freedom and love.
- “Almari Ka Achaar” – A tender portrayal of quiet love and resilience between two middle-aged men.
“With support from the Consulate General of India, Atlanta, SAIFFF will be screening Sridevi’s “English Vinglish” and Hrithik Roshan’s “Zindagi Na Milegi Dobara.”
The closing night film will be the U.S. premiere of “Hindi Vindi,” starring Neena Gupta and directed by Sydney-based filmmaker Ali Sayed. The Australian-Indian feature film follows Kabir, a Sydney teenager of Indian descent who struggles with cultural identity and language.
SAIFFF 2026 is supported by Khaas Baat, NCG Cinema, Groundgame Health, Sakar Trust, The Neuropsychiatry & TMS Group (TNP), and Convergent Media, all united in promoting diversity, culture, and creative expression.
For more information, film schedules and ticket purchases, visit www.SAIFFF.org or contact Hemant Dinkar at (312) 933-2251.
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/saiff_florida/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/saiffFlorida/
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