Indian Film Festival of Los Angeles (IFFLA) 2025 Unveils Lineup with Groundbreaking South Asian Cinema
The 23rd edition of the Indian Film Festival of Los Angeles (IFFLA) is set to showcase a dynamic selection of South Asian films, reaffirming its status as the premier platform for South Asian cinema in the United States. Over the years, IFFLA has been instrumental in spotlighting innovative storytelling and emerging talent, and its 2025 lineup continues this legacy.
This year’s festival will commence with the directorial debut of Varsha Bharath, Bad Girl, and conclude with Lawrence Valin’s Little Jaffna, both deeply rooted in South Asian narratives. Scheduled to run from May 6–10, 2025, the festival will take place at Landmark Theatres Sunset and the WGA Theatre. Tickets, passes, and gala access are now available at www.indianfilmfestival.org.
Building on past success, IFFLA 2025 expands its Industry Day into a two-day forum aimed at fostering collaboration and business opportunities for South Asian filmmakers. This initiative will connect industry professionals and provide an opportunity to win a $10,000 Pitch Competition Grant.
The festival lineup features a diverse selection of 27 films, including seven narrative features, one documentary, 18 short films, and a special screening of a two-episode anthology series. The program includes two world premieres, six North American premieres, three U.S. premieres, and 14 Los Angeles premieres, showcasing a broad range of perspectives and storytelling techniques.
“This year’s selection celebrates the rich diversity of South Asian cinema with a strong focus on female-driven narratives, both in front of and behind the camera,” said Anu Rangachar, IFFLA’s Artistic Director. “We are excited to present a compelling lineup featuring fearless new voices alongside seasoned auteurs. The films tackle complex themes such as gender identity, migration, sexuality, mental health, climate change, and ethical technology, ensuring a deeply engaging and thought-provoking festival experience.”
Highlights of IFFLA 2025
At the center of this year’s lineup is Sabar Bonda (Cactus Pears), a Sundance Grand Jury Prize-winning film by Rohan Kanawade. The film delves into the complexities of queer relationships within India’s societal constraints.
Additional standout features include the North American premiere of The Fable by Raam Reddy (Thithi), a haunting tale led by acclaimed actor Manoj Bajpayee. The film explores the mystery surrounding an estate owner battling unexplained fires on his property, supported by a stellar cast including Priyanka Bose, Tillotama Shome, and Deepak Dobriyal.
Director Deepak Rauniyar (White Sun, Four Nights) presents Pooja, Sir, a gripping police procedural following a female detective’s pursuit of answers in the case of two missing boys in a Nepalese border town.
Rima Das (Bulbul Can Sing, Tora’s Husband) continues her celebrated coming-of-age series with Village Rockstars 2, chronicling a teenage girl’s journey in music despite life’s hardships.
Aranya Sahay’s Humans in the Loop offers a poignant look at a single mother balancing life with her teenage daughter while working as a data annotator, highlighting the unseen workforce behind India’s booming AI industry. The screening will include a panel discussion on AI ethics and responsible technology, featuring industry experts.
Documentary enthusiasts can look forward to A Fly on the Wall, co-directed by Nilesh Maniyar and Shonali Bose (Margarita with a Straw), which presents an intimate and candid portrayal of a man asserting control over his final moments.
The festival will also premiere DUI Shaw, a psychological drama by Bangladeshi filmmaker Nuhash Humayun. Blending supernatural horror with South Asian social realities, the screening will be followed by a masterclass with the filmmaker, a former IFFLA shorts alum.
With its diverse slate of compelling films and expanded industry initiatives, IFFLA 2025 promises to be a landmark event, celebrating the vibrancy of South Asian storytelling and cinema on a global stage.
The festival expands Industry Day into a two-day forum connecting South Asian creatives and their projects in development with Hollywood executives, and offering a $10,000 Pitch Competition Grant.
