The Chicago South Asian Film Festival (CSAFF) returns for its 16th year with a Red Carpet designed for media coverage and fan excitement. The Red Carpet begins at 6:00 PM on Friday, September 19, at AMC River East, bringing international talent to Chicago for photo ops and interviews.
Headlining this year’s red-carpet arrivals are Manish Malhotra (producer of Saali Mohabbat), Pratik Gandhi (star of Ghamasaan), Trupti Bhoir (actor of Paro), and Uttera Singh (writer–director–star of Pinch), Dipak Tijori (Echoes of Us), Rumana Molla (actor-director Minimum), Faraz Ansari (director Bun Tikki). Additional filmmakers and cast from across South Asia and the diaspora are slated to attend. (Talent subject to availability.)
Select programming this year is presented in association with Jio Studios, as CSAFF continues to expand its platform for bold, contemporary South Asian cinema.
Spotlight Presentations
Opening Night — Saali Mohabbat A gripping new feature directed by Tisca Chopra, starring Radhika Apte and Divyenndu, and produced by Manish Malhotra. The premiere anchors Friday night’s festivities at AMC River East.
Centerpiece — Ghamasaan A tense and socially resonant drama directed by Tigmanshu Dhulia, led by Pratik Gandhi with Arshad Warsi—underscoring CSAFF’s commitment to powerful, issue-driven storytelling.
Closing Night — Pinch Uttera Singh’s acclaimed debut (writer–director–star) blends dark humor with a cathartic story of agency and accountability, capping the festival with an unforgettable finale.
A Festival of Forms — Features, Documentaries & Animation
CSAFF presents an expansive slate spanning narrative features, documentary films, shorts, and animated works, alongside artist Q&As and special events. Programming highlights stories centered on the rights and experiences of women, minorities, and LGBTQ+ communities, and showcases award-winning regional cinema.
New This Year: A Suburban Launch Day
For the very first time, the Chicago South Asian Film Festival is bringing its programming to the suburbs. Full day of screenings at The Matrix Club in Naperville on Sunday, September 14th.
Where & When
Sunday, September 14 — The Matrix Club (Naperville): Full day of screenings (festival’s first-ever suburban program).
September 18–21 — AMC River East (Chicago): Weeklong festival screenings and events.
Red Carpet — 6:00 PM, Friday, September 19, at AMC River East.
For the full schedlue, tickets, and more info visit here.
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