6th Indic Film Utsav
Awards
Jury Wards
Best Feature Film: Jaar, Dir. Phurba Tshering Lama
Best Documentary: Caste Gate – The Untold Story, Dir. Vikram Mishra
Best Short Film: Bhamakalapam, Dir. Likhitha Krishna
Special Jury Mention (Feature): 87 Rupees Ink Pen, Dir. Ravi Nimbalkar
Audience Choice Awards
Best Feature: Ahana – The Light Within, Dir. Promita Bhowmik
Best Documentary: Devi – A Woven History, Dir. Manas Holkar
Best Short: Cowboys and Hindus, Dir. Tejal Desai
A celebration of uplifting and hopeful Indic storytelling
Opening Night Screening American Warrior
EXPLORE THIS
YEAR’S LINEUP
Galaxy Theater @ Grandscape
5740 Grandscape Blvd, The Colony, Dallas 75056 TX
Opening NIght Film
Dallas PREMIERE
Screening followed by Q&A with filmmakers
Narrative
features
Showcase
documentary
Dallas Premiere
Screening followed by Q&A with filmmakers
Documentary
Bundle
Shorts Program 1
Shorts Program 2
Closing Night Film
Dallas PREMIERE
Screening followed by Q&A with filmmakers
Events
Opening Night Gala
CineSparks Contest Finale
Filmmaker Social
Jury Awards
Emerging
Voices
Student Shorts
Tickets
Best value
ALL ACCESS PATRON PASS
Ticket gives access to the entire 3-day program of the 6th Indic Film Utsav without exceptions for one person with VIP seating.
-
$50
-
OPENING NIGHT GALA & SCREENING PASS
This ticket gives you access to the Opening Night Event for one person.
-
$30
-
SATURDAY DAY PASS
This ticket gives you access to the entire day of Saturday program of the 6th Indic Film Utsav for one person.
-
$30
-
SUNDAY DAY PASS
This ticket gives you access to the entire day of Sunday program of the 6th Indic Film Utsav for one person.
-
$30
-
INDIVIDUAL SCREENING PASS
This ticket gives you access to any one screening on either Saturday or Sunday for one person.
-
$10
-
6A Akash Ganga
A journey through the life of 'Surbahar' legend Annapurna Devi, by her disciple Nityanand Haldipur, the bansuri master. At the end the question that begs an answer- can a musician exist with an audience?
- Date Nov 9th
- Time 8:30 PM
- Language Hindi, Bengali
- Runtime (mins) 80
- Director Nirmal Chander
- Producer Annapurna Devi Foundation
- Writer Nirmal Chander
- Cinematographer C K Muralidharan
- Editor Nirmal Chander
- Music Director Suresh Rajamani. Boby John
- Lead Cast Nityanand Haldipur
Opening Night Gala
Red Carpet Event in the lobby with guests and filmmakers celebrating the opening of the 6th Indic Film Utsav
- Date Nov 7
- Time 5:00 PM
CineSparks Contest Finale
Event celebrating the finalists of the CineSparks Ultrashort Film Contest and announcement of winners
- Date Nov 8
- Time 11 AM - 1.30 PM
Filmmaker Social
Panel discussion with established filmmakers. TOPIC: Telling Indian stories from the US to a global audience.
- Date Nov 9
- Time 11 AM - 1.30 PM
Jury Awards
Event announcing winners of Jury Awards in all 3 categories
- Date Nov 9
- Time 8 PM
Rhythym of Dammam
Twelve-year-old Jayaram Siddi is haunted by his late grandfather's spirit. He loses touch with reality. His family embraces tribal rituals and Dammam music to restore his balance and address inter-generational trauma.
- Date Nov 9th
- Time 6:30 PM
- Language Konkani
- Runtime (mins) 95
- Director Jayan Cherian
- Producer Jayan Cherian
- Writer Jayan Cherian
- Cinematographer Sabin Uralikandy
- Editor Sunilkumar P K
- Music Director Shinos Rahman
- Lead Cast Chinmaya Siddi, Girija Siddi, Mohan Siddi, Nagaraj Siddi
Ahana – The Light Within
Ahana – The Light Within follows a young author whose marriage unravels under the weight of infertility and patriarchy. As her success challenges traditional roles, she confronts silence, judgment, and inner turmoil. Through courage and honesty, Ahana discovers resilience and the inner light that redefines her identity.
- Date Nov 8th
- Time 8:30 PM
- Language Bengali
- Runtime (mins) 95
- Director Promita Bhowmik
- Producer Promita Bhowmik, Sankar Basu
- Writer Promita Bhowmik
- Cinematographer Joydeep Bhowmik
- Editor Sankhajit Biswas
- Music Director Soumya Chatterjee, Sabyasachi Pal
- Lead Cast Sudipta Chakraborty, Joy Sengupta, Senjuti Roy Mukherjee
American Warrior
Jai, an Indian-American with a past and former amateur MMA fighter working as a janitor, gets a second chance after stopping a robbery. Overnight hero, he’s drawn back into fighting, seeking redemption. As fame, family, and identity collide, Jai must overcome his past to reclaim his future.
- Date Nov 7th
- Time 7 PM
- Language English
- Runtime (mins) 95
- Director Gustavo Martin Benites
- Producer Naveen A. Chathapuram, Cristy Coors Beasley, Rashaana Shah
- Writer Gustavo Martin, Matt Anthony
- Cinematographer Derek Fisher
- Editor Christopher Cibelli
- Music Director Darren Morze
- Lead Cast Vishy Ayyar, Danny Trejo, Veronica Falcon, Andrew Gray
87 Rupees Ink Pen
Set in rural Maharashtra, 87 Rupees Ink Pen follows a young schoolboy’s heartfelt quest to buy an ink pen worth ?87. Through his struggles, small triumphs, and innocent humor, the film captures the dreams, challenges, and aspirations of childhood—where even the simplest object carries profound meaning.
- Date Nov 8th
- Time 4 PM
- Language Marathi
- Runtime (mins) 95
- Director Ravi Nimbalkar
- Producer ShreeGanesh Productions
- Writer Sanket Awale
- Cinematographer Harish Sukumaran
- Editor Rishikesh Chavan
- Music Director Raju Chandgude
- Lead Cast Sairaj Sarde, Vrunda Baal
Jaar
Set in early 19th rural Nepal, Jaar unfolds a tale of love, loss, and the invisible ties that bind generations. When ancestral obligations collide with forbidden desires, hidden truths resurface, forcing a reckoning with memory, tradition, and destiny. A haunting story of bonds that neither time nor silence can sever.
- Date Nov 9th
- Time 3 PM
- Language Nepali
- Runtime (mins) 115
- Director Phurba Tshering Lama
- Producer Ferry Tale Pictures
- Writer Phurba Tshering Lama
- Cinematographer Saravanan Elavarasu
- Editor Akhilesh Rai
- Music Director Ganga Thapa
- Lead Cast Geetanjali Thapa, Saugat Malla, Anoop Bikram Shahi
CasteGate – The Untold Story
In this powerful 90-minute documentary that investigates a 2020 lawsuit filed by the California Civil Rights Department against tech executives Sundar Iyer, Ramana Kompella, and their employer Cisco Systems, the filmmakers expose allegations of large-scale caste discrimination and lay bare false narratives, media bias, and misuse of state power targeting Hindu Americans.
- Date Nov 8th
- Time 6:30 PM
- Language English
- Runtime (mins) 90
- Director Vikram Mishra
- Producer Ficus Media, The Big Film Company
- Writer Ravi Rajan, Vikram Mishra
- Cinematographer V. Singh
- Editor Sanjeev Monga
- Music Director Vipin Mishra
Devi – A Woven History
Devi: A Woven History explores the legacy of the Maheshwari saree and its intertwining with Devi Ahilyabai Holkar’s vision. Through the tapestry of craft, royalty, and regional identity, the documentary reveals how this handwoven saree reflects centuries of cultural heritage and women’s artistry.
- Date Nov 8th
- Time 2 PM
- Language Hindi
- Runtime (mins) 20
- Director Manas Holkar
- Producer Manas Holkar
- Writer Manas Holkar, Akshay Kushwah
Theyyam – Dance of the Gods
Theyyam: Dance of the Gods immerses viewers in Kerala’s ritual-art form of Theyyam, where performers embody divine spirits. Through vibrant costumes, trance, and centuries-old songs, the documentary reveals how communities sustain identity, devotion, and cultural memory—showcasing faith blended with fierce beauty in the dance between mortal and sacred.
- Date Nov 8th
- Time 2 PM
- Language Malayalam
- Runtime (mins) 30
- Director Shriganesh Joglekar
- Producer Photo Darpan
Voices of Change
Voices of Change amplifies stories of resilience and transformation from communities on the margins. Through personal narratives, struggles, and collective action, the documentary captures how ordinary individuals confront injustice and imagine better futures. It is both testimony and call, weaving voices into a shared vision of change.
- Date Nov 8th
- Time 2 PM
- Language Marathi
- Runtime (mins) 50
- Director Sandeep Rasal, Swapnil Sakhare
- Producer Coro India
- Writer Trupti Kadam
- Cinematographer Sandeep Rasal , Swapnil Sakhare
- Editor Sandeep Rasal
- Music Director A Shamaluev Music, Scott Buckley
- Lead Cast Rasika Margaye, Kashinath Salam, Indira Vadhai,
Aata tu Motha Jhalas
In today's age of smartphones and social media, a nine-year-old wearing a Janeyu is a symbol of distinctiveness for himself.
- Date Nov 9th
- Time 5 PM
- Language Marathi
- Runtime (mins) 15
- Director Kiran Dhamale
- Producer Madhura Tapre
- Writer Shardul Nimbalkar, Kiran Dhamale
- Cinematographer Parag Sawant
- Editor Kiran Dhamale
- Music Director Yashraj Awekar
- Lead Cast Aarhat Arjavi, Angad Patwardhan, Divya Parte
All Water is Holy Water
An isolated elderly middle-class woman, finds unexpected companionship in her maid’s son who has special needs.Who is mentally challenged?
- Date Nov 9th
- Time 5 PM
- Language Kannada
- Runtime (mins) 25
- Director Yashiva Malligar
- Producer Vihangama Studios
- Writer Yashiva Malligar
- Cinematographer Sumantha Sharma
- Editor Manoj Bankanal
- Music Director Chetan Kumar
- Lead Cast Yashiva Malligar, Lilavati Basavaraj
Betelgeuse
Like a dying star becomes a mirror for human fragility, Betelgeuse explores cosmic wonder, mortality, and the timeless search for meaning.
- Date Nov 9th
- Time 5 PM
- Language Hindi
- Runtime (mins) 25
- Director Sunder Konar
- Producer Ramsun Film & Ignited Creation
- Writer Lokesh Singh, Mayur Hardas
- Cinematographer Mayur Hardas
- Editor Akshay Salve, Mayur Hardas
- Music Director Arun Raj
- Lead Cast Gayatri Datar, Ankit Nayar
Irani Café
In a fading café, hope is served with a side of deception. And Bombay spreads its magic!
- Date Nov 9th
- Time 5 PM
- Language English
- Runtime (mins) 10
- Director Shankar Kamble
- Producer Climb Films
- Writer Shahnawaz Khan, Hemal
- Cinematographer Jatin Shankar, Shekhar Kamble
- Editor Nilesh Mulye
- Music Director Kartik Kulkarni
- Lead Cast Serena Walia, Ramachandra Kamble, Donald
Basanti Tailors
In the small Himalayan village, Basanti runs a tailoring shop with her young granddaughter. And a t-shirt steps in!
- Date Nov 9th
- Time 2 PM
- Language Hindi
- Runtime (mins) 20
- Director Ajay Govind
- Producer Drishyam Films and Azim Premji Foundation
- Writer Ajay Govind
- Cinematographer Tanweer Ahmed
- Editor Chaitanya Devarakonda
- Music Director Nitin Krishna Menon
- Lead Cast Sohaila Kapur, Radha Bhatt, Alaina
Cowboys and Hindus
Two women, two cultures collide on a Texas ranch—discovering grit, friendship, and unexpected identity.
- Date Nov 9th
- Time 2 PM
- Language English
- Runtime (mins) 20
- Director Tejal Desai
- Producer Milro Productions and Banskota Productions
- Writer Tejal Desai
- Cinematographer E.J Enriquez
- Editor Danny Keinarth, Joseph Santa Cruz
- Music Director Aditya Rao
- Lead Cast Priya Deva, Cassie Hunt
Sunny Man
6-year old Sunny dreams of owning a Spiderman school bag. But when his parents can’t afford it, he takes matters into his own little hands.
- Date Nov 9th
- Time 2 PM
- Language Telugu
- Runtime (mins) 7
- Director Sandeep Reddy Sama
- Producer Bangar Reddy Sama
- Writer Sandeep Reddy Sama
- Cinematographer Mythravarun J
- Editor Mythravarun J
- Music Director Naren RK Sidhartha
- Lead Cast Hanu Vihar, Chandu Jadav
The Taste of Dreams
Tomthin, a determined 23-year-old wants to transforms his late mother’s passion for cooking into a colorful ramen food truck.
- Date Nov 9th
- Time 2 PM
- Language Manipuri
- Runtime (mins) 12
- Director Bijou Thaangjam
- Producer Cicada Film Production
- Writer Bijou Thaangjam
- Cinematographer Niranda Ngangom
- Editor Bonny Ningthouja
- Music Director Raju Mutum
- Lead Cast Luwang Yumlembam, Atila Lairikyengbam
Ek Se Anek (The Lady Bird)
Chukchuk and Asha, rely on each other after their father's death. With Asha's marriage getting fixed, will Chukchuk be able to ride her cycle?
- Date Nov 8th
- Time 8:30 PM
- Language Hindi
- Runtime (mins) 25
- Director Shivi Ghakher
- Producer Gauri Durga Chakraborty
- Writer Aroma Thakur, Ahad Khaleeq
- Cinematographer Abhipray Pandey
- Editor Kabir Choudhary
- Music Director Agam Singh
- Lead Cast Navitaa Ghakher, Aaradhya Verma, Chetna Sarser, Ankush Alam
Bhamakalapam
A girl honors a forgotten heroine through puppetry, discovering courage, friendship, and the blurred line between myth and reality.
- Date Nov 8th
- Time 4 PM
- Language Telugu
- Runtime (mins) 20
- Director Likhitha Krishna
- Producer Annapurna College of Film and Media
- Writer Likhitha Krishna
- Cinematographer S S Shashank Reddy
- Editor Amartya Saha
- Music Director BV Harsha
- Lead Cast Saranya Sharma, Likhitha Srinivas