As the New York Indian Film Festival (NYIFF) marks its milestone 25th anniversary this summer, it announced a musical collaboration with Sarod maestros Amaan Ali and Ayaan Ali Bangash, who have composed an original score for the festival’s promotional trailer. Sons of the legendary Sarod grandmaster Ustad Amjad Ali Khan, Amaan and Ayaan, bring to NYIFF a profound musical lineage and contemporary flair, creating a resonant soundscape that captures the emotional heart and cultural depth of Indian cinema.
The exclusive track, now featured across NYIFF’s digital and social media channels, combines the timeless resonance of the Sarod with cinematic percussion, evoking both nostalgia and anticipation for this year's powerful lineup of films.
“We wanted the score to feel intimate yet expansive—like a reflection of Indian independent cinema itself. Just as NYIFF has championed bold voices for 25 years, we hoped our music could mirror the festival’s ability to honor tradition while pushing boundaries. The sound is rooted in the classical idiom, but layered with rhythm and energy to speak to this moment," the artists said in a statement.
With this composition, the Bangash brothers extend their commitment to global musical storytelling and reinforce the festival’s mission of bridging cultures through art. Their contribution serves as a sonic overture to a program featuring 45-plus features, shorts, docs, and a celebration of languages and regions rarely seen on mainstream screens.
“I have had the great privilege of knowing the Khan family for over four decades. Amjad Ali Khan is not just a musical maestro; he is a cultural beacon, and his sons Amaan and Ayaan are carrying that legacy forward with brilliance and grace. Their contribution to NYIFF this year is deeply personal for me. It is a beautiful testament to their artistry and to the enduring friendship we share. I am immensely proud to see their music uplift this landmark moment in our festival’s journey,” said Dr Nirmal Mattoo, Chairman of the Indo-American Arts Council.
New masterclasses announced
(Graphic courtesy: NYIFF.US)
In addition to its cinematic offerings, NYIFF 2025 will host two compelling masterclass conversations with trailblazing voices in the industry. Acclaimed filmmaker and showrunner Smriti Mundhra will reflect on navigating storytelling across formats—from deeply personal documentaries to breakout global hits like 'Indian Matchmaking'.
Renowned filmmaker Anurag Kashyap returns to NYIFF as a director and producer. In this candid conversation, Kashyap will share his insights on the shifting sands of Indian cinema and the intersection of art and commerce.
The 2025 New York Indian Film Festival runs June 20–22 at the Village East by Angelika, featuring premieres from acclaimed directors including Anurag Kashyap, Goutam Ghose, and Rima Das, with all films subtitled in English.
Presented by the Indo-American Arts Council, NYIFF is the oldest and most respected US festival dedicated to Indian independent cinema. Now in its 25th year, the festival continues to champion cinematic storytelling that is daring, diverse, and deeply human.
(Tickets, schedules, and full programming are available at nyiff.us)
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'Tanvi the Great' to make North American debut on June 19Fresh off its global debut at the Cannes Marché du Film, 'Tanvi the Great', directed and produced by screen legend Anupam Kher, will make its North American premiere on June 19 in New York City, the NYIFF announced. Starring Shubhangi in a breakout role alongside Anupam Kher, Iain Glen, Jackie Shroff, Boman Irani, Arvind Swami, Pallavi Joshi, Karan Tacker, and Nasser. 'Tanvi the Great' tells the inspiring story of a young autistic woman who, against all odds, sets out to complete the mission her late father never could—reaching the world’s highest battlefield. A deeply personal and moving portrait of resilience, the film was inspired by Kher’s own niece and features a sweeping score by Academy Award winner M M Keeravani and sound design by Academy Award winner Resul Pookutty. “'Tanvi the Great' is a powerful and inspiring film that reaffirms the transformative power of storytelling,” said Rakesh Kaul, Vice Chairman of the Indo-American Arts Council. Directed with heart and cinematic vision, the film marks Kher’s return behind the camera and continues his legacy of telling stories that bridge continents, cultures, and generations. “It is a matter of great honor for me and my team that 'Tanvi The Great' will have its gala premiere at the prestigious New York Indian Film Festival. The festival has long championed not just cinematic brilliance, but stories that hold a mirror to society," Kher said. |
