South Asian Film, Arts and Literature Festival

May 20 & 21

Australian South Asia Forum Inc. (ASAF) is a not-for-profit established in 2012 with a  view to bringing Australians of South Asian heritage or those with an interest in South Asia (comprising eight nations of Afghanistan, Bangladesh, Bhutan, India, Maldives, Nepal, Pakistan and Sri Lanka) on a single platform with a view to achieving greater cohesion, assimilation, cultural recognition and economic empowerment. Since launch ASAF has grown significantly and achieved many of its objectives of acting as a bridge for the South Asian communities in Australia.


On 20th & 21st May 2017, ASAF will be holding the inaugural South Asian Film, Arts & Literature Festival (SAFAL Fest) in the North Ryde campus of key event partner Macquarie University. This is  a  first  of  its  kind in  the  world  focussed  on  South  Asian  culture  and  arts.  The event  is  being supported by the City of Ryde and the Commonwealth Department of Communications and the Arts. About 4000 people are expected to visit the festival over the two days.


The event will celebrate  and showcase the rich, diverse arts and cultural heritage  of the  South Asian region to the  Australian public, as well positively present the multicultural diversity and depth  of  talent  in  Australia  to  international  audiences,  while  promoting  the  City  of  Ryde  as  a fantastic  destination  for  tourism,  education,  business  and  investment. 

 

The  festival  program includes  overseas  Bollywood  and  Singhalese  film  screenings  and  film  direction  &  acting masterclasses with their directors and artists, a short film competition, author book readings and panel  discussions, creative writing  workshop, artist  exhibitions, performing arts  displays,  local talent quest competition and a  grand SAFAL Awards Night where international luminaires and distinguished persons from the local community will be recognised for their contribution to film, arts and literature in the presence of local, state and federal dignitaries and diplomats.


SAFAL Fest welcomes communities to an inclusive and vibrant celebration of South Asian cultural and artistic  traditions and seeks  Expressions  of  Interest  from  local  communities  and residents in the event. SAFAL Fest offers a unique opportunity to recognise the importance of film, arts and literature in maintaining cultural traditions and exploring new identities in contemporary northern Sydney, and to link community activities to future creative, commercial and scholarly activities across film, arts and literature.