FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

1. I am a filmmaker and how do I submit my film?

You can use this application as a guide for the information to include: ISAFF Application.

Send VHS NTSC or DVD NTSC to:

ISAFF
1122 East Pike St. Box #960
Seattle, WA 98122-3934

2. Can I still become a sponsor?

Yes! Please write to Rita Meher at rita@tasveer.org for info on sponsorship opportunities.

3. Where is South Asia?

South Asia is group of countries that are culturally, historically, and linguistically connected, and also geographically located in the Indian subcontinent. There are variations on the countries that are included when "South Asia" is referred to, although most include India, Pakistan, and Bangladesh. Some include border countries like Afghanistan, Burma, or Tibet, while other organizations choose not to do that. Tasveer decided to include the countries Afghanistan, Bangladesh, Bhutan, India, Maldives, Nepal, Pakistan, and Sri Lanka based on research, considerations, respect, and recognition for each country and people.

4. Why do you include Afghanistan in your definition of South Asia?

Because Afghanistan is central between South Asia and the Middle East, it often gets lost when regions are classified. Some South Asian organizations include Afghanistan in their mission while others don't. We include it because of its historical significance during the Moghul and British colonial period and its close political, religious, linguistic, and cultural relationship with other South Asian countries. We also include Afghanistan because there is no Seattle based film organization that covers Afghanistan in their mission statement and we did not want this country to be disregarded.

5. My country, language, and/or culture are not represented in the festival. Why is the film festival called "South Asian" but does not cover all the countries listed on the website?

The countries listed are the countries considered to be in the South Asian region and in the mission statement of the presenting organization Tasveer. There is intention and effort to include all the people of South Asia around the globe. But films are selected based on availability, costs, production year, production value, public screening rights, and other logistical factors. Most likely a film from your region/culture/language is not in the festival because it was not feasible for any number of these reasons.

This year we are fortunate to include films from Bhutan and Afghanistan. It is the first time that Tasveer is screening a film from these countries.

Please email us if you know of any independently produced films from your region, culture, or language. You are also welcome to join the festival team for 2005, because you might have more access, knowledge, and language skills to films from your region. And finally, we encourage everyone to learn to make films so that South Asian diversity is reflected in the films available. Contact us if you are interested in filmmaking and need our assistance. Our email for general inquiry is info@tasveer.org.

6. What makes ISAFF unique? ISAFF celebrates the full spectrum of independent South Asian cinema - political documentaries, forums w/ grassroots filmmakers, narrative feature films, experimental short films. ISAFF is also the first to show over twenty-five films in only five days, allowing patrons to fully emerge in independent South Asian cinema. Of course, this can only happen with your support! Please spread the word, attend as many programs as you possiby can, and support us in your own unique way. Thank you!

7. I want to attend LOTS of screenings but I can't afford the pass. Even with the $6 discount, I cannot afford to see all the films that I want to. What can I do?

We don't want anybody to miss a film due to lack of funds. Engagement with the issues is more important than the price of the ticket. It's a peoples' festival. So please write to us at info@tasveer.org and we will explore the options and your specific situation.