SAFAL Fest – a festival of South Asian Films, Arts and Literature seeks local talent

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. Individuals   and   groups   who   would   like   to   perform,   participate   in   or contribute to the festival are welcome in the following programs:

Short Film Competition ”“ Films must be upto 7 minutes total length produced in 2014 or after and must have a strong South Asian theme or with a key crew or cast member being of South Asian heritage. Multiple prizes on offer.

Australia’s South Asian Talent Quest ”“ Any act, dance or song item of length between 3 to 5 minutes, performed as a single or in groups of upto 10 persons. No greater than 5 minutes per item. Multiple prizes on offer.

Arts & Crafts Exhibition ”“ exhibition space on offer.

Drama,   Dance,   Music   performances   ”“   5   spots   of   45   minutes   and   5   spots   of   30   minutes available.

Literary Book Readings ”“ 6 spots of 45 minutes for book readings & Q&A

Individuals, students, community and groups with an interest or links with South Asia, are invited to submit proposals for performance, exhibition or volunteering to safal@asaf.org.au. SAFAL Fest committee   will   shortlist   and   select   performances   and   content   that   meets   its   guidelines   and schedule. Check their website for more information: www.asaf.org.au/safal for details.

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