The 6th Indic Film Utsav will showcase a diverse lineup of films celebrating human resilience and cultural richness from November 7–9, 2025, in Dallas, Texas.
The Indic Film Utsav (IFU) has announced its lineup for the 6th edition, titled The Festival of Positive Cinema. This year’s festival aims to showcase films that inspire, uplift, and celebrate human resilience across various cultures.
Scheduled to take place from November 7 to 9, 2025, the festival will be held at the Galaxy Theater at the Grandscape in The Colony, Dallas, Texas. Since its inception in 2020 as an OTT festival, the Indic Film Utsav has evolved into a fully theatrical experience, reflecting the growing Indian community in the Dallas area.
The festival will kick off on November 7 with the North American premiere of *American Warrior*, directed by Gustavo Martin Benites. This gripping narrative features an Indian American protagonist, portrayed by Vishy Ayyar, who is compelled to confront his past. Following the screening, there will be a Q&A session with the filmmaker and cast.
This year’s festival features a diverse array of narrative features, short films, student works, and documentaries presented in English, Hindi, Marathi, Telugu, Kannada, Konkani, and Bengali, all with English subtitles. Approximately twenty films have been selected from over 1,350 entries submitted to the festival.
Audiences will have the opportunity to experience cinema deeply rooted in the textures of India and its neighboring regions. The festival includes a searing exposé on Hindu phobia titled *Caste Gate – The Untold Story* by Vikram Mishra, alongside the lyrical Bengali feature *Ahana – The Light Within* by Promita Bhowmick. These films embrace narratives that are both urgent and timeless.
Other notable films include *6A Akash Ganga*, directed by Nirmal Chander, which explores the musical heritage of the legendary musician Annapurna Devi, and *Rhythm of Dammam* by Jayan Cherian, which delves into cultural heritage. Additionally, *Jaar* by Phurba Tshering Lama transports viewers to 19th-century Nepal.
Films such as *87 Rupees Ink Pen* and *Aata Tu Motha Jhalas* capture themes of childlike innocence, survival, and the dilemmas of growing up. Short films like *All Water is Holy Water* and *Cowboys and Hindus* highlight resilience, identity, and cultural exchange. Two student shorts, *Bhamakalapam* and *Lady Bird! Together*, reflect the diversity and vitality that define Indic cinema.
Now in its sixth year, the Indic Film Utsav has established itself as a global platform for independent filmmakers who champion cinema rooted in empathy, dignity, and hope. In addition to film screenings, the festival will host Q&A sessions, networking opportunities with participating filmmakers, and special events aimed at engaging the wider Dallas film-loving community.
Danji Thotapalli, Co-founder and Chief Curator of Indic Film Utsav, stated, “The Indic Film Utsav is more than a weekend of screenings — it’s a celebration of stories that uplift, connect, and inspire. Every film we select reflects our core belief in the power of cinema to highlight the human spirit and spark meaningful conversations. In a world often clouded by negativity, our festival offers a refreshing space to discover hopeful, culturally rich, and creative voices from India and beyond.”
For more information about the festival, visit the official website of the 6th Indic Film Utsav.
Source: Original article