Center for Indic Films has announced a transformative shift into a dual-festival model, launching the INDICA DALLAS FILM UTSAV and INDICA HERITAGE FILM UTSAV to enhance global access to culturally rooted cinema.
The Center for Indic Films has unveiled a significant transformation as it enters its seventh year. Following six successful years of the Indic Film Utsav, which included four years as a pioneering OTT festival and two years as a physical theatrical festival in Dallas, the initiative is evolving into a dual-festival model. This marks a new chapter in its journey to promote meaningful storytelling rooted in Indic culture.
Over the past six years, the Indic Film Utsav has screened more than 350 films, establishing itself as a unique platform for culturally significant narratives. The festival has garnered a reputation for showcasing films that reflect the rich tapestry of Indic storytelling.
Beginning this year, the initiative will operate as two distinct festivals: the INDICA DALLAS FILM UTSAV and the INDICA HERITAGE FILM UTSAV.
The INDICA DALLAS FILM UTSAV is a three-day, in-person theatrical festival that will be held annually in Dallas every November. The upcoming edition is scheduled for November 13-15, 2026, at the Galaxy Theaters in Dallas, Texas.
In contrast, the INDICA HERITAGE FILM UTSAV will be an online festival available 24/7, dedicated to civilizational, cultural, and heritage-driven cinema. The next edition of this global online festival is set for March 11-14, 2027.
This dual-format approach reflects a strategic shift aimed at expanding the festival’s reach while deepening its impact. By creating both a physical destination for cinematic experiences and a digital platform for global accessibility, the Center for Indic Films aims to celebrate meaningful storytelling.
“Cinema is one of the most powerful media to preserve and transmit civilizational knowledge. At INDICA, we strongly believe in the power of positive cinema—stories that uplift, inspire, and reflect the deeper values of our civilization,” said Hari Vadlamani, Founder of INDICA. “With this dual-format evolution, we are creating both a global digital platform and a vibrant physical gathering space to celebrate such meaningful storytelling.”
The Dallas-based INDICA DALLAS FILM UTSAV will continue to provide an immersive theatrical experience, bringing together filmmakers, audiences, and thought leaders. Meanwhile, the INDICA HERITAGE FILM UTSAV will serve as a curated online space for films that delve into deeper civilizational themes, making them accessible to a worldwide audience.
“Each festival is designed with a clear audience in mind and delivers distinct value,” explained Danji Thotapalli, Chief Curator and Co-founder of the Center for Indic Films. “The Dallas event offers a wholesome, immersive film festival experience for local audiences, featuring Indic films across features, documentaries, and shorts, along with workshops, contests, and filmmaker socials. The online event, on the other hand, caters to a global audience through a 24/7, anytime-anywhere model, ensuring these important stories are accessible beyond geographic boundaries.”
This transition underscores the Center for Indic Films’ ongoing commitment to championing independent filmmakers and curating cinema that emphasizes hope, human values, cultural depth, and artistic courage. This dedication aligns with its identity as a Festival of Positive Cinema.
For further details on submissions, programming, and festival timelines, please visit the Center for Indic Films’ website at cif.indica.in.
The INDICA DALLAS FILM UTSAV will take place from November 13-15, 2026, at Galaxy Theaters in Dallas, Texas, while the INDICA HERITAGE FILM UTSAV is scheduled for March 11-14, 2027.
According to India Currents, this evolution in festival structure aims to enhance the accessibility and appreciation of Indic cinema on a global scale.