As the New York Indian Film Festival (NYIFF) gears up to celebrate its 25th anniversary this summer, the festival has unveiled a unique musical collaboration with renowned Sarod maestros Amaan Ali Bangash and Ayaan Ali Bangash. The brothers, sons of the legendary Ustad Amjad Ali Khan, have composed an original score exclusively for the festival’s official trailer, adding a stirring musical dimension to the milestone celebration.
The evocative score, blending the timeless elegance of the Sarod with cinematic percussion, has been released across NYIFF’s digital platforms. It serves as both a tribute to the legacy of Indian independent cinema and a bold nod to its evolving future.
“We wanted the score to feel intimate yet expansive—like a reflection of Indian independent cinema itself,” the artists shared in a joint statement. “The sound is rooted in the classical idiom, but layered with rhythm and energy to speak to this moment.”
Festival organizers describe the composition as a “sonic overture” to a lineup of over 45 films, including features, documentaries, and shorts representing diverse languages and regions of India rarely portrayed on mainstream platforms.
Dr. Nirmal Mattoo, Chairman of the Indo-American Arts Council, which presents NYIFF, expressed heartfelt appreciation for the collaboration. “I have had the great privilege of knowing the Khan family for over four decades,” said Dr. Mattoo. “Amaan and Ayaan carry forward their father’s legacy with grace and brilliance. Their contribution is a beautiful testament to their artistry and a personal highlight for me.”
Suman Gollamudi, Executive Director of the Indo-American Arts Council, echoed the sentiment. “Having Amaan and Ayaan compose the signature score for our 25th year is an immense honor. Their music elevates not only our trailer but the entire message of the festival—it celebrates legacy, experimentation, and artistic courage.”
Festival Highlights and Masterclasses
In addition to its dynamic film programming, NYIFF 2025 will feature exclusive masterclasses with two leading figures in Indian cinema:
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Smriti Mundhra, acclaimed director and producer of Indian Matchmaking and Oscar-nominated shorts, will share insights on navigating global storytelling across formats.
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Anurag Kashyap, renowned filmmaker, will speak candidly about the current state of Indian cinema, addressing the challenges faced by Bollywood, streaming platforms, and independent films.
Festival Dates and Venue
NYIFF 2025 will take place from June 20 to 22 at the Village East by Angelika in Manhattan. The festival will feature premieres from acclaimed filmmakers including Anurag Kashyap, Goutam Ghose, and Rima Das. All films will be screened with English subtitles.
For tickets, full programming, and masterclass registration, visit nyiff.us.
About NYIFF
Presented by the Indo-American Arts Council, the New York Indian Film Festival is the longest-running and most prestigious U.S. festival dedicated to Indian independent cinema. Now in its 25th year, NYIFF continues to champion daring, diverse, and deeply human storytelling from across the Indian subcontinent.