Chicago South Asian Film Festival

Schedule:

8:00 PM: WAKHRI
Wakhri is about a widowed school teacher in Pakistan who becomes a viral sensation overnight when she accidentally unleashes her unabashed opinions on social media. This newfound fame as an unlikely influencer comes with its own challenges as she has to navigate archaic mindsets and secret identities while raising her ten-year-old son in a world where women's right to have a voice and own their own space, physical or online, is a constant challenge. The film draws inspiration from the bravery of individuals like Qandeel Baloch, Pakistan's first social media celebrity who was strangled to death by her brother for bringing disrepute to the family's honour. Qandeel rose to prominence due to her videos on social networks discussing her rights as a Pakistani woman and various controversial issues which were considered bold and outrageous by the conservative Pakistani community. With Wakhri, we aim to support and encourage all those who aspire to be seen and heard.

5:30 PM: SEEN
During an interminable corporate motivational retreat, Anju is accidentally ****** into a portal that leads to a magical subterranean step well. She is terrified. Namita, her colleague, comes looking for her. As they navigate rhizomatic levels of this 15th century structure, they encounter different levels of intimacy: a different way of looking, teasing, testing, and flirting. It's all fun and games until Anju accidentally drops her phone inside the well. Panic turns to contrition when she realises it's Namita's phone that's missing. Namita's reaction opens up for Anju a new way of seeing herself.

4:00 PM: A NIGHT, AFTER ALL
A retired couple, one sleepless night, a game played, a question asked, a decision pending and a life hanging. Is it right to sacrifice everything? Is it wrong to not do the same? Can a caregiver be tired of giving?

Shaam hi toh hai is a story of a night which is dark, lonely yet warm and full of love. Love which exists between its characters that we see and the ones we do not.

Supriya and Kishore are two souls in the twilight of their lives, Supriya being a retired teacher and her husband Kishore a retired railway's officer. Having lived a quiet life in various cities over various transfers, they are now settled in their own house.

But there is someone else who is a part of their life now. Bittu, the 19 year old daughter of Supriya's elder sister is living with them. Her presence in their life creates a dilemma they both are unable to solve.

The story unfolds as the night progresses, sharing with us the vulnerabilities of the human heart, how it falls prey to attachment, and asks us to think about the meaning of sacrifice.

1:00 PM: PAPER FLOWERS
Based on an incredible true story, Shalin Shah, an ambitious USC graduate, leaves behind his loving Indian American family and devoted Taiwanese American girlfriend, Fiona, to pursue his dream of making a difference as a Peace Corps volunteer. However, his life takes a devastating turn when a check-up for a lingering cough reveals a shocking diagnosis: a rare and aggressive form of cancer. Forced to return home and undergo treatment, Shalin confronts the fundamental question: what is the true meaning of life when faced with limited time? PAPER FLOWERS is a poignant and inspirational journey of love, loss, and hope. It serves as a road-map to cherish the moments we have and to remember to stop and enjoy every sunset.

12:00 PM: BETELGEUSE
Betelguese is a brightest star in the constellation Orion, marking the eastern shoulder of the hunter. It derives energy from the other stars in order to survive. This film is a journey of a girl, Chitra, whose life is changed after an accident. Her career, her dreams are destroyed. The film depicts the choice that girl makes with the help of her family and some strangers meeting in the journey of life. She must fight to be a Betelgeuse. And once she is a Betelgeuse, the life becomes more meaningful and brighter.

Additional Credits - Director: Sunder Konar; Executive Producer: Akhil Nayar; Director Of Photography: Mayur Hardas; Music Composer: Arun Raj; Lyrics: Prashant Johari; Writers: Lokesh Singh, Mayur Hardas; Costume Designer: Niha Hardas; Art Director: Moinac Banerjee; Editor: Mayur Hardas, Akshay salve; Singer: Sukhamrit Soin

12:00 PM: GOLD MEDAL
Gold Medal tells the story of a pre-teen boy who discovers a pure gold medal while collecting coins at the river bottom. He believes this newfound treasure will bring him wealth and prosperity. However, his journey with the medal leads him through unexpected challenges,

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