OPENING NIGHT GALA - APRIL 10, 7:30 PM

The 10th Anniversary of the Indian Film Festival of Los Angeles will raise its curtain with the world premiere of the period drama CHITTAGONG directed by Bedabrata Pain and starring award-winning actor Manoj Bajpayee (PINJAR). The film is set against the backdrop of 1930's British-occupied Chittagong on the brink of a youth led revolution, and tells the story of 14-year-old Jhunka who comes of age as he is faced with the ultimate questions of sacrifice, love, and the quest for true freedom.

During our opening red carpet, be sure to check out the Rhythm Village stage showcasing, Noah Silverstein, creating a mural that will be showcased throughout the week of the festival.

Following the films, there will be a reception at Roxbury in Hollywood (1661 Ivar Avenue, Los Angeles, CA 90028). The Opening Night Gala is sponsored by IFFLA's long time sponsors, Wells Fargo and Chakra Cuisine with music provided by DJ Amit Kotecha, co-owner of 3D Sounds. A special for 2012: A tenth anniversary photobooth generously sponsored by Yelp and Snapfiesta so you can capture the excitement of opening night and take it home with you.

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5TH ANNUAL IFFLA INDUSTRY LEADERSHIP AWARDS - April 12, 12:00 PM

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5th Annual IFFLA Industry Leadership Awards presented to
Kishore Lulla, Michelle Satter and Alesia Weston
HFPA's Ahmed Lateef to receive Lifetime Achievement Award

The IFFLA Industry Leadership Awards were created to recognize the achievements of industry executives who have had a substantial and personal impact on the creation and distribution of Indian themed content globally and have led the expansion of the entertainment and media industry in India. This year we honor three individuals who have demonstrated extraordinary leadership within and in relation to the Indian entertainment community.

Kishore Lulla, Group Executive Chairman of Eros International, the largest fully integrated film and Entertainment Company in India, has been instrumental in spearheading the growth of Eros International Group. Since the 1980's he has expanded the company's presence in the UK, USA, Europe, Middle East, Australia, Fiji, and other international markets. He is a member of the British Academy of Film and Television Arts ("BAFTA") a member of the Young Presidents' Organization and also a board member of the University of California, Los Angeles Film School ("UCLA"). In 2010 Lulla and his family created the Eros Foundation to aid in children's education in the poorest regions throughout India.

Michelle Satter is the founding director of the Sundance Institute's Feature Film Program. As part of the Leadership Team, Satter has been one of the chief architects of the Institute's programs since 1981. Through the Feature Film Program, a year-round program of Lab residencies, artist granting and the project support continuum, she has supported the ground-breaking and award-winning filmmakers Benh Zeitlin (Beasts of the Southern Wild), Sean Durkin (Martha Marcy May Marlene), Kimberly Peirce (Boys Don't Cry), John Cameron Mitchell (Hedwig and the Angry Inch), Quentin Tarantino (Reservoir Dogs), Paul T. Anderson (Hard Eight) and Darren Aronofsky (Requiem for a Dream), among many others. Satter was responsible for establishing the Institute's international initiatives in Latin America, Europe, and the Middle East. Most recently, Satter along with Alesia Weston developed Sundance Institute's multi-faceted collaboration with Mahindra, which includes the annual Sundance Institute/Mahindra Global Filmmaking Award and the Mumbai Mantra/Sundance Institute Screenwriters Lab in India. She has served on the Boards of the Independent Feature Project, MAISHA, and Equinoxe.

Alesia Weston leads the international work of Sundance Institute's year-round Feature Film Program. She oversees the Sundance/NHK Award, the Sundance Institute/Mahindra Global Filmmaking Award and selects international filmmakers for the Institute's Screenwriters and Directors Labs. Under her leadership, the International program has worked to build infrastructure in other regions to support filmmakers locally. Through Sundance's Middle East Film Initiative, she's worked closely with the Royal Film Commission of Jordan to establish RAWI Middle East Screenwriters Lab. Additionally, she spearheaded and led the Sundance in Tel Aviv and Sundance in Istanbul Screenwriters Labs. Weston initiated and along with Michelle Satter, developed Sundance Institute's multi-faceted collaboration with Mahindra which just launched the first Mumbai Mantra/Sundance Institute Screenwriters Lab in India. She is part of the core team at Sundance working on Film Forward: Advancing Cultural dialogue, a partnership between the Institute and the President's Committee on the Arts and Humanities.

Ahmed Lateef began his film career in California in 1951. Since 1969 he has directed over a thousand commercials. Since the late sixties, Lateef has been a member of the Hollywood Foreign Press Association for, the Films Editor's Union (IATSE Local 776), and the Directors Guild of America.

The Awards presenters are Teri Schwartz, Dean, UCLA School of Theater, Film and Television, Noel De Souza, HFPA & SAG member, screenwriter Howard Rodman, and Adam Moore, Interim National Director of Affirmative Action & Diversity, Screen Actors Guild and AFTRA.

The Awards will be presented at a Gala Luncheon on Thursday, April 12, 2012, at the world famous House of Blues Los Angeles. Fresh off the critical and audience success of Himalaya Song, her multimedia project which premiered at the 2012 Sundance Film Festival and was voted one on the 10 Best Music Films at Sundance by Rolling Stone, vocalist/double violinist Gingger Shankar returns to IFFLA for the 10th Anniversary of the festival. She will be providing a sneak peak at her brand new live show which will kick off this fall. With technical and lighting director Maarten Cornelis and songs from her forthcoming new album 'Beautiful Imperfections' as well as music from her extensive soundtrack work (including Passion of the Christ and Circumstance).

The Awards presenters are Teri Schwartz, Dean, UCLA School of Theater, Film and Television, Noel De Souza, HFPA & SAG member, screenwriter Howard Rodman, and David White, National Director, Screen Actors Guild.

The afternoon is hosted by Subha Ravindran

Subha Ravindhran is a general assignment reporter and fill-in anchor for ABC7 Eyewitness News – the #1 news station in Southern California. For the past 6 years, Subha has covered everything from the Academy Awards to wildfires to politics. She began her career in TV news more than a decade ago after graduating from USC and has worked in Amarillo, Texas, Fresno, California and San Francisco. Subha grew up in the San Francisco Bay Area but is proud to now call Los Angeles her home.

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FAMILY DAY - SATURDAY, APRIL 14, 12:00 PM

ArcLight Courtyard

Come one, come all to our special Family Day! IFFLA is proud to host children of all ages, (and their parents, too) for an exciting slate of activities and films curated with the pint-sized film fan in mind. From fun and engaging film selections like WATCH INDIAN CIRCUS and GATTU, to a fun Bollywood dance lesson for budding heroes and heroines, IFFLA 2012's Family Day program is sure to delight all ages. Celebrate, Captivate, and Connect with your little ones at IFFLA Family Day!

12:00 FILM SCREENING OF GATTU
Tickets: $14/adults, $10 (12 years and under)

Gattu, a fierce and precocious little street urchin, takes matters into his own hands when one day he's had enough of the ridicule and day-to-day toil of his life.

GATTU has delighted audiences at festivals around the world, earning a special mention at the 2012 Berlin International Film Festival. Buy tickets now! (BPT Link)

FREE TO ALL IN THE ARCLIGHT HOLLYWOOD COURTYARD

1:30pm - 2:15pm STORY TIME
Join us for a SAG actor-led reading of The Very Hungry Lion, a beautifully illustrated award-winning children's folktale based on an ancient East Indian fable.

2:15pm - 3:15pm ARTS & CRAFTS
Movers and shakers in LA's art scene stop by to lead a mixed media arts and crafts project with an Indian theme. Contribute to our mural or create a special take-home piece. All materials provided.

3:15pm - 4:00pm BOLLYWOOD DANCE LESSONS
Calling all future Hindi heroes and heroines! An exclusive Bollywood dance class designed just for your pint-sized star! Learn simple moves and then have the opportunity to show them off in a debut performance at IFFLA. Explore the movement and creativity within this unique, fun, and easy-to-learn form of dance. Courtesy of IFFLA's Rhythm Village.

SEMINAR - Sunday, April 15, 11:30 AM

"Aiming High: The Personal Journeys of Three Indian-American Industry Leaders"

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The Indian diaspora is only a few generations old in the US, yet Indian-Americans are already gaining significant recognition within the world of mainstream American media. In front of the camera, shows and movies like "The Big Bang Theory," SLUMDOG MILLIONAIRE, "Outsourced," THE NAMESAKE, "Heroes," "Lost," "Community," "Royal Pains," and "The Good Wife" have all featured Indian cast members, but a similar phenomenon is occurring behind the camera as well. Meet three such Indian-Americans who have scaled the heights of both television and film - hear candid stories of how they got to where they are and ask them your own burning questions. Curious to learn about the challenges behind getting films like SALT, ENCHANTED, and THE GREY to the big screen or the one thing every TV show creator needs to know prior to a pitch meeting? This is a rare opportunity to find out!

Bela Bajaria - Executive Vice President, Universal Television
Sunil Perkash - Producer, SALT, Executive Producer, ENCHANTED
Adi Shankar - Executive Producer, MACHINE GUN PREACHER and THE GREY
Moderator: Rupak Ginn - Actor, IFFLA Board Member

MEET OUR PANELISTS

BELA BAJARIA, a veteran network and cable television executive, was named Executive Vice President, Universal Television in August 2011. Her appointment began the re-establishment of the studio as a stand-alone entity after its creative programming division was folded into the NBC network in 2008. Bajaria oversees creative programming for one of the country's largest and most successful television studios, which is responsible for such hit series as "30 Rock," "The Office," "Parks and Recreation," "House," "Law & Order: Special Victims Unit" and "Parenthood." In addition, the studio produces such new series as "Smash," "Grimm," "Whitney," "Up All Night," "Bent" and "Best Friends Forever." Most recently, Bajaria held two key posts simultaneously: Senior Vice President, Cable Programming for CBS TV Studios, and Senior Vice President of Movies and Miniseries for the CBS network.

SUNIL PERKASH is an independent producer whose credits include Disney's smash hit ENCHANTED (executive producer), which grossed $340 million worldwide; the supernatural thriller PREMONITION (producer), starring Sandra Bullock and Julian McMahon, for Tri-Star Pictures; and the New Line Cinema romantic comedy BLAST FROM THE PAST (executive producer), starring Brendan Fraser and Alicia Silverstone. He most recently produced the blockbuster SALT starring Angelina Jolie, which grossed $300 million worldwide. He is currently developing a sequel to SALT at Columbia Pictures, as well as TIMELESS at Relativity Media with Phillip Noyce set to direct and Liam Hemsworth to star.

ADI SHANKAR has quickly made a name for himself by producing a string of studio-level, filmmaker-driven action movies. These include last year's acclaimed MACHINE GUN PREACHER, and the Liam Neeson-starrer THE GREY, which opened at number one at the US box office this past January. Shankar's upcoming 2012 releases include the long-awaited Judge Dredd reboot, DREDD, and Andrew Dominik's COGAN'S TRADE, starring Brad Pitt. Shankar's 2013 releases include the crime thriller BROKEN CITY, helmed by Allen Hughes and featuring Mark Wahlberg and Russell Crowe; the Sylvester Stallone and Arnold Schwarzenegger action pic THE TOMB, and Steven Soderbergh's pharmaceutical crime thriller, BITTER PILL. Shankar along with Steven Schneider (PARANOMAL ACTIVITY 1, 2, & 3) is a co-owner and a principal of Room 101, a dark genre label specializing in micro budget features and television.

RUPAK GINN's love for acting started at a young age and followed him to college at Harvard University where, during his senior year, director Mira Nair offered him a supporting role in THE NAMESAKE. His film work includes supporting roles in FRIENDS WITH BENEFITS starring Justin Timberlake and JUST WRIGHT starring Queen Latifah as well as a romantic lead role in Disney Channel's THE CHEETAH GIRLS: ONE WORLD. On television, he has guest starred on ABC's "Private Practice," and he currently plays the role of Raj on the USA Network hit series "Royal Pains." In addition to his artistic passions, he is a proud board member of the Indian Film Festival of Los Angeles.

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CLOSING NIGHT GALA AND AWARDS CEREMONY - APRIL 15, 7:00 PM

After five full days of industry events and panels, as well as thought provoking and fun screenings, the festival will conclude with the Awards Ceremony where the jury will announce this year's Grand Jury winners, and the festival programmers will announce the Audience Award winners.

Following the Awards Ceremony, IFFLA will conclude its 10th year with the Los Angeles premiere of director Prashant Bhargava's richly woven award-winning drama PATANG (THE KITE).

PATANG tells the story of Delhi businessman, Jayesh and his daughter as they journey back to his childhood home in Ahmedabad for a family reunion during India's largest kite festival. Under the kaleidoscope of colorful kite-filled skies, a Pandora's box of family drama and past conflict is exposed. PATANG has become a festival favorite playing to sold-out audiences worldwide and is making its Los Angeles premiere at IFFLA.

Following the films, there will be a reception at Roxbury in Hollywood (1661 Ivar Avenue, Los Angeles, CA 90028). The Closing Night Gala is sponsored by IFFLA's long time sponsor Chakra Cuisine with music provided by DJ Rohan Dosaj, cofounder of Build From Scratch Music. In honor of our 10th Anniversary, Chivas Regal will make sure the fun keeps flowing all night with a signature IFFLA cocktail, as well as a roaming Chivas cart offering samples and specials all night.

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IFFLA Rhythm Village 2012 & Anniversary Party - April 12-14

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IFFLA Rhythm Village presented by Rukus Avenue celebrates the intimate relationship between music and cinema. Held annually since 2008, the Arclight courtyard is transformed into a colorful vibrant display of music and dance, designed to enhance the filmgoers experience.

This year's edition of Rhythm Village will feature a special commemorative event on April 12th at the Supper Club in Hollywood. The IFFLA Rhythm Village Anniversary Party will feature live performances by Bhangra star Jassi Sidhu, World Music stars Bombay Dub Orchestra and Rukus Avenue artist Elephants With Guns. For more information, visit Rukus Avenue.com

Want to know who's playing on the Rhythm Village stage? Click here!

From Script to Screen: THE MAKING OF PATANG - April 14
12:30 PM

Sheer Love, Rebellion and A Million Kites

Free Event!

Seven years in the making, IFFLA's closing night film PATANG (Berlinale, Tribeca Film Festival, Best Narrative Film - Hawaii International Film Festival) has been a sheer labor of love. Shot on location in the old city of Ahmedabad, with naturalistic performances from actors and non-actors alike, bold, lyrical editing, vibrant cinematography and a kinetic score, PATANG pushes the boundaries of contemporary Indian cinema with honest craft and original storytelling. Join the creatives for a discussion of the process of making and releasing this resilient film. Actress Seema Biswas (Midnight's Children, Water, Bandit Queen), screenwriter James Townsend (Undisputed II, Wonderland), composer Mario Grigorov (Precious, Taxi to the Dark Side), and screenwriter, director and editor Prashant Bhargava (Sangam - IFFLA 2004), discuss in depth their craft and collaboration.

Free Event!

NO TOMATOES INDIAN FOOD TRUCK! - APRIL 11-APRIL 15

Back by popular demand, IFFLA is proud to announce the No Tomatoes food truck, will be joining us for the entire 2012 festival! No Tomatoes has been serving Angelenos Indian-style street fare all over the city, serving delicious kathi rolls (wraps), chapli burgers, lamb seekh dogs, biryani rice, chicken tikka masala, paratha bread, garam chai (hot tea) and mango lassi, sometimes with a twist, and an ever-changing "Just generally" daily special. Catch the No Tomatoes truck any day of the festival parked conveniently right outside the Cinerama Dome at ArcLight Hollwyood on Sunset Blvd.

Truck Schedule:

April 11-13: 6PM-10PM, April 14: 1PM-10PM, and April 15: 12PM-4PM