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Friday, January 24

 

2:15pm-3:00pm Rooted in Solidarity: A Gathering for Collective Action

Join us for a transformative gathering centered on solidarity, connection, and collective action. This intentional space will bring together individuals from diverse communities to ground ourselves and share stories. Through reflection, art, and dialogue, we will explore what it means to move forward together, rooted in a shared commitment to equity and change. The gathering will begin with a guided meditation and group breathwork by Headspace’s Dora Kamau.​​

Introduced by:

• Razi Jafri (Documentary Filmmaker and Producer)

Participants:

• Dora Kamau (Headspace)

• Cherien Dabis (Director, All That’s Left of You) 

• Bird Runningwater (Producer, Free Leonard Peltier)

• Arij Mikati (Vice President of Programs, Pillars Fund)

• Reid Davenport (Director, Life After)

• Amber Fares (Director, Coexistence, My Ass!)

• Zeshan B (Singer/Songwriter)​

 

3:15pm-4:00pm Producers Table: Behind the Scenes, Shaping Global Cinema

This dynamic conversation brings together producers from the diaspora to explore the vital role of producers in championing stories on a global scale. These producers share their experiences and strategies for navigating the industry while staying true to authentic storytelling. With their collective successes, they embody the power of producing as a driving force behind impactful narratives.

Panelists:

• Guneet Monga Kapoor (Producer; Academy Award winner, Period. End of Sentence and The Elephant Whisperers)

• Raeshem Nijhon (Emmy nominee; Founder and Executive Producer, Culture.House)

Moderator:

• Sucharita Tyagi (Film Critic)

 

4:15pm - 5:00pm: Rewriting the Script: South Asian Filmmakers at Sundance Film Festival

This panel features filmmakers whose groundbreaking work is shaping the festival’s narrative landscape. Neeraj Churi and Jim Sarbh bring their Marathi-language film Sabar Bonda (Cactus Pears), the first Marathi feature to premiere at Sundance, competing in the World Cinema Dramatic Competition with its poignant story of friendship and loss. Meera Menon, showcasing her film Didn't Die in the Midnight section, masterfully explores societal collapse through dark humor and resilience. These filmmakers will discuss their journeys to the Sundance Film Festival, the importance of South Asian representation, and their visions for the future of storytelling.

Introduced by: 

• Shefali Vasudevan (SAGindie)

Panelists: 

• Jim Sarbh (Producer, Sabar Bonda (Cactus Pears), Actor)

• Neeraj Churi (Producer, Sabar Bonda (Cactus Pears))

• Meera Menon (Director and Co-writer, Didn't Die) 

Moderator:

• Sanjna Selva (Award-winning Documentary Filmmaker and Multimedia Journalist)

Sunday, January 26

 

7:00pm-8:00pm: Spotlight on Deli Boys

This keynote session features cast, creatives, and a special surprise guest from the upcoming show Deli Boys, premiering March 6 on Hulu. Join us for an exciting conversation about the growing importance of South Asian narratives in mainstream media, how this groundbreaking series found that perfect blend of humor, culture, and art, and the need for diversifying “diverse” storylines. 

Panelists: 

• Abdullah Saeed (Creator, Deli Boys)

• Michelle Nader (Showrunner, Deli Boys)

• Asif Ali (Actor, Deli Boys)

• Saagar Shaikh (Actor, Deli Boys)

• Poorna Jagannathan (Actor, Deli Boys)

• Anil Kurian (Vice President of Scripted Series for Onyx Collective)

• A Surprise Guest!

Moderator:

• Kiran Deol (Emmy nominee; Comedian; Actor, Sunnyside; Filmmaker)

 

8:00pm IndieWire Chili Party

1497 is thrilled to return as co-host for the 2025 IndieWire Chili Party at the 1497 South Asian Lodge!

Join us for this annual tradition, featuring this year's co-hosts Poorna Jagannathan and Tan France, and, of course, chili!

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9:00pm BIG BROWN THROWDOWN

Join us for a dance party to celebrate YOU, our incredible community and supporters. The inimitable Jai Wolf will provide musical inspiration and energy to close out our time at the Sundance Film Festival in style: with the sounds of the South Asian diaspora. Come as you are - just come ready to DANCE!. 

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