2026 New York Indian Film Festival Highlights

The 2026 New York Indian Film Festival (NYIFF), scheduled for May 28–31 in New York City, will feature the BAFTA-winning Manipuri-language film “Boong” as its opening night selection. The festival will commence with a gala preview night screening of the restored 4K version of the Bollywood classic “Sholay,” which will include its original ending. Director Laksmipriya Devi is set to attend the May 29 screening of “Boong” and participate in a post-screening discussion.

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“Boong” tells the story of a young boy in Manipur who embarks on a journey to bring his absent father home, exploring themes of longing, identity, and fractured family life. Aseem Chhabra, the festival director, remarked, “With ‘Boong,’ we are opening the festival with a lovely film that blends humor and struggle in a rarely visited part of India.” He emphasized that the film is “authentic, rooted, and internationally recognized,” highlighting its significance in the festival's lineup.

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The festival will also showcase a variety of films, including the world premiere of “Flowers of Acacia,” a Punjabi-language film directed by Anmol Sidhu, which will screen on May 30. This film addresses the impact of patriarchal customs in Indian society. Additionally, a special 25th-anniversary screening of “Dil Chahta Hai,” directed by Farhan Akhtar, will be featured, marking its importance in contemporary urban Hindi cinema.

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The festival will conclude on May 31 with the New York premiere of “Tighee” (Motherhood), a Marathi-language film directed by first-time filmmaker Jeejivisha Kale. This film focuses on two estranged sisters who are reunited by a family crisis, exploring themes of sacrifice, obligation, and unresolved history. Suman Gollamudi, executive director of the Indo-American Arts Council, expressed that closing the festival with “Tighee” is “incredibly special.”

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The festival's programming reflects a commitment to showcasing diverse narratives from India. Aseem Chhabra noted the festival's aim to present films that resonate with audiences and foster a deeper understanding of Indian culture. The inclusion of “Boong” and other films underscores the festival's dedication to highlighting authentic stories from various regions of India.

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• “With ‘Boong,’ we are opening the festival with a lovely film that blends humor and struggle in a rarely visited part of India,” — Aseem Chhabra, Festival Director

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• “Closing the festival with ‘Tighee’ is incredibly special,” — Suman Gollamudi, Indo-American Arts Council Executive Director

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• “It is a film of rare emotional intelligence – intimate, powerful, and deeply human – leaving audiences with a sense of reflection and connection.” — Anonymous Review

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The 2026 NYIFF promises to be a significant event, celebrating the richness of Indian cinema and its ability to connect with global audiences.

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