The Indian Film Festival of Los Angeles (IFFLA) announced today its 2014 jury, as well as the program addition of a free screening of “Anthony Bourdain Parts Unknown.” The popular outdoor musical program Rhythm Village, presented by Rukus Avenue, will once again take place this year at ArcLight Hollywood’s Courtyard with an exciting line-up of accomplished artists and KCRW DJ Garth Trinidad highlighting the centerpiece celebration on Thursday, April 10.
Juries will award prizes to films competing in the Narrative, Documentary, and Short Film categories, with HBO providing a Grand Jury cash grant for the short film winner. In addition, audiences will have a chance to cast their ballots for the same categories. The Audience Choice Award for Best Short is presented by NBCUniversal. Award winners will be announced during the festival’s Closing Night, just prior to the Los Angeles premiere of the culinary comedy JADOO.
“The jury for this year’s IFFLA is comprised of some of the most influential and successful tastemakers in the industry,” said IFFLA Artistic Director Jasmine Jaisinghani. “We are honored to have them involved with the festival this year, and appreciate their attention in judging each of the films we have very thoughtfully curated.”
The 2014 narrative film jurors are: Variety film journalist and educator David Chute, Head of Digital Development for Crackle and Sony Pictures Television John Orlando, and writer and prolific television actress Meera Simhan (Date Movie). The Best Documentary Award will be decided by award-winning writer, producer, and director Brian Knappenberger (The Internet’s Own Boy: The Story of Aaron Swartz, Scratch), film festival programmer Dilcia Barrera (Sundance, AFI FEST, LACMA), and producer Chris Salvaterra (Syriana, Good Night and Good Luck). Judging the short films are Senior Vice President of Post-Production at HBO Entertainment Gena Desclos, award-winning director and writer Kamal K.M. (I.D.),and Sundance and Palm Springs International ShortFest programmer Heidi Zwicker.
“We’re thrilled to welcome CNN and ‘Anthony Bourdain Parts Unknown’ to the IFFLA family,” continued Jaisinghani. “Screening the premiere episode the same day as our closing film, JADOO, gives us a unique opportunity to celebrate Indian cuisine.”
The Emmy® award-winning Original Series “Anthony Bourdain Parts Unknown” begins its third season on CNN, Sunday, April 13 at 9:00PM ET, with a look at the people, food, culture, and history of India’s Punjab region. This episode will screen at IFFLA on Sunday, April 13 at 2:30PM, free of admission, offering festival patrons an opportunity to see it before the rest of the country. In this episode, Bourdain dives into the ever-changing state of Punjab on a trip to Amritsar. He samples cuisine at the dhabas (roadside restaurants), a gurpurb festival (Sikh celebration), and a free community vegetarian restaurant, and also meets with local residents who give their perspectives on life in this sometimes contentious region of India that borders Pakistan. Tickets are free and can be reserved online at www.indianfilmfestival.org.
Now in its 7 year, Rukus Avenue presents Rhythm Village (April 10-12), IFFLA’s live music program that transforms ArcLight’s Courtyard into a vibrant space, entertaining movie-goers with a selection of live performances aimed at enhancing the IFFLA experience and celebrating the richness of Indian music, film and culture.