Our Bureau
Tampa, FL
The 2026 edition of the South Asian International Film Festival Florida (SAIFFF) concluded on February 23 with a milestone achievement as the short film Echoes of Us captured all three major awards in the Short Film category.
The English-language Indian drama distinguished itself among this year’s selections, earning:
- Best Short Film
- Best Actor (Short Film) – Deepak Tijori
- Best Actress (Short Film) – Iulia Vantur
Directed by Joe Rajan and produced by Pooja Batra, Echoes of Us received a standing ovation at its festival screening. Its emotionally compelling narrative and powerful performances solidified its status as the standout short film of SAIFFF 2026.
SAIFFF 2026: Showcasing South Asian Stories Worldwide
Held from February 21–23, 2026 at NCG Cinema in Tampa, the three-day festival featured more than 50 films selected from over 200 submissions worldwide. This year’s official selections represented filmmakers from India, Australia, Canada, the United Kingdom, New Zealand, the Netherlands, Switzerland, Nepal, and the United States—demonstrating the global reach and diversity of South Asian storytelling.
In addition to film screenings, SAIFFF 2026 featured cultural dance performances by local groups during the opening night, Saturday programming, and the closing ceremony, enriching the festival experience.
The festival opened with a sold-out red-carpet gala attended by acclaimed Bollywood actors Pooja Batra and Omi Vaidya, along with filmmakers and industry professionals from around the world.
A major highlight of the weekend was INDIA DAY, presented on Saturday with support from the Consulate General of India in Atlanta. The celebration honored Indian cinema created by the global diaspora and featured special screenings of English Vinglish, Vikram, Hellaro, and Zindagi Na Milegi Dobara. The ceremony was hosted by Pooja Batra and Omi Vaidya.
Reflecting on the festival’s success, SAIFFF Director Hemant Dinkar stated:
“With more than 200 submissions from across the globe and filmmakers traveling to Tampa to share their work, this year’s festival was truly exceptional. We were proud to welcome filmmakers not only from India but also from Australia, Canada, and the United Kingdom to engage directly with audiences. The overall quality of the selected films was outstanding. Among them, Echoes of Us in the Short Film category and Hindi Vindi in the Feature Film category exemplify the power of authentic storytelling and the global impact of South Asian cinema.”
SAIFFF 2026 – Official Award Winners
🎬 Short Film Category
- Best Short Film: Echoes of Us – Joe Rajan & Pooja Batra
- Best Actor (Short Film): Deepak Tijori – Echoes of Us
- Best Actress (Short Film): Iulia Vantur – Echoes of Us
- Best Short Documentary: Kaashi to Kumbha – Abhilash Arunakar & Shane Ali
- Best Short Film (Critics’ Choice): Tat Tvam Asi
- Best Actress (Short Film – Critics): Anubha Fatehpuria – Thursday Special
- Best Emerging Talent: Sujay Khona – Kaju Katli
- NCG Audience Choice Award: Harij Weds Sajili
🎥 Feature & Documentary Category
- Best Feature Film: Hindi Vindi
- Best Actress (Feature Film): Neena Gupta – Hindi Vindi
- Best Documentary: Untouchable, Laughing Out Caste – Manjeet Sarkar
About SAIFFF
The South Asian International Film Festival Florida (SAIFFF) is a nonprofit, volunteer-led organization dedicated to promoting independent South Asian cinema and fostering cross-cultural dialogue through film. The festival provides a dynamic platform for both emerging and established filmmakers while strengthening community connections through the power of storytelling.
SAIFFF 2026 was supported by TeamLogicIT, GroundGameHealth, BlackStraw AI, The Tampa Neuropsychiatry/TMS Group, Convergent Media, and Sakar Trust.
