South Asian Film Series

The Harper College Office of International Education Presents a South Asian Film Series 

All films are 2 pm and 6 pm in Building E, Room E108 on the Harper College Campus.

All films are free and open to the public. 

Joyland, Wednesday, April 24, 2024

Joyland, the 2022 debut film from Saim Sadiq received a standing ovation at the Cannes Film Festival. “The debut feature from writer-director Saim Sadiq, Joyland, explores the many sides of love and desire in a patriarchal society. Gentle and timid, Haider (Ali Junejo) lives with his wife Mumtaz (Rasti Farooq), his father, and his elder brother’s family in Lahore, Pakistan. Following a long spell of unemployment, Haider finally lands a job at a Bollywood-style burlesque, telling his family he is a theater manager, when in actuality he is a backup dancer. The unusual position shakes up the steadfast traditional dynamics of his household and enables Haider to break out of his shell. As he acclimates to the new job, Haider becomes infatuated with the strong-willed trans woman Biba (Alina Khan) who runs the show—an unforeseen partnership that opens his eyes and ultimately his worldview, in ways both unexpected and intimate.” Oscilloscope Films 

Ajji, Wednesday, May 1, 2024

Ajji, the 2017 film from Devashish Makhija, “A furious Granny battles her horribly failing health, debilitating poverty and the heartbreaking apathy around her, to hunt down, seduce and punish the brutal, powerful rapist of her little granddaughter.” Makhija Film 

Blue Sunshine, Wednesday, May 8, 2024

Blue Sunshine, the 2023 debut film from Samyukatha Vijayan (who will be present for the screenings) “Aravind, a high school teacher, wants to transition from male to female while working for a school in a small town in South India. Aravind’s parents do not know that Aravind is already taking hormone treatment for the transition. When his parents force a marriage upon him due to their financial situation, Aravind gains courage under pressures. He starts to live as a woman named Bhanu.” Film Freeway