Karthik Srinivasan is an actor, model and a full time engineer based out of DC.
August 13, 2005 (Press Release) --
Karthik Srinivasan is an actor, model and a full time engineer based out of DC. Although this might be enough to fill a story, one of his most important roles is that as founder of the DC chapter of South Asian American Films & Arts (SAAFA). SAAFA is a nonprofit organization, dedicated to promoting non-resident immigrant filmmakers and talent by holding movie screenings and film festivals in the DC area.
Srinivasan explains that the DC area wants to showcase the NRI talent that exists in the community and often it doesn't get enough exposure for NRI filmmakers, since these films are made on shoestring budgets and without any big money to support them. Movies such as American Desi and Flavors have started this movement and he feels strongly that it is up to the community to continue this growth pattern.
“Our goals lie in presenting and promoting a genre of eclectic South Asian Films and Arts and building awareness of South Asian artistic disciplines to audiences in North America. Through these efforts we also want to actively cultivate excellence in film as an art and industry and support and encourage emerging South Asian talent. And our main focus areas include film screenings, film festivals, panel discussions, educational workshops and outreach programs.” Clearly explains this talented DC founder.
The first SAAFA was founded by Vivek Kumar and Pooja Bhardwaj on the west coast in 2001. Kumar and Bhardwaj both already had some exposure to the industry prior to starting SAAFA. Bhardwaj did some modeling, and acted in theater and in television series in India. And Kumar’s mother was a successful model in Bombay where he grew up. Together they had a vision and helped to launch the first chapter!
Srinivasan states, “We hope the DC-based SAAFA affects not only the South Asians, but also the community at large. South Asians are already breaking paths in engineering and medicine, and there's no reason that we cannot do the same in entertainment. With people like M. Night Shyamalan, Mira Nair, and Gurinder Chadha paving the way, independent NRI filmmakers are showing us that the next big film maker might already be sitting among us. The community just needs to know where to get started and that's where SAAFA comes in.”
Independent filmmakers and others interested in the industry or supporting their efforts should look at their website at www.saafa.org.
Currently, they are seeking volunteers, films for their online distribution store, members, and supporters for their programming. Or for more information on Karthik Srinivasan, visit his website at www.actorkarthik.com.
BY DIANA ROHINI LA VIGNE-GUPTA, ROHINI CHAT
Columnist Diana Rohini La Vigne has been a journalist for 10+years with a focus on the South Asian Market. Her work has been featured in Couture Asia, India New England, Rivaaj Magazine, Lokvani and Sulekha. She can be reached by email at Lavigne@post.harvard.edu.
Karthik Srinivasan is an actor, model and a full time engineer based out of DC. Although this might be enough to fill a story, one of his most important roles is that as founder of the DC chapter of South Asian American Films & Arts (SAAFA). SAAFA is a nonprofit organization, dedicated to promoting non-resident immigrant filmmakers and talent by holding movie screenings and film festivals in the DC area.
Srinivasan explains that the DC area wants to showcase the NRI talent that exists in the community and often it doesn't get enough exposure for NRI filmmakers, since these films are made on shoestring budgets and without any big money to support them. Movies such as American Desi and Flavors have started this movement and he feels strongly that it is up to the community to continue this growth pattern.
“Our goals lie in presenting and promoting a genre of eclectic South Asian Films and Arts and building awareness of South Asian artistic disciplines to audiences in North America. Through these efforts we also want to actively cultivate excellence in film as an art and industry and support and encourage emerging South Asian talent. And our main focus areas include film screenings, film festivals, panel discussions, educational workshops and outreach programs.” Clearly explains this talented DC founder.
The first SAAFA was founded by Vivek Kumar and Pooja Bhardwaj on the west coast in 2001. Kumar and Bhardwaj both already had some exposure to the industry prior to starting SAAFA. Bhardwaj did some modeling, and acted in theater and in television series in India. And Kumar’s mother was a successful model in Bombay where he grew up. Together they had a vision and helped to launch the first chapter!
Srinivasan states, “We hope the DC-based SAAFA affects not only the South Asians, but also the community at large. South Asians are already breaking paths in engineering and medicine, and there's no reason that we cannot do the same in entertainment. With people like M. Night Shyamalan, Mira Nair, and Gurinder Chadha paving the way, independent NRI filmmakers are showing us that the next big film maker might already be sitting among us. The community just needs to know where to get started and that's where SAAFA comes in.”
Independent filmmakers and others interested in the industry or supporting their efforts should look at their website at www.saafa.org.
Currently, they are seeking volunteers, films for their online distribution store, members, and supporters for their programming. Or for more information on Karthik Srinivasan, visit his website at www.actorkarthik.com.
BY DIANA ROHINI LA VIGNE-GUPTA, ROHINI CHAT
Columnist Diana Rohini La Vigne has been a journalist for 10+years with a focus on the South Asian Market. Her work has been featured in Couture Asia, India New England, Rivaaj Magazine, Lokvani and Sulekha. She can be reached by email at Lavigne@post.harvard.edu.
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