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Bollywood Disco: Talk + Party

Friday, Aug 16, 2024 at 5:00 pm

Location: William Fox Amphitheater

5:00–8:00pm 

Join Queens-based DJ Rekha and filmmaker Saleem Nasir Gondal for a discussion about how Hindi films (aka Bollywood, the film industry in Mumbai) engage with cultural, national, and political borders. We discuss the evolution of storytelling in Hindi cinema influenced by political tides, highlighting films that traveled across national borders and the greater South Asian diaspora. We will screen clips from Bollywood films across the ages, discussing the ways they were received in and outside of India, and present Gondal’s short Post Term (2023), a film about a Pakistani couple settling in Long Island in the 1990s that was inspired by the cultural heritage of Bollywood. At a time of intense division in the U.S. and abroad, we invite audiences to see how Hindi cinema offers a nexus point between different communities and identities across the diaspora.    

After the discussion, at 6:00 p.m. join us for Bollywood Disco by the legendary DJ Rekha. Classic numbers, live performances, film favorites, and disco grooves are remixed into bangers that will keep you dancing the night away. Don’t miss your dance pe chance. 

NOTE: During the event, our Moving Image Café and Bar will be open all night and serving delicious flatbreads, paninis, pizzettes, beer, wine, cider and more.


Bios: 

DJ Rekha (born Rekha Malhotra) is a DJ, producer, curator, and educator. Their dynamic dub- and hip-hop–informed DJ sets often incorporate South Asian Diasporic dance music with ears to a global sound that resonates with dance floors across the planet. They have shared the stage with many artists, including A.R. Rahman, Yoko Ono, the Roots, and M.I.A, and have performed in festivals, clubs, and community spaces worldwide, including the inaugural Women’s March, London Mela, 5X Fest, SXSW, Sundance. In 1997, they founded Basement Bhangra, one of New York City’s longest-running club nights. Their debut album DJ Rekha presents Basement Bhangra (featuring a track with Wyclef Jean) earned critical acclaim and was nominated for best DJ album by the 2008 Plug Awards. They are the founder of Basement Bhangra™, Bollywood Disco, Lipstick Optional, and co-founder of Mutiny (with Vivek Bald) and Ronak (with Atif Ateeq) club nights. 

Saleem Nasir Gondal (he/him) is a filmmaker based in New York. His work explores themes of language and intimacy in BIPOC communities onscreen. Saleem’s work has been supported by The Black List, National Board of Review, The Gotham, Pillars Fund, MPAC Hollywood Bureau, and the RespectAbility Entertainment Lab. Saleem’s short film Super Sonic has screened at festivals in five different countries, including the Austin Film Festival, TIDE Film Festival, and the Asian American International Film Festival. Saleem’s short Post Term is the winner of the Focus Features/JetBlue Short Film Showcase and was screened at CAAMFest, Indian Film Festival of LA, TIDE Film Festival, and more.