Tag: South Asian

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Spotlight on Spectacular SWANASA Stars

Edward Hong

This will be the first of many posts whose purpose is to provide a spotlight on some rather amazing SWANASA (South West Asia, North Africa, and South Asia) actors that you should know, whether they are well known or not. What they have in common is that not only are they are all terrific artists but wonderful human beings that have come to my attention recently in their art and advocacy. Here are the eight (in the many to come) to kick it off:

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Horror, Interview

Bishal Dutta and Betty Gabriel on the Making of ‘It Lives Inside’

Swara Salih

It Lives Inside, written and directed by Bishal Dutta, follows the life of young Samidha (Megan Suri) an Indian American Hindu teenager attempting to fit in her all-American high school. But when her childhood best friend Tamira (Mohana Krishnan) begins acting strangely, Samidha finders herself at the center of a supernatural horror tale, rooted in her own culture. With the help of her family and friends, including her teacher Joyce (Betty Gabriel), she battles the supernatural threat while learning more about herself and her culture in the process.

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Movies, Podcasts

The Middle Geeks Episode 56: ‘My Big Fat Greek Wedding 3 ‘Review

Swara Salih

We review the latest in the My Big Fat Greek Wedding franchise, discuss the natural disasters in Morocco and Libya that have killed, injured, and displaced thousands, the genocide by starvation in Artsakh, and the one year anniversary of the start of the current Iran protests.

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Conventions, Movies

SDCC 2023: ‘Kalki 2898’ aka ‘Project K’ Lights Up Hall H

Mike Manalo

Move over Marvel Studios! There’s a new juggernaut taking over Hall H this year! For the longest time Vyjayanthi Movies has teased a mysterious new film that they’ve codenamed “Project K.” And today, they shattered con-goer expectations by revealing all details about the film: now known as the upcoming sci-fi epic — Kalki 2898!

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Movies, Podcasts
Dial of Destiny

The Middle Geeks Episode 55: ‘Indiana Jones’ Dials Up the CGI and Orientalism

Swara Salih

Joined by our friends Nadia Osman and Zaina Ujayli, The Middle Geeks review the latest Indiana Jones film and how it continues the franchise’s trend of racism and Orientalism against North African peoples.

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Interview, Movies

Shekhar Kapur on Directing ‘What’s Love Got to Do With It’

Swara Salih

Shekhar Kapur is an acclaimed Indian filmmaker whose credits range from directing The Bandit Queen to the Elizabeth films starring Cate Blanchett. He is now finally directing a rom-com, What’s Love Got to Do With It, starring Shazad Latif, Lily James, Shabana Azmi, Jeff Mirza, Asim Chaudry, Emma Thompson, and more in a heartwarming funny time that highlights Pakistani and Muslim culture in a refreshing way for western audiences.

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Movies, Podcasts

The Middle Geeks Episode 53: ‘Polite Society’ Review with Roxana Hadadi

Swara Salih

We welcome Rocky back on the podcast to review Nida Manzoor’s Desi martial arts-comedy-epic, Polite Society! We also discuss the harrowing news out of Sudan, a new African animation anthology that includes Egypt and Egyptian creators, give our recommendations for the week, and much more!

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Hard N.O.C. Life, Trailers

Hard NOC Life 310: ‘The Flash’ Get Nuts + Emma Thompson Loves The NOC

Hard NOC Media

Keith welcomes Swara back to the podcast to dish on his recent interview with the legendary Emma Thompson and her new movie, What’s Love Got to Do With It. They also break down the latest Flash and Transformers trailers, plus the nightmare fuel that is The Little Mermaid’s “live action” animals.

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Interview, Movies

Nida Manzoor on ‘Polite Society’ and Breaking Barriers for South Asian and Muslim Women

Swara Salih

In anticipation of Nida Manzoor’s thrilling masterpiece Polite Society, premiering this weekend, we speak with the writer/director herself about her career and the messages she aims to convey with her debut feature film.

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Interview, Movies

Priya Kansara and Ritu Arya on Leading Nida Manzoor’s ‘Polite Society’

Swara Salih

In anticipation of Nida Manzoor’s thrilling masterpiece Polite Society premiering in theaters, we spoke with stars of the film Priya Kansara and Ritu Arya on taking the lead roles of the Khan sisters.

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Movies, Reviews19 Comments

‘Polite Society’ is an Action-Packed and Poignant Masterpiece

Swara Salih

The Pakistani-British Khan sisters, Ria (Priya Kansara) and Lena (Ritu Arya) have dreams that deviate from what their community and family expect from them, namely to work in STEM and marry well to guarantee socioeconomic security. But Ria and Lena have dreams to work in the arts, whether that be stunt choreography for Ria or painting for Lena.

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Interview, Streaming, Television

Indira Varma and Tahar Rahim on their Roles in the New Apple TV+ Series, ‘Extrapolations’

Swara Salih

We interview Indira Varma and Tahar Rahim of the new Apple TV+ series, Extrapolations, which explores the global near future effects of climate change.

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Interview, Movies1 Comment

Rishi Rajani on Producing Diverse Asian Stories in ‘Chang Can Dunk’

Swara Salih

Disney+’s Chang Can Dunk is now streaming on Disney+! We speak with the producer Rishi Rajani on the process of getting the film out there and how he sees the landscape changing for Asian American stories.

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Interview, Movies2 Comments

The Stars of ‘Brahmāstra’ and Their Impact on Indian Culture

Guest N.O.C.

Brahmāstra: Part One — Shiva is set to break records as one of India’s most expensive and most spectacular films this summer. Written and directed by Ayan Mukerji, Brahmāstra tells the story of Shiva, an orphan with pyrokinetic powers who discovers he’s an ‘astra’ — a weapon of powerful energy. The film — which is set to be a trilogy — draws inspiration from Hindu mythology.

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DC Comics, Interview, Television

Kausar Mohammed on Joining ‘The Flash’

Swara Salih

There’s a new speedster in town on The Flash! Dr. Meena Dhawan made her debut in “Keep it Dark” and received the spotlight in last week’s “The Man in the Yellow Tie.” Who is Dr. Meena and why has she sought Barry Allen and his team out?

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