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www.newsindiatimes.com – that’s all you need to know A South Asia Arts Focused Success Story In Seattle T asveer, a South Asia-focused film and arts nonprofit has exciting news ahead of its signature annual film festival coming up in October. The film screenings usually take place in various venues rented across the city but this year will be different. Tasveer will now be able to host its 20th annual film festival in its own space. The nonprofit Tasveer (‘picture’ in Urdu and Hindi) that has consistently used the arts to highlight social justice issues was awarded a USD 2.2 million grant last December from 4Culture, a funding agency in King County, Washington. This enabled Tasveer to purchase the historic Ark Lodge Cinema in the city’s Columbia City neighborhood. Tasveer co-founder and Executive Director Rita Meher says the grant is “an unbelievable gift”. “Our hard work, perseverance and continuity for 23 years is finally being acknowledged,” she told Sapan News. “We will take this gift and spread it to the wider community for the benefit of everyone.” NEW FOUNDATIONS The Ark Lodge Cinema provides Tasveer with a cen- tralized location that is inclusive and accessible to the broader community. “People are excited that it’s there for the future genera- tions, for people of all colours, and it’s inclusive,” Shailaja Rao, board president of Tasveer and associate director of the film festival told Sapan News over a call from Seattle. She is also a founder member of the volunteer organisation Southasia Peace Action Network, or Sapan. The Tasveer Film Festival started in 2004 – its formal name is the Independent South Asian Film Festival – is the brainchild of filmmaker Rita Meher and communication specialist Farah Nousheen, then a DJ, both Indian origin immi- grants in Seattle. The idea emerged in 2001 not long after the September 11 terrorist attacks in NewYork, when South Asians became targets of hate crimes. The co-founders wanted to challenge misconceptions and stereotypes about the South Asian commu- nity through awareness created by storytelling. STARS HAVE ALIGNED They weren’t specifically searching for a build- ing, according to Shailaja Rao. But when the opportunity and funding aligned, they pursued it. One could say the building purchase was a serendipitous opportunity. Once the grant came through Tasveer’s purchase committee actively started to discuss the pros and cons she noted. As a functional space located in a diverse, convenient area, it By Regina Johnson PHOTO:TRAILERVIDEO GRAB Laapataa Ladies was the finest movie experience in cinemas but did only average business. South Asian Coalition Makes History With $100,000 Fundraiser For Jack Ciattarelli In New Jersey I n a landmark event for the South Asian community’s political engagement in New Jersey, the South Asian Coali- tion for Jack Ciattarelli hosted a grand fundraiser that raised over $100,000 in support of the gubernatorial candidate. The gathering, held at the residence of community leader Mahender Musuku, marked a historic night of unity, influence, and political recognition. The event opened with welcoming remarks by Dharmesh Patel, Executive Director of the South Asian Coalition, fol- lowed by a heartfelt address from Chair- man Sridhar Chillara. Chillara praised host Mahender Musuku for creating a warm atmosphere and highlighted Jack Ciattarelli’s deep engagement with New Jersey’s diverse communities. “Jack is not only campaigning—he’s connecting,” Chillara stated. “He listens, he acts, and he has the experience to fix New Jersey’s broken systems.” Governor candidate Jack Ciattarelli, a CPA and MBA with a background as a successful CEO, addressed the attendees with a powerful vision to reform New Jersey’s tax structure, restore law and order, improve education, and eliminate bureaucratic red tape that burdens small businesses. “The South Asian community plays an incredibly important role in the future of our state,” Ciattarelli said. “Even a few thousand votes can decide this election.” The most significant moment of the evening came when Ciattarelli officially recognized the gathering’s organizing body as the “one and only official South Asian Coalition” supporting his campaign in the state—a declaration that drew jubilant celebration from attendees and cemented the coalition’s special status. The event also recognized a dynamic host committee of over 25 leaders and community advocates, including Sridhar Chillara, Thomas Allen, Rathnakar Patlola, Anna Reddy, and many others who con- tributed to the campaign’s momentum. The evening was filled with networking, cultural pride, and a strong sense of politi- cal purpose. Mahender Musuku, in a closing state- ment, proudly announced that the coali- tion had crossed the $100,000 fundraising milestone. He called for continued action: “Let’s now aim to deliver 100,000 South Asian votes for Jack Ciattarelli across New Jersey. That’s how we make history.” Subramanyam Osuru, IT and Outreach Co-Director, delivered the vote of thanks, highlighting the team effort and support from attendees, media, and vendors. Sridhar Chillara closed the evening with a passionate call to organize grassroots efforts, backyard meetings, and temple outreach, urging: “Let’s bring our commu- nity to the polls and elect Jack as our next Governor.” Those interested in joining the official coalition can contact: facebook.com/SouthAsians4Jack sridhar@jack4nj.co By a StaffWriter PHOTOS:South Asian Coalition A strong show of unity and support: South Asian community leaders join gubernatorial candidate Jack Ciattarelli for a commemorative photo. Jack Ciattarelli addresses South Asian leaders and supporters during his keynote remarks at the official fundraiser. Community News India Times (August 9, 2025 - August 15, 2025) August 15, 2025 10 - Continued On Page 12