MUMBAI: The first annual Chicago South Asian Film Festival (CSAFF), presented by NetIP Chicago and Vachikam Inc., hosted by Columbia College Chicago, and supported by the Chicago Department of Cultural Affairs, will be held from 1 – 3 October, 2010.

The festival was developed to promote South Asian culture throughout the greater Chicago metro area and Midwest, by showcasing filmmakers of South Asian descent as well as films that represent the perspective of the diaspora.

This year’s festival will attract close to 2,000 people consisting of various professionals, students, faculty, filmmakers and members of the Chicago South Asian community.

The three-day experience kicks off at the Chicago Cultural Center with a red carpet media event, followed by the opening night movie, a question and answer session with the director and lead actors, and an exclusive VIP gala.

Screenings on Saturday and Sunday will take place at Columbia College Chicago’s Film Row Cinema. As an added bonus, select films will be screened on 2 October at the Chicago Cultural Center and admission will be free to the general public. The 2010 Chicago South Asian Film Festival will screen 15 films including feature films, shorts, and documentaries, in a variety of genres.

Additional offerings over the weekend include a special workshop “Hollywood Production with the Canon DSLR camera system” for those interested in learning how to use a Canon 5D/7D for film, television, and web production.