1497 Returns to Sundance Film Festival with South Asian Lodge Programming Nonprofit 1497 will continue as an official partner of the 2025 Sundance Film Festival with the return of their 1497 South Asian Lodge, a dynamic venue designed to celebrate inclusion, creativity and community. With programs scheduled for Friday, January 24 and Sunday, January 26, 1497 promises a unique mix of events and partnerships, reinforcing their commitment to elevating South Asian voices in the entertainment industry. ShivHans Pictures, which has Andrew Ahn’s ‘The Wedding Banquet’ at this year’s festival, lends its support as a sponsor, confirming their alignment with 1497’s mission to elevate South Asian talent in the industry.
This year, 1497 is partnering with Onyx Collective to highlight their upcoming show “Deli Boys,” premiering March 6 on Hulu, in a panel with creator Abdullah Saeed, showrunner Michelle Nader, stars Asif Ali, Saagar Shaikh and Poorna Jagannathan, Vice President of Scripted Series for Onyx Collective Anil Kurian, and a surprise guest, and moderated by Emmy-nominated filmmaker, comedian and actor Kiran Deol. This collaboration underscores the growing importance of South Asian narratives in mainstream media.
1497 South Asian Lodge’s program will also feature talks with Oscar winner Guneet Monga Kapoor, Emmy nominee Raeshem Nijhon, “Free Leonard Peltier” producer Bird Runningwater, “Sabar Bonda” (“Cactus Pears”) producers Neeraj Churi and Jim Sarbh, Pillars Funds Arij Mikati, Director of “Life After” Reid Davenport “Coexistence, My Ass!” Director Amber Fares, film critic Sucharita Tyagi and others.
Additionally, 1497 will once again host the IndieWire Chili Party, building on the success of last year’s event, which was co-hosted by Alok Vaid-Menon and SAG-AFTRA. This year will be co-hosted with Poorna Jagarnathan and Tan France. This event has become an important focal point during the Sundance Film Festival, bringing together creative voices in a festive environment.
1497 will also present a transformative gathering focused on solidarity, connection and collective action, designed to bring our many diverse communities together for a moment of grounding. Through reflection and dialogue, participants will explore what it means to move forward together, rooted in a shared commitment to justice and meaningful change.
In a festival highlight, the inimitable Jai Wolf is set to return to headline 1497 South Asian Lodge’s signature invitational dance party, the Big Brown Throwdown. Known for his electrifying performances, Jai Wolf’s presence guarantees an unforgettable evening of music and celebration, creating the kind of inclusive atmosphere that has become synonymous with the 1497 event.
This year’s attendance at the Sundance Film Festival is intentionally more understated than in the past. “We believe in making meaningful, sustainable, systemic change and are so proud of the progress our mentees have made over the past few years, including being staffed in the Writers Rooms and accepted into the Sundance Institute’s Labs after going through our Features Lab ,” 1497 co-founders Adeel Ahmed, Lipica Shah and Kamran Khan said in a joint statement. In light of current and ongoing global challenges, “We are directing our resources this year toward new impact programs that we plan to announce in the coming months, all designed to expand opportunities for South Asians in the industry.”
The vision of 1497 South Asian Lodge has always been to provide a safe, inclusive and welcoming place for all communities. “1497 has created a much-needed space for South Asian artists to come together and celebrate the power of our stories. 1497 South Asian Lodge at Sundance is a testament to their commitment to amplifying our voices in the industry,” said BAFTA-nominated acclaimed filmmaker Gurinder Chadha in a statement. “Being part of the vibrant 20th anniversary celebration of ‘Bend It Like Beckham’ in 2023 was a joy reminder of how far we’ve come and how organizations like 1497 are paving the way for the next generation. Kudos to co-founders Adeel, Lipica and Kam for their passion and work in creating this space for everyone.”
1497 South Asian Lodge is additionally supported by SAGIndie. For those attending the 2025 Sundance Film Festival, 1497 South Asian Lodge will offer not only a celebration of culture but also a glimpse into the future of 1497. All events will take place at The Park, 950 Iron Horse Drive, Park City. Visit the 1497 website for the full program lineup and to RSVP to all public events, and email events@1497.org for more information.
