On 3/14/15: Celebrate Navroz with Indian Persians and Parsis.

On 3/14/15: Celebrate Navroz with Indian Persians and Parsis.

Celebrate Navroz with Parsis from ZAH.org and the Persian Society of UH.

Learn about the music, culture and lifestyle of Persians in India!  The first Indian talkie film Alam Ara was directed by Ardeshir Irani, the film was released on March 14, 1931. Alam Ara and its music were widely successful including the hit song “De de khuda ke naam per“, which was also the first song of the Indian cinema and it was recorded live with musical accompaniment of a harmonium and a tabla.

 

DFW South Asian Film Festival: Angelika Theater in Plano, TX – 2/27/15 to 3/1/15.

DFW South Asian Film Festival: Angelika Theater in Plano, TX – 2/27/15 to 3/1/15.

Experience the first DFW South Asian Film Festival! Meet the filmmakers and join the Q and A session after the films.

Fourteen films, exploring the unique circumstances and complex stories of South Asians living in America, India, Nepal, Australia and Singapore, make their Texas, U.S. and world premieres at the FIRST-EVER Dallas/Fort Worth South Asian Film Festival (DFW SAFF) from Friday, February 27 to Sunday, March 1, 2015, at the Angelika Film Center in Plano.

For the film list, tickets and other info click here.

katiyabaz.jpgbb.jpgfireintheblood_poster.jpg

Celebrate Holi on Navrang 3/7/15.

Learn About The Influence of Gandhi and King on Hip-Hop Culture on Jan 13, 7pm at Menil Collection

Gandhi and hip hop?! A truly unique concept for South Asians not to be missed. Discussion by “Bun B” Freeman and Anthony Pinn on Tuesday Jan 13th, 7pm at the Menil Collection. ***Free*** event.

Tuesday, January 13th
7:00 p.m.
Menil Foyer – Free and open to the public.
“African American cultural production has always served as a way to express attention to the ultimate questions of life: Who are we? Why are we? Where are we? What is the purpose of life?” – Dr. Anthony Pinn
“What you believe in is what you profess to the world.” – Bernard “Bun B” Freeman
Hip-hop music is an act of nonviolence as artists acknowledge, wrestle with, and vocalize issues of social justice. Drawing from a range of sources, this genre has been influenced by the teachings and strategies of Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. and, by extension, those of Gandhi. This panel discussion featuring Rice University Professor Anthony Pinn; hip-hop artist and Rice Distinguished Visiting Lecturer Bernard “Bun B” Freeman (an original member of the southern rap duo UGK); and Lehigh University Professor Monica Miller will explore the nature and significance of this influence and hip-hop’s contribution to nonviolence and social justice. For more info click here.
.

On 11/22: Interview with the Menil Collection director Josef Helfenstein

On 11/22: Interview with the Menil Collection director Josef Helfenstein

On 11/22: Interview with the director of Menil Collection – Josef Helfenstein. Learn more about the current exhibition: Experiments with Truth: Gandhi and Images of Nonviolence. Check upcoming events.
The opening events at the Menil Collection coincides with the 145th anniversary of Gandhi’s birth, October 2, 2014, and the exhibition will remain on view until February 1, 2015, before traveling to the International Tuesday, November 18, 6:30 p.m.
5 Year Plan Project: Gandhian Folk Culture/Village Pop Art: The 5 Year Plan project is an experiment in applied Gandhian economics: the creation of an art book and editioned artist prints on shoulder bags (jhola) made of khadi (handspun cloth) from weaving collectives in India sold to promote self-sufficiency (swadeshi) as manifestations of selfless service (seva) in honor of Gandhi.

Events:
Tuesday, November 18, 6:30 p.m. FILM SCREENING – Man, Art, Machines (1969, 30 min.): The Menil Collection, 1533 Sul Ross St. Red Cross and Red Crescent Museum in Geneva. This event is free.
Nov 21 2014 -7 PM . The Black Monks of Mississippi: Music harmonizing Eastern ideals of melodic restraint with the spirit of Gospel music in the Black Church and the soul of Blues, a great American Black music.
Jan 13 2015 – 7 PM. The Influence of Gandhi and King on Hip-Hop Culture: Hip-hop cultural expression draws from a range of sources, including the teachings and strategies of Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. and, by extension, those of Gandhi.

 

SAS – Dhamaka 2014 on Saturday 11/22 at Grand Hall, Rice University.

SAS – Dhamaka 2014 on Saturday 11/22 at Grand Hall, Rice University.

Rice University’s South Asian Society (SAS) celebrates its annual cultural show **Dhamaka 2014** on November 22nd, 6pm, Grand Hall – RMC, Rice University. Naan and curry? Indian dancing? Singing and music? Has it always been your dream to attend an evening involving all of these things and more? Join Dhamaka 2014!! Rice students, staff, faculty and the Houston community are invited for a fun-filled evening with Indian food, dance and entertainment.

Gate opens at 5:30 and event starts 6 PM at the Rice University Grand Hall in the RMC. Ticket for Rice Students is $7 and $10 for non-rice folks. Tickets at the gate for non-rice people will be $15. For tickets contact [email protected]. DINNER IS INCLUDED IN THE TICKET PRICE!!! Check SAS Facebook page for more info.