Hari Kondabolu to Deliver Keynote Address at Seattle-based South Asian Nonprofit Tasveer’s Annual Gala
- The funds raised by the community support filmmakers, advocates, and artists who bring attention to critical social justice issues.
Comedian, writer and podcaster Hari Kondabolu will deliver the keynote address at the sixth edition of the event, and Washington State Sen. Manka Dhingra will be the chief guest.
Comedian, writer and podcaster Hari Kondabolu and Washington State Sen. Manka Dhingra will headline Tasveer’s sixth annual gala. Kondabolu will deliver the keynote address, while Dhingra will be the chief guest. The event will be held at the Seattle Marriott Redmond on March 18.
“Kondabolu will share his experiences with Tasveer and its seminal work towards the representation of South Asian communities,” the organization said in a press release. The Seattle-based South Asian social justice arts nonprofit organization hosts events like film festivals, community speaking events and others to celebrate the voices of South Asian people through art and film.
“This is a big, exciting event as we are coming back in person after three years for the gala,” co-founder and executive director Rita Meher told American Kahani. “We are honored to have this one-of-a-kind platform that highlights social justice causes and underrepresented voices.”
Meher estimates that around 250 people will attend this year’s gala. That’s lesser compared to the 2020 gala which saw 350 people, Meher said, adding that since people are still a bit hesitant to go into large crowds, she expects a smaller number of attendees. This year marks Tasveer completing 21 years.
Despite the scale, however, the work that goes into preparing an event like this takes months, Meher said, “especially because we call our donors and ask them to pre-pledge for our annual fundraiser.” Procuring the giveaways, like Alaska Airlines tickets aren’t easy either, she noted. “There are really amazing gifts for our giveaways and raffles, so the procurements are hard to do.”
Noting that the active participation of the South Asian and other intersectional communities is crucial to Tasveer’s sustainability and its success, Meher noted that the funds raised by the community support filmmakers, advocates, and artists who bring attention to critical social justice issues and give a platform to underrepresented voices and stories within the community. The evening will include video testimonials from filmmakers who have received grants, as well as music and dance performances, Meher said.
A press release from the group mentions that the funds raised will help Tasveer “host Tasveer South Asian Film Festival (TSAFF), the largest of its kind in the country; award monetary grants and year-long mentorship to independent filmmakers through Tasveer Film Fund; provide honorariums to more than 200 artists, filmmakers, and advocates through their events; amplify women’s voices and those of the queer community; encourage and inculcate political and social activism amongst South Asian youth; and provide fiscal sponsorship to South Asian diaspora films by emerging filmmakers.”
Register here for the Gala.