New York, NY – As the New York Indian Film Festival (NYIFF) prepares to celebrate its landmark 25th anniversary, the event has unveiled a significant musical collaboration with renowned Sarod maestros Amaan Ali Bangash and Ayaan Ali Bangash. The brothers, sons of the legendary Ustad Amjad Ali Khan, have composed an original score for the official NYIFF 2025 promotional trailer.
The exclusive composition, now featured across NYIFF’s digital and social media platforms, merges the classical depth of the Sarod with cinematic percussion to evoke nostalgia and excitement. The score serves as a powerful prelude to this year’s festival, which showcases over 45 films, including features, shorts, and documentaries that highlight India’s rich diversity of language, culture, and storytelling.
In a statement, the Bangash brothers shared their vision for the score: “We wanted the score to feel intimate yet expansive—like a reflection of Indian independent cinema itself. Just as NYIFF has championed bold voices for 25 years, we hoped our music could mirror the festival’s ability to honor tradition while pushing boundaries. The sound is rooted in the classical idiom, but layered with rhythm and energy to speak to this moment.”
Dr. Nirmal Mattoo, Chairman of the Indo-American Arts Council, which presents the festival, expressed his personal connection to the collaboration: “I have had the great privilege of knowing the Khan family for over four decades. Amjad Ali Khan is not just a musical maestro, he is a cultural beacon—and his sons Amaan and Ayaan are carrying that legacy forward with brilliance and grace. Their contribution to NYIFF this year is deeply personal for me. It is a beautiful testament to their artistry and to the enduring friendship we share.”
Suman Gollamudi, Executive Director of the Indo-American Arts Council, added, “Having Amaan and Ayaan create the signature score for our 25th year is an immense honor. Their music elevates our trailer—and our message. It sets the tone for a festival that celebrates legacy, experimentation, and artistic courage.”
In addition to its rich film lineup, NYIFF 2025 will feature two exclusive masterclass sessions with industry trailblazers. Acclaimed filmmaker Smriti Mundhra will discuss her journey from Oscar-nominated shorts to global recognition with Netflix’s Indian Matchmaking. Meanwhile, celebrated director Anurag Kashyap will share his insights on the evolving landscape of Indian cinema, exploring the challenges facing Bollywood, streaming platforms, and the independent film sector.
The 2025 edition of NYIFF runs from June 20 to 22 at the Village East by Angelika in New York City. Screenings will include premieres by esteemed filmmakers such as Anurag Kashyap, Goutam Ghose, and Rima Das, with all films subtitled in English. For tickets, schedules, and the full lineup, visit nyiff.us.
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