a broad audience and will take place in New York from November 7 – 11, a media release said.
  
With the firm belief that ultimately it is innovation and creativity which will make India a global powerhouse, the Mahindra Group has decided to support the IAAC Film Festival.
  
Both Mahindra and IAAC are committed to a long term partnership that will transcend traditional boundaries of marketing partnerships and will enable the creative art form of film making from global South Asians to reach higher standards of excellence, a media release said.
  
Aroon Shivdasani, executive director, IAAC, said: "We are excited about the partnership with the Mahindra Group because they play an integral role in supporting the infrastructure and rapid growth of the Festival."
  
More importantly they also bring a shared passion for and an understanding of our core values. Their continued support and dedication will enable the IAAC to present the work from the most diverse and original filmmakers from around the South Asian Diaspora. Shivdasani said.
  
The Festival's mission is to assist South Asian filmmakers to reach the broadest possible audience, enable the international film community and the general public to experience the power of their films.
  
It includes film screenings, special events, and receptions for both opening and closing nights.
  
Commenting on the partnership with the Indo American Arts Council, Anand Mahindra, Vice Chairman & Managing Director, Mahindra Group said: "The Mahindra IAAC Film Festival will be a unique platform for alternative independent cinema."
  
The First Annual IAAC Film Festival held in 2001 was heralded by the godfather of Indian Diaspora films, the late Ismail Merchant and the Merchant-Ivory team.
  
Hailed as "innovative, bold, and daring" the IAAC Film Festival was the first Indian film festival to take place in New York City, appearing on the scene right in the aftermath of 9/11, and introducing New Yorkers to films and artists from South Asia they may never have seen before.
  
Over the years the Festival has featured films by leading Indian filmmakers like Mira Nair, Ismail Merchant, Deepa Mehta, Gurinder Chaddha, Nagesh Kukunoor as well as other upcoming filmmakers such as Shonali Bose, Nisha Ganatra, Smriti Mundhra and Ali Kazimi.
  
Films premiered at the IAAC Film Festival were showcased at various Film Festivals including Tribeca, Berlin, Rotterdam, Cannes, IFFLA, Directors' Fortnight and India Now at MOMA, Mumbai International Film Festival, IFP Market and many more.