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King County, WA honors Indian cinema with proclamation

The proclamation honors the Indian film festival running from March 21- 23, 2025 in Seattle.

Inaugural Ceremony of 1st Festival of Indian Cinema in Seattle (21 March 2025, Seattle) / Consulate General of India, Seattle

In a landmark tribute to Indian cinema, King County in Washington has officially proclaimed March 21-23 as "Indian Cinema Festival Days" across all 39 cities, including Greater Seattle. 

Announced by Executive Dow Constantine, this recognition coincides with the inaugural Festival of Indian Cinema, jointly hosted by the Consulate General of India, Seattle, and the Museum of Pop Culture (MOPOP).
 

King County Proclamation declaring 21-23 March as Indian Cinema Festival Days across King County / Consulate General of India, Seattle

The festival, held at MOPOP, opened on March 21 with a special screening of a documentary on the Mahakumbh at Prayagraj, alongside excerpts from Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s podcast with Lex Fridman, emphasizing India’s core philosophy of Unity in Diversity.
 

Audience viewing excerpts of PM's podcast with Lex Fridman / Consulate General of India, Seattle
Viewing of documentary on recently concluded Mahakumbh / Consulate General of India, Seattle

Distinguished guests, including US Congresswoman Pramila Jayapal, King County Council Vice Chair Sarah Perry, Port of Seattle Commissioner Sam Cho, and MOPOP CEO Michele Y. Smith, attended the opening ceremony.

“It was wonderful to join the Indian Consulate and to be surrounded by Indian culture. Representation matters — on screen, in books, in leadership roles, and in government, and as the first and only South Asian American woman to serve in Congress, I am proud that we continue to build more awareness of the creativity and contributions of Indian diaspora artists to our world,” Jayapal said in a statement. 
 

US Congresswoman Pramila Jayapal addressing the Inaugural Ceremony /
Seattle Port Commissioner Sam Cho addressing the gathering / Consulate General of India, Seattle
Consul General addressing participants at the 1st Festival of Indian Cinema at MOPOP / Consulate General of India, Seattle

The festival lineup features celebrated Indian films: English Vinglish (March 21), Zindagi Na Milegi Dobara (March 22), and Raksha Bandhan (March 23). In addition, a photo exhibition on the “History of Indian Cinema”, chronicling its evolution and iconic milestones, will remain on display at MOPOP Seattle until March 23, 2025.
 

Screening of “English Vinglish” at Cinema Theater at MOPOP / Consulate General of India, Seattle
Photo exhibit on “History of Indian Cinema” at MOPOP / Consulate General of India, Seattle
Audience viewing the Inaugural Ceremony of the 1st Festival of Indian Cinema at MOPOP / Consulate General of India, Seattle
Consul General felicitating the artists at Inaugural Ceremony / Consulate General of India, Seattle

The three-day festival marks a significant cultural collaboration between India and the United States, bringing the vibrancy of Indian storytelling to audiences in Seattle.
 

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