We have been receiving support & participation from all the eight South Asian countries - Afghanistan, Bangladesh, Bhutan, India, Maldives, Nepal, Pakistan, SriLanka. The support from the Indian film industry has been commendable. Bhutan is the Focus Country of saff 2011, being held from September 15-18, 2011 in Goa.

saff has proved that it has a strong socio-cultural & political ramification in the South Asian Region and no other private public initiative has been able to make such an impact through the medium of arts & cinema so far in this region. As you know, films play a very important role in the psyche of masses in this region. This medium must be put to best and optimum use for generating and initiating various efforts already underway to bring peace & harmony and to reinforce initiatives for improving trade opportunities in the region.

The saff had made Goa its venue at the initiative of the Chief Minister of Goa and the Government of Goa has marked this event as a major festival in the Goa Calendar of events. saff is the only South Asian Film related cultural event in the region that brings the South Asian countries together. The Government of Goa and ICCR have extended impeccable support to saff.

Different categories of films will be screened at the festival that includes Classic Films, Short Films, Documentary Films and Mainstream Films. New films will also be premiered at the Festival. The Festival will feature films from all era's, including Classic films of South Asian Cinema's Golden Era to young upcoming directors and established award winning directors. The Festival will feature some films with heart wrenching stories from the participating countries. "Bird's in the cage", "Bardo", "Meherjaan", "Goheen Shobdo", "Act of Dishonour", "Mohabbattan Sachiyaan","Kashmakash", "Apur Sansar" are some of the films that completes the journey of the finest creative talents of South Asia till date.

The Foundation considers it not only an honor but also reflection of the strength and the objective of the Festival. This is one of the very few Festivals that have been designed for a larger socio-cultural and political objective, and this is what sets it apart from other film Festivals. Altogether 50 films will be screened during saff 2011.

Shri Kapil Sibal is the Chairman of the Steering Committee of the Festival that also includes many prominent personalities of the region.