Indian Filmmaker Kumar Raj Shines at Dare Devil Film Festival in Niagara Falls
Indian Filmmaker Kumar Raj Shines at Dare Devil Film Festival in Niagara Falls
By Eleanor Whitmore — International Arts Correspondent, The Niagara Tribune
UNN: NIAGARA FALLS — The spotlight turned international this week as the Dare (Destroy Your) Devil Film Festival welcomed one of India’s most decorated filmmakers, Kumar Raj, whose socially charged films Ameena and Tara were officially selected for screening and award contention at this year’s festival.
Held at the iconic DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel Niagara Falls (401 Buffalo Avenue), and with screenings in the Grand Theatre of the Niagara Arts and Cultural Center, the festival celebrates bold cinematic voices that challenge convention and spark meaningful dialogue.
“We are beyond thrilled to host Kumar Raj’s work,” said David Lewis, Festival Director. “His films embody everything this festival stands for — courage, conviction, and creative activism.”Known for tackling themes like human rights, gender justice, and social reform, Kumar Raj’s film Ameena is currently in its 70th week of continuous release, an extraordinary achievement in independent filmmaking. To date, Raj has won over 580 international awards, making him a force to reckon with on the global cinema stage.
“Cinema is my voice for change,” Kumar Raj stated in a message to festival organizers. “I am honored that Niagara Falls — a symbol of natural power and global unity — is where my films are being showcased.”
The Dare Devil Film Festival, founded to platform films that challenge the status quo, has quickly risen as a destination for filmmakers who dare to push boundaries. With visitors pouring in from across the U.S. and abroad, the combination of powerful cinema and the stunning backdrop of Niagara Falls promises an unforgettable experience for attendees.
“We want our audiences to walk out of these films asking questions, demanding answers, and perhaps, dreaming of a better world,” added Christina Lewis, Assistant Director of the festival.As the falls roar in the distance, so too does the voice of global cinema echo through the halls of Niagara — and this week, that voice belongs unmistakably to Kumar Raj.
