In his 2025 Oscars speech for best director (Anora), filmmaker Sean Baker passionately urged people to support theatrical moviegoing. “In a time in which our world can feel very divided, this is more important than ever: It’s a communal experience you simply don’t get at home.”
Sean Baker’s speech couldn’t have come at a better time. His words reinforced the close-knit Tasveer community’s cherished belief in owning a physical space—a home for Tasveer, where thought-provoking South Asian storytelling and independent films thrive, educate, and inspire the next generation.
The $2.2 million grant from 4Culture King County, received early this year, was specifically designated for a physical space and represented significant recognition. This once-in-a-lifetime award from the cultural funding agency validates and supports Tasveer’s crucial cultural work in the community.
The moment was ripe—the indie-movie house, the historic Ark Lodge Cinema in Columbia City, a southeast Seattle neighborhood with a diverse population, was up for sale after years of difficulties with low attendance and paying rent. Tasveer’s acquisition became official on March 26, 2025.
The closure of the Ark Lodge Cinema after a 12-year run reflects a broader trend affecting movie theaters nationwide. What compelled Tasveer, a nonprofit organization, to take on the challenge of buying a theater during these precarious times?
“Tasveer” was conceived soon after the September 11 attacks in 2001, when South Asians became targets of hate crimes. Co-founders Rita Meher and Farah Nousheen decided to challenge misconceptions and stereotypes about the South Asian community by creating awareness through storytelling.
Tasveer’s earnest work began in 2002 at The Elliott Bay Book Company, a local bookstore, with a documentary film screening and a book discussion for a handful of audience. Over the years, the Tasveer Film Festival, as it is now known, has evolved into a globally recognized and sought-after film festival, and the only South Asian film festival to be Academy® Qualifying in the world. Its 20th anniversary will be celebrated for the first time at our home, at the Tasveer Film Center, instead of renting spaces in the city.
Last year, Tasveer introduced the Tasveer Film Market in conjunction with the film festival after realizing over the years how severely underrepresented South Asian diaspora filmmakers struggle to showcase their work. Distributors, producers, filmmakers, and industry experts gathered for the first time to conduct business with Netflix, NBCUniversal, HBO Max, and numerous other companies that sponsored the event.
With the successful inaugural film market in 2024, Tasveer is poised for a bigger film market with the addition of a Producers Lab. Tasveer envisions the Tasveer Film Festival and Market (TFFM) as the South Asian Sundance.
In addition to Tasveer’s capstone event, the TFFM, monthly screenings, and other events will become easier without having to scout for spaces. The Tasveer Film Center will serve as Tasveer’s headquarters, with office space tucked into a corner on the third floor. The three theaters and a conference room will be available for lease to the community, with special discounts for other nonprofit organizations and Tasveer members.
Tasveer is unwavering in its commitment to being welcoming to everyone regardless of their backgrounds. While DEI programs are being dismantled and deprioritized everywhere, Tasveer has bolstered its commitment to the mission through art, films, and storytelling. Board President Sandhya Nathan emphasizes this philosophy: “Artistic expression of any form is democratic, universal, and human. We must ensure it touches the sensibilities of everyone around us and that we learn from each other.”
Tasveer’s next undertaking? A multimillion-dollar capital campaign to fund the renovation of the building—a dream to modernize the space without compromising its historical prestige. It’s by no means an easy task to garner grants and funding when funding is tight across the board, but then, with the support of stakeholders, Tasveer is known to confront challenges and push forward.
While it is too early to assess the success of a brick-and-mortar presence, Tasveer is committed to the belief that it can continue to foster community under one roof, building upon 23 years of experience. The Tasveer Film Center will be open to all. Through ownership, Tasveer aims to enhance its visibility and strategically brand the venue to align with its mission, thereby expanding its community footprint. Furthermore, this ownership signifies financial stability—a favorable indicator for prospective funders. This initiative effectively positions Tasveer as a vibrant cultural hub contributing to the strengthening of the city’s creative economy.
The latest recognition, the 2025 Mayor’s Film Award for Outstanding Achievement in Film, presented to Rita Meher and TFFM on May 15, further validates the work being done. A sincere effort to inspire the next generation to watch, learn, and appreciate South Asian cinema and culture is a legacy worth creating.
