Third World Indie Film Festival Comes To Milpitas

The Third World Indie Film Festival kicked off its weekend screenings Thursday in Milpitas with a red-carpet event attended by filmmakers, fans and local politicians.

The film fest boasts 29 entries documenting Nigeria, Sudan, Haiti, Bangladesh, Peru, Lebanon, Tehran, Manila, Brazil, India, Trinidad and Tobago, Russia, China, south Africa, the Middle East and the United States.

"It was a pretty abnormal experience," said Jason Takahashi, producer of Stepping into Fire, adding that "one of the most memorable moments was getting to travel around with a shaman." Takahashi recalled that his trips to South America were an eye-opening experience.

Filmmakers strived to bring Third World issues to light with this festival through their productions—not only to break common stereotypes of Third World countries but also to show that the First World is suffering because of economic troubles of the Third World.

"Milpitas has a very diverse population," said Mayor Jose Esteves. "Each film has a distinct message that can be brought back to the city of Milpitas."

The films not only aim to bring about social change but have changed the filmmakers themselves. 

Publicist of Dilli, Miglena Sandmeier said the movie absolutely changed her and moved her to tears. "The message is universal, and that's what the producer has been pushing, to inform the world that there can be slums in any country," she said.

The films will play from Friday through Sunday at the Century 20 Theater, 1010 Great Mall Dr., Milpitas. Day pass tickets are $10, or $25 for a three-day pass.

Details and film schedules are available by visiting the Third World Indie Festival website.