Association for Film Studies in South Asia

About Us

Association for Film Studies in South Asia (AFSSA)

Founded in 2020 in the midst of the global pandemic, AFSSA is an inclusive academic forum devoted to the exploration, analysis, and celebration of cinema in South Asia.

Our origins date back to a virtual conference on Alternative Cinema, organized in 2020 in collaboration with the English and Foreign Languages University (Hyderabad), Guru Gobind Singh Indraprastha University (Delhi), and Shivaji University (Kolhapur). The imperative for an inclusive platform that enables critical engagement within the domain of South Asian Cinema was identified at the culmination of the inaugural virtual conference. Thus AFSSA was formed, aimed at fostering meaningful dialogue among scholars, academicians, and film industry professionals within the landscape of South Asian cinema.

Vision

AFSSA is committed to bring forth an inclusive platform that transcends elitist boundaries within film scholarship. We recognise the multifaceted nature of South Asian film studies, welcoming critical examination of the domain from diverse aspects. AFSSA’s mission extends beyond the confines of traditional academia. We imagine a dynamic discourse that transcends disciplinary boundaries, encompassing the realms of anthropology, cultural studies, and sociology. AFSSA aspire to be the nexus where diverse voices converge, uniting film enthusiasts, industry insiders and academics.

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6th AFSSA

International Conference On Space(s) in South Asian Cinema

Sacred Heart College
Thevara, Cochin, Kerala
January 16-18, 2026

Last Date to Send Abstracts: September 30, 2025
Acceptance of Abstracts: October 31, 2025
Submission of Complete Paper: December 31, 2025

Edited By Vivek Sachdeva, Hariprasad Athanickal, Chandrakant A. Langare

South Asia in Alternative Cinema(s)

South Asia in Alternative Cinema(s) explores the significance and relevance of parallel, the new wave, the new middle cinema, avant-garde and independent cinemas from and on India, Pakistan, Bhutan, Sri Lanka, Bangladesh and other parts of South Asia.