This Women's Day, we celebrate strength, leadership, and innovation by shining a spotlight on the North American Film Association (NAFA: https://northamericanfilmassociation.org), an organization where women don’t just have a seat at the table—they lead the way. With 95% of its top executives being female, NAFA stands as a true beacon of female leadership in the arts and entertainment industry.
In this special episode of ChaiTime, we bring you an inspiring conversation with four extraordinary women—leaders, professionals, and passionate volunteers—who have seamlessly balanced careers, families, and a deep love for the arts. My heartfelt thanks to Arundhati Datye, NAFA Co-founder and Film Production Lead; Riya Thosar, NAFA Co-founder and Marketing Lead; Archana Saraf, this year’s Film Festival Lead; and Gauri Gholap, a dedicated donor, contributor, and volunteer. Together, they share their experiences, the challenges they have overcome, and their vision for a more inclusive and empowered future in film and leadership. Please click the link on the top to listen to this special episode as we celebrate the remarkable women shaping NAFA and paving the way for future generations. Their stories inspire us all to push boundaries, challenge norms, and embrace leadership with confidence and purpose.
The North American Film Association (NAFA), a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization, is dedicated to promoting, celebrating, and advancing Marathi cinema and culture on a global stage, with a special emphasis on engaging audiences in North America. Through film production, distribution, festivals, screenings, and educational programs, NAFA provides a platform for local talent to share their stories in a global format, fostering creativity, innovation, and excellence in Marathi filmmaking. By making Marathi cinema more accessible in mainstream theaters, curating masterclasses, and showcasing high-quality films, NAFA aims to preserve Maharashtra’s rich cultural heritage, bridge cultural boundaries, and deepen the appreciation of regional Indian cinema worldwide.
