By: Staff Writer

The Global Indian Diaspora Foundation (GIDF), a prominent nonprofit committed to cultural preservation and historical awareness, is set to host an exclusive pre-release screening of filmmaker Vivek Ranjan Agnihotri’s much-anticipated new film, ‘The Bengal Files,’ on Saturday, August 9, 2025, at AMC Naperville in suburban Chicago.

Directed by Agnihotri—renowned for thought-provoking films like ‘The Kashmir Files’ and ‘The Tashkent Files’ —‘The Bengal Files’ delves into the chilling and often-suppressed history of Direct Action Day and the Great Calcutta Killings of 1946. The film sheds light on the communal violence that unfolded in Bengal, including the Noakhali riots—events that significantly shaped the narrative of India’s independence and partition but remain marginalized in mainstream discourse.

“This film is a cinematic thunderstorm—a piercing mirror to our history,” said Rakesh Malhotra, President of GIDF. “The Bengal Files doesn’t just recount a forgotten chapter—it demands reflection. As a community, it is our responsibility to bear witness to this truth.”

Abhinav Raina, General Secretary of GIDF, emphasized the purpose behind the screening: “This exclusive preview is not just about watching a film—it’s about reclaiming our collective memory. We urge the community to be part of this important conversation.”

The screening is part of the national ‘One Truth. Ten Cities.’ tour, organized in collaboration with the I Am Buddha Foundation, Coalition of Hindus of North America (CoHNA), and the Global Kashmiri Pandit Diaspora (GKPD). These organizations share a common mission to uncover suppressed histories and promote cultural truth through education and the arts.

Speaking ahead of the screening, Director Vivek Ranjan Agnihotri stated, “If The Kashmir Files hurt you, The Bengal Files will haunt you. This is more than a film—it’s a moral responsibility. We owe it to the silenced generations to speak their truth.”

The Chicago premiere has received wide support from local and national organizations, including the Bengali Association of Greater Chicago, Vishwa Hindu Parishad of America (VHPA), Hindu Swayamsevak Sangh (HSS), Chicago Kali Bari, Federation of Indian Associations (FIA), Ekal Vidyalaya Foundation, and Indica USA.

Avatans Kumar, Director of Indica USA–Chicago, praised the film’s importance: “The Bengal Files tackles historical amnesia head-on. It gives voice to those erased from our textbooks and lost in silence. This film is a powerful act of cultural restoration.”

The event will feature a red-carpet reception, keynote addresses from Vivek Agnihotri and actress Pallavi Joshi, followed by a post-screening discussion session to facilitate reflection and dialogue on the events portrayed in the film.

‘The Bengal Files’ will release globally on September 5, 2025, but Chicago-area audiences will get an exclusive preview nearly a month early on August 9—a unique opportunity to engage with the film and its creators ahead of the worldwide premiere.

For tickets, sponsorship, or press inquiries:
Email: admin@gidfoundation.org

🌐 Website: https://gidfoundation.org/events/
📞 Contact: Rakesh Malhotra or Abhinav Raina