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NBA announces the launch of “NBA Films for Fans”
Mumbai: The National Basketball Association (NBA) today announced the launch of “NBA Films for Fans,” a global initiative that will engage filmmakers from 11 countries to develop 24 short documentary films celebrating the NBA and basketball from each of their respective cultural perspectives. Seven of the participating filmmakers from India, Australia, Brazil, Canada, Senegal, UK and the U.S. will debut their films at an exclusive red-carpet event on Thursday, 16 February at Soundwell in Salt Lake City, Utah as part of NBA All-Star 2023.
Providing a platform to showcase local talent on a global scale, the NBA has commissioned three films from India. ‘Yaari’, a film that focuses on five girls who prioritize team bonding above personal growth to be successful, is one of the select few that will premiere at the event. The other submissions from India include ‘Tu Bas Khel’ and ‘Redemption’, both local heart-warming stories that aptly depict the transformative powers of basketball.
Following the premiere event, the seven films will be screened throughout the weekend at NBA Crossover, an immersive fan experience taking place at Salt Palace Convention Center from Feb. 17-19, before all 24 films will be made available exclusively within the new global NBA App later this season.
The films, officially commissioned by the NBA, will provide fans with a deeper outlook into the milestones and moments that shape the league’s global influence from the perspective of these creators with diverse backgrounds. The filmmakers were given unlimited access to the NBA’s video archives and will receive promotional support from the league throughout the remainder of the 2022-23 season.
“We are excited to work with this diverse group of creative filmmakers who share a passion for the league and are willing to bring their unique basketball stories to the new NBA App,” said NBA senior vice president, head of social, digital & original content Andrew Yaffe. “Films for Fans is a program that celebrates up-and-coming filmmakers who love the game and collectively unite the international basketball community.”
As part of the initiative and in celebration of Salt Lake City’s rich history as a filmmaking hub, the Utah Jazz produced a short film about the intersection of basketball and the local community that will be among the seven films to debut at the premiere event.
Media Contacts
Tricia Silveira, NBA India, TSilveira@nba.com
NEW DELHI: Hamdard Laboratories gathered a cross-section of India’s achievers in New Delhi on Friday, handing out the Hakeem Abdul Hameed Excellence Awards to figures who have left their mark across healthcare, education, sport, public service and the arts.
The ceremony, attended by minister of state for defence Sanjay Seth and senior officials from the ministry of Ayush, celebrated individuals whose work blends professional success with a sense of public purpose. It was as much a roll call of achievement as it was a reminder that influence is not measured only in profits or podiums, but in people reached and lives improved.
Among the headline awardees was Alakh Pandey, founder and chief executive of PhysicsWallah, recognised for turning affordable digital learning into a mass movement. On the sporting front, Arjuna Awardee and kabaddi player Sakshi Puniya was honoured for her contribution to the game and for pushing women’s participation onto bigger stages.
The cultural spotlight fell on veteran lyricist and poet Santosh Anand, whose songs have echoed across generations of Hindi cinema. At 97, Anand accepted the honour with characteristic humility, reflecting on a life shaped by perseverance and hope.
Healthcare honours spanned both modern and traditional systems. Manoj N. Nesari was recognised for strengthening Ayurveda’s place in national and global health frameworks. Padma shri Mohammed Abdul Waheed was honoured for his research-backed work in Unani medicine, while padma shri Mohsin Wali received recognition for his long-standing contribution to patient-centred care.
Education and social development also featured prominently. Padma shri Zahir Ishaq Kazi was honoured for decades of work in education, while former Meghalaya superintendent of Police T. C. Chacko was recognised for public service. Goonj founder Anshu Gupta received an award for his dignity-centred rural development initiatives, and the Hunar Shakti Foundation was honoured for empowering women and young girls through skill development.
The Lifetime Achievement Award went to former IAS officer Shailaja Chandra for her long career in public healthcare and governance, particularly in the traditional systems under Ayush.
Speaking at the event, Hamdard chairman Abdul Majeed said the awards were a tribute to those who combine excellence with empathy. “These awardees reflect Hakeem Sahib’s belief that healthcare, education and public service must ultimately serve humanity,” he said.
Minister Seth struck a forward-looking note, saying India’s young population gives the country a unique opportunity to become a global destination for learning, health and wellness by 2047.
The ceremony also featured the trailer launch of Unani Ki Kahaani, an upcoming documentary starring actor Jim Sarbh, set to premiere on Discovery on 11 February.
Instituted in memory of Unani scholar and educationist Hakeem Abdul Hameed, the awards have grown into a national platform that celebrates those building a more inclusive and resilient India. For one evening at least, the spotlight was not just on success, but on service with substance.
