Banwas directed by Arden Cvitanovic

Hyderabad, India - Independent filmmakers Raghav Sareen and Aleks Wynne announce that Banwas has been officially selected for the 10th Indian World Film Festival (IWFF) 2026.

Banwas explores the poignant struggle between a young Indian man leaving for America and his mother, who cannot bear to see him go. As Aman prepares to emigrate, his mother gives him a sacred childhood totem - a religious object meant to protect him abroad. But Aman resists, burdened by painful childhood associations with the symbol. This intimate drama examines identity, belonging, and the invisible ties binding us to home even as we forge new paths.

The film asks essential questions facing the global Indian diaspora: What parts of ourselves do we carry when we leave? Can we honor our mothers' love without accepting the weight of their expectations?

PRODUCTION TEAM

Director: Aleks Wynne

Writer: Aleks Wynne

Cast: Raghav Sareen, Poornima Sharma

Crew: Aleks Wynne (cinematographer), Arden Cvitanovic (editor)

Shot over 3 days in Sydney, Banwas showcases authentic storytelling that honors the emotional truth of immigrant experiences.