SEAT AT THE TABLE

Monday, May 11, 8:15 p.m. | SEAT AT THE TABLE follows several prominent South Asian political candidates during the 2024 election cycle, alongside a community galvanized by the groundbreaking campaign of the first South Asian presidential candidate. Featured in the film is Nabeela Syed running for Illinois State representative for the 51st district that covers northwest suburban Cook and Lake Counties. The film captures a historic year for the South Asian diaspora as more candidates than ever run for office, providing us a rare front-row seat to the dynamic forging of power in America. Dialogue: Co-director Sarita Khurana and Illinois State Representatives Nabeela Syed and Kevin Olickal in attendance.

Asian American Showcase | May 7–12, 2026

Presented as an annual collaboration with the Foundation for Asian American Independent Media and now celebrating its 29th year, the Asian American Showcase (AAS) provides a platform for new work by established and emerging Asian American, Native Hawaiian and Pacific Islander filmmakers and stories. Synopses provided by AAS.

The Film Center is ADA accessible. This presentation will be projected without open captions. The theater is hearing-loop equipped. For accessibility requests, please email filmcenter@saic.edu