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Entertainment
Sayani Gupta’s debut ‘Aasmani’ pulled from New Zealand Indian Film Festival over copyright dispute
✍️ Bollywood Hungama
🗓 19 Aug 2026, 08:38 AM
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Sayani Gupta’s directorial debut Aasmani was withdrawn from the Indian Film Festival of New Zealand after a copyright dispute emerged.
Sayani Gupta, an established actress, stepped behind the camera with her first directorial effort, the short film Aasmani. The work was slated for a screening at the Indian Film Festival of New Zealand but was removed from the lineup on Tuesday.
Festival organisers confirmed the pull‑out after a copyright dispute was raised concerning the film’s content. No further details of the claim have been released, and the issue is currently being examined.
The incident underscores the increasing legal complexities Indian creators face when presenting work overseas. Gupta has not issued a public statement, and the festival has not announced a replacement program.
Festival organisers confirmed the pull‑out after a copyright dispute was raised concerning the film’s content. No further details of the claim have been released, and the issue is currently being examined.
The incident underscores the increasing legal complexities Indian creators face when presenting work overseas. Gupta has not issued a public statement, and the festival has not announced a replacement program.