Shreedhar Kothari, known as “Shree†, has always had a fascination with film. But in particular, he has a fondness for the India cinema, which he grew up watching as a child and a young man. So it would be an understatement to say that when the Indian Film Festival of Los Angeles (IFFLA) asked Kothari if he would be interested in sitting on the Board of Directors, he jumped at the chance.
Kothari, a partner at the Santa Monica-based accounting firm Gumbiner Savett Inc., has been living in Southern California since 1995. Before that, he resided in New York, where he worked as an accountant. He’s been with Gumbiner Savett since he moved to Southern California.
Married and with two children, Kothari holds a bachelor of commerce degree from Gujarat University in India and is a member of American Institute of Certified Public Accountants and California Society of Certified Public Accountants.
“I’ve always loved movies,†said Kothari, who, before coming to the United States, was a cost and chartered accountant in India. “I have attended the Indian film festival a few times and I’ve always enjoyed it. So when a friend of the firm, told me that the festival was looking for someone with a financial background and who had a presence in the entertainment industry, it seemed like a perfect fit.â€
In fact, Gumbiner Savett has had a long-time relationship with the entertainment industry, working with various clients including independent production entities, film and television studios, foreign entertainment companies, post production houses, independent record labels, and distributors, as well as agents, lawyers, artists, musicians, actors, producers, directors, screenwriters and authors.
“When Shree got the opportunity to join the IFFLA board, we were very supportive because we knew it was a passion of his and that he could make a difference with the organization,†said Michael Savoy, the firm’s Managing Director.
“Hollywood has become increasingly closer to India,†Kothari said, noting that many studios and post-production houses are turning more and more to the Indian film community for projects involving American-produced films. “There seems to be a tremendous groundswell in interest in film-making from India. I am so proud that Gumbiner Savett and I are a part of this festival.â€
The IFFLA is a nonprofit organization devoted to a greater appreciation of Indian cinema and culture by showcasing films, honoring entertainment industry performers and business executives, and promoting the diverse perspectives of the Indian diaspora. The eighth annual five-day film festival begins April 20 at ArcLight Hollywood. For more information, visit www.indianfilmfestival.org.
