A partner in the accounting firm Gumbiner Savett is bringing Bollywood to Hollywood.
Shreedhar Kothari, a member of the American Institute of CPAs and the California Society of CPAs, has joined the board of directors of the Indian Film Festival of Los Angeles.
Kothari said he has always been fascinated with film and grew up watching Indian cinema. He has been living in Southern California since 1995 and jumped at a chance to join the board. Before that, he resided in New York, where he worked as an accountant. Hes been with Santa Monica-based Gumbiner Savett since he moved to Southern California.
Ive always loved movies, said Kothari, who, before coming to the United States, was a chartered accountant in India. I have attended the Indian film festival a few times and Ive 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.
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. Other clients include agents, lawyers, artists, musicians, actors, producers, directors, screenwriters and authors. The firm is one of the sponsors of the film festival.
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 firms 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 filmmaking from India. I am so proud that Gumbiner Savett and I are a part of this festival. The five-day festival kicks off on April 20.
