IIFF's mission is to provide "a platform for increased awareness of Indian cinema and culture to the community by promoting films and industry professionals representing the diversity of India.
[3] The festival takes place over the course of three days and includes a red carpet, Indian food, and various entertainment, including music and dance performances.
[6] IIFF was founded by Francis Vayalumkal,[7] Rahul Korlipara, and Rachna Dinkar in February, 2010.
It was originally sponsored by the Indo-US Chamber of Commerce.
[11] IIFF was the first South Asian Film Festival in the United States to hold an independent film school for aspiring filmmakers.