The world of film comes to Renton next weekend as the city will play host to the ninth annual Seattle South Asian Film Festival, with lots of special guests from around the world.

Renton Pavilion Event Center will be centerstage for the festival’s opening-night gala from 8 p.m. to midnight, on Friday, Oct. 31. According to Dr. Alka Kurian, festival co-director, the selection committee chose Renton as part of this year’s festival because the city is the most diverse in King County and because Renton is becoming “the new film festival destination of the state.”

“(Renton) is the most happening film city in the state,” Kurian said during brief remarks at Monday’s City Council meeting. “We didn’t want to be left out.”

Opening-night features a showcase of short films including, “Jaya,” “FU377” and “What Remains,” followed by Bollywood and Bhangra dance beats, with Indian cuisine catered by Naan-N-Curry. In total, 41 films will be shown as part of the festival, which also includes locations in Bothell and Seattle.

Filmmakers are scheduled to attend, including Puja Maewal, director of the multi-award-winning film “Jaya,” and Bob Woosley and Summer Pervez of the Candanian-Pakistani co-production, “Shame.” Music will be provided by Portland’s DJ Anjali and the Incredible Kid, who hosts the longest running Bhangra and Bollywood party on the West Coast.

“Renton is honored to host the Seattle South Asian Film Festival (SSAFF) for the first time,” said Mayor Denis Law in a press release, “one of the most highly-respected South Asian film festivals in the United States. The Renton Community Marketing Campaign is partnering with SSAFF to bring the world of film to Renton and help showcase the diversity of our community, bring visitors to Renton and Renton’s hotels, and promote arts, culture and cultural understanding.”

The event is presented by the organization Tasveer, which presents three keystone events each year: AAINA, a woman-focused arts gathering, South Asian International Documentary Festival and SSAFF.

Kurian on Monday also thanked the City of Renton for its “massive support and help” in getting the festival on its feet.

Tickets to the opening night gala are $35 general admission and $25 for students. The Renton Pavilion Event Center is located at 233 Burnett Ave., S., Renton.

The film festival also features educational film panels and they are free and open to the public. For a complete listing of festival events visit, http://ssaff.tasveer.org/2014/index.php/schedule/.

Additional reporting by Brian Beckley.