Event Alert: South Asian Global Cinema Takes Centre Stage At The International South Asian Film Festival
Entertainment Sep 25, 2023
The vibrant world of South Asian cinema is set to take center stage at the upcoming International South Asian Film Festival (iSAFF) (@isaffcanada), which runs from September 28th to October 1st in Surrey, BC, Canada.
Formerly known as the Vancouver International South Asian Film Festival, they have now rebranded to reflect the true global content they have been showcasing all of these years and we are thrilled!
This year, the festival team boasts ‘Pathbreakers’ as this year’s theme, where iSAFF 2023 will showcase six feature films, four documentaries and over 30 short films, as well as dynamic industry events and innovative new initiatives. Check out what to expect and full ticketing info right here!
With a rebrand in the cards the refreshed festival presents an incredible roster of global films that will reach the heart of any and all cinephiles. The the focus being on “Pathbreakers” iSAFF includes films that have also made their presence at the two largest film festivals in the world namely Cannes Film Festival and Toronto International Film Festival, with the latter having just wrapped up. The eclectic roster of cinematic fare which are breaking all sorts of barriers staying true to the theme of iSAFF, also includes Emmy and BAFTA award winners, a former Miss America as well.
“We’ve come such a long way, and this year is a big leap forward for us,” says Mannu Sandhu, iSAFF Festival Producer. “Since 2010 we’ve been building this journey, and now with a new name and new goals, we’re reaching even more hearts. At iSAFF 2023, our goal is simple: to light up screens with incredible stories and grow our community. Join us as we celebrate films, embrace a community of storytellers, and honour everyone pushing limits in their own ways. We’re determined to make this year’s festival unforgettable!”
Their official kickoff takes place on Thursday September 28th with the Canadian premiere of Lord Curzon Ki Haveli a directorial debut by Anshuman Jha and starring Arjun Mathur from Made In Heaven and Rasika Dugal from Delhi Crime and Mirzapur.
The Closing Night film will be In Flames. Fresh from the Toronto International Film Festival, this Pakistani-Canadian supernatural thriller is directed by Zarrar Kahn. In Flames wass also the only second Pakistani film to premiere at Cannes Film Festival.
Not only will there be screenings but iSAFF will continue their fabulous tradition of hosting various Q&As giving creatives and fans a chance to engage and delve deeper into the art of filmmaking. Among the many Q&As that will be offered up one of them is especially noteworthy: celebrating the 10th Anniversary of The Lunchbox where director Ritesh Batra will share his experiences working with the late Irrfan Khan and how this film came to be.
The International South Asian Film Festival (iSAFF) promises to be filled with many fabulous cinematic moments of inspiration! Click here to get your tickets!
Main Image Photo Credit: www.isaff.ca
Hina P. Ansari
Author
Hina P. Ansari is a graduate from The University of Western Ontario (London, Ontario). Since then she has carved a successful career in Canada's national fashion-publishing world as the Entertainment/Photo Editor at FLARE Magazine, Canada's national fashion magazine. She was the first South Asian in...