Vancouver, BC (September 10, 2025) – The International South Asian Film Festival (iSAFF) proudly announces its milestone 15th edition, taking place from September 24th to 28th, 2025, in Surrey, British Columbia. This year’s theme, “Legacy,” is both a tribute to the rich history of South Asian cinema and a celebration of iSAFF’s own journey as a hub for bold, innovative storytelling.
The 2025 program expands on iSAFF’s tradition of showcasing independent and groundbreaking works by offering a diverse lineup of features, shorts, music videos, episodic series, industry events, and content creators. Audiences can expect stories that span past, present, and future — highlighting the cultural legacy of South Asian narratives while spotlighting fresh voices reshaping the landscape of global cinema.
As part of its 15th anniversary, iSAFF will introduce the Deepa Mehta Legacy Award, named after the Academy Award–nominated filmmaker whose visionary work has transformed South Asian storytelling worldwide. This inaugural honour celebrates Mehta’s enduring contributions to cinema and her role in inspiring future generations of artists. Mehta will be in attendance at the festival to accept the honour.
“We’ve come such a long way in the past 15 years, and this year feels especially meaningful,” says iSAFF Festival Producer Mannu Sandhu. “Bringing together iconic artists like Deepa Mehta and Onir, alongside emerging filmmakers, reflects our commitment to nurturing talent at every stage. We’re deeply grateful to our supporters, sponsors, and the Surrey community for helping us grow into a vibrant hub for South Asian storytelling.”
The festival will open with Uttera Singh’s Pinch, a powerful debut that premiered at the Tribeca Film Festival, and close with Annapurna Sriram’s F*cktoys, which won the Special Jury Award for a Multi-Hyphenate at SXSW this year.
A major highlight of the festival is its industry day, which includes panels, workshops, and special events. Among them is the 10th Anniversary Celebration Reading of Schitt’s Creek Season 1, Episode 3, “Don’t Worry It’s His Sister,” reimagined with an all-South Asian cast, presented in partnership with Not A Real Management Company, Inc. Additional industry sessions will feature conversations on producing films in Canada, demystifying the tax credits process, sustainability in filmmaking, and the role of music in cinema.
“We’re thrilled to present a bold and boundary-pushing program this year,” adds Artistic Director Pulkit Datta. “Our programming team has thoughtfully curated a dynamic lineup of powerful stories and exciting voices from Canada, the US, South Asia, and across the global diaspora. Our goal is to craft truly distinctive experiences that leave an impact with filmmakers and audiences in the South Asian creative space.”
iSAFF 2025 Competition Features Lineup:
F*cktoys
US, scripted feature – British Columbia Premiere
Dir – Annapurna Sriram
A surreal, 16mm reimagining of the Tarot’s Major Arcana through the story of AP, a woman on a wild, desperate journey to lift a curse.
Ghost School
Pakistan/United Kingdom, scripted feature – British Columbia Premiere
Dir – Seemab Gul
Ten-year-old Rabia confronts superstition and corruption in her quest to uncover the truth behind her school’s abrupt closure.
Have You Heard Judi Singh?
Canada, documentary feature & local filmmaker
Dir – Baljit Sangra
A portrait of Edmonton-born jazz singer Judi Singh, a Punjabi-Black artist who challenged norms in the 1950s but was denied the recognition her voice deserved.
Humans in the Loop
India, scripted feature – British Columbia Premiere
Dir – Aranya Sahay
An indigenous woman training artificial intelligence models confronts both technological bias and the prejudices of her community while fighting to build a future for her family.
Pinch
India, scripted feature – British Columbia Premiere
Dir – Uttera Singh
When aspiring travel blogger Maitri is assaulted by her landlord, her choices reverberate through her community, forcing confrontation and change.
Pooja, Sir
Nepal, scripted feature – British Columbia Premiere
Dir – Deepak Rauniyar
Detective Inspector Pooja’s investigation of a kidnapping forces her into political unrest and personal sacrifice, testing her resilience and determination.
Singhs in the Ring
Canada, documentary feature – British Columbia Premiere
Dir – Akash Sherman
An exuberant look at wrestling legend Gama Singh and his son Raj, capturing both their triumphs and struggles with identity, culture, and legacy.
We Are: Faheem & Karun
India, scripted feature – Canadian Premiere
Dir – Onir
In conflict-torn Kashmir, two men form a forbidden bond that challenges tradition, family, and the harsh realities of a conservative society.
Now in its 15th year, iSAFF has become one of Canada’s leading platforms for South Asian cinema and artists, connecting filmmakers, industry professionals, and audiences from across the globe. This year’s festival promises vibrant storytelling, community engagement, and a celebration of South Asian culture that spans generations.
