Submissions for the 2024 are open!

International South Asian Film Festival Canada (iSAFF) celebrates stories usually not represented by mainstream cinema or contemporary Bollywood film formulas. Features, shorts, episodics, music videos and documentaries, all chosen to engage, educate and inspire audiences by promoting free expression, cross-cultural interactions and understanding, and combating intolerance and stereotypes.

iSAFF originated in 2008 to "bridge the gap" between South Asian talent and mainstream audiences by connecting directors, actors, producers, community organizations, corporate brands and South Asian cinephiles.

(formerly known as VISAFF Canada)

Awards & Prizes

We are proud to present the following awards:

- Award for Best Feature Film
- Award for Best Documentary
- Award for Best North American Short
- Award for Best International Short
- Award for Best LGBTQ+ Film

Rules & Terms

SUBMISSIONS FOR THE 2024 FESTIVAL

iSAFF - INTERNATIONAL SOUTH ASIAN FILM FESTIVAL Canada

iSAFF invites submission of films on themes related to South Asia and its Diaspora. Specifically it promotes diverse stories of South Asians through films from India, Pakistan, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, Nepal, Tibet, Bhutan, Afghanistan and the global South Asian Diaspora.

We welcome shorts, scripted feature films, documentaries, episodics and music videos.

All works must be related to South Asia and/or its Diaspora. This includes films made by filmmakers of South Asian origin as well as those by non-South Asian filmmakers that focus on a South Asian theme. South Asian involved in a major role either: lead actor/actress, director, producer, or writer.

All works must have been completed in 2023 and after.

The number, date(s), time(s), and location(s) of screenings of the selected films are at the sole discretion of iSAFF. Filmmakers of accepted entries will be notified by email with these details.

Submissions are not returned.

Notification of final programming decisions will be issued to all filmmakers via e-mail by July 2024

All non-English language films must have English subtitles.

MORE QUESTIONS?
Contact isaffcanada@gmail.com
20 Reviews
Overall Rating
Quality
Value
Communication
Hospitality
Networking
  • vijaykumar mirchandani

    This festival gets a 5-star rating all the way. Right from the word get-go the team was on their toes with communication, co-ordination, curation, creativity and consistency. The organizers and back-end team proved that they were thorough professionals and knew the biz. Being my first time at the festival, I had a great experience, enjoyed the gala, the creative events and networking by making new friends and collaborations. Thats the magic of in-person festival and ISAFF ...well done!! Definitely looking at 2024 with more masti and magic!!

    October 2023
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  • Ajai Vishwanath

    It was such an honour to screen our short film at iSAFF. A fantastic line-up of films, and the festival organisers helped foster an amazing sense of community among the filmmakers and audiences. Can't wait to be back!

    October 2023
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  • Lalithra Fernando

    It’s been five days since the end of iSAFF 2023 and I’m still coasting on the high that was this past weekend. It was invigorating to be in the company of such amazing films and filmmakers. I particularly loved that the festival created the time and space to connect with the other filmmakers. Everyone was so talented and above all, lovely human beings, and I’m grateful to be leaving the festival with new friends. Thank you to the programming team, Pulkit, Pallavi, Keertana, for bringing together such a stellar group of films. I was truly blown away. I felt like I had a new favorite with each film I watched. And it was so cool to experience it with the audiences of Surrey and Vancouver. Thank you to the entire festival team, Mannu, Panzy, Ritesh, Paarull, Sowjanya, and all the volunteers – y’all put on a show, from the Gala to the entire weekend, I felt well taken care of, and I cannot wait to be back.

    October 2023
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  • Javid Farahani

    Thank you and attending your festival was an honor for me⚘⚘

    December 2022
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  • Firdaus F. Bilimoria

    VISAFF is everything a film festival should be! Great communication and venues, awesome treatment of filmmakers with opportunities to connect with community, staff, industry, and each other. Most impressive is their deep-rooted connection with the community and commitment to inclusion and outreach which is reflected in their programming and events. Kudos to the team, had a great time at the festival and would recommend highly!

    November 2021
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