Submissions for 2023 now open!

International South Asian Film Festival Canada celebrates stories usually not represented by mainstream cinema or contemporary Bollywood film formulas. Features, shorts, web series, 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.

Awards & Prizes

We are proud to present the following awards:

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

Rules & Terms

SUBMISSIONS FOR THE 2023

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, feature films, documentaries, and narratives of any length.

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 released in 2022 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 2023

All non-English language films must have English subtitles.

MORE QUESTIONS?
Contact isaffcanada@gmail.com
17 Reviews
Overall Rating
Quality
Value
Communication
Hospitality
Networking
  • Javid Farahani

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

    December 2022
    Helpful
  • 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
    Helpful
  • Sandeep Kumar

    We are very fortunate to have the opportunity to open this years VISAFF with our film MEHRUNISA! Its a well curated festival having all screenings at a prominent venue in the heart of Surrey. The festival was well organised with a grandiose opening gala, red carpet... a great opportunity to get to mingle with the local South Asian community. Last but not the least, all covid protocols were followed pretty well. I made many new friends n look fwd to coming back to VISAFF in future.
    Sandeep Kumar (Dir. Mehrunisa / Vienna, Austria)

    November 2021
    Helpful
  • KP Singh

    This festival was amazing! So much fun so much love and very well run. This is a festival that everyone should check out and strive to get their films into. Very glad to be a part of it this year with Evolution Corvus and excited for the years to come! ✨🎬😊🙏🏾

    November 2021
    Helpful
  • Prem Prasad Adhikary

    Excellent. Happy to screen our short film ''CONFUSION''.Glad to be part of the festival.

    November 2021
    Helpful