The South Western International Film Festival (SWIFF) has been a cornerstone of cultural celebration in Sarnia, Ontario, since its inception in 2015. Founded by the late Ravi Srinivasan, a visionary film programmer and proud Sarnia native, SWIFF quickly gained recognition for showcasing diverse, socially conscious, and groundbreaking films. Over its remarkable journey, SWIFF became a beacon for independent cinema, drawing audiences from across Canada and beyond.

The festival’s journey began in 2015 with a homecoming screening of "Into the Forest," directed by Sarnia-born filmmaker Patricia Rozema. This inaugural event set the stage for SWIFF as a dynamic cultural tradition, blending world-class independent films with live music performances and workshops. Year after year, SWIFF delivered unforgettable moments, celebrating Canadian talent like Oscar nominees Bing Liu ("Minding the Gap") and Emma Donoghue ("Room"), hosting live concerts by celebrated bands such as Born Ruffians and The Sadies, and facilitating thought-provoking discussions, workshops, and new media exhibits.

The heart of SWIFF was its founder, Ravi Srinivasan, a beloved figure in the film industry. Known for his passion, generosity, and dedication to promoting diverse voices in cinema, Ravi’s vision transformed SWIFF into a cultural treasure. His sudden and unexpected passing in January 2023 at the age of 37 was a profound loss to the arts community, leaving a void that was deeply felt by all who knew him and by the festival he passionately nurtured. This tragedy led to the festival’s initial closure. After a year-long hiatus, SWIFF is reborn in 2024 under new management, committed to honoring Ravi Srinivasan’s legacy. 

The reimagined festival aims to continue the tradition of spotlighting exceptional films while introducing innovative programming that reflects the evolving cinematic landscape. Audiences can look forward to a curated selection of Canadian and international films, engaging panels, workshops, and industry summits. New initiatives, like “Sarnia On Screen,” will empower local filmmakers, while expanded virtual offerings ensure greater accessibility for all.As SWIFF embarks on this new era, it invites everyone to celebrate the magic of storytelling, creativity, and community. Together, let’s make SWIFF a global hub for cinematic excellence while staying true to its roots in Sarnia.​ Welcome back to SWIFF – where film inspires and culture thrives.

Awards & Prizes

- The Ravi Srinivasan Visionary Award
- Best Short Film (International)
- Best Canadian Short
- Best International Feature
- Best Short Documentary (Under 40 Minutes)
- Best Cinematography
- Best Student Film
- Best Horror Film (Under 35 minutes)
- Best Comedy Film (Under 35 minutes)
- Best Experimental Film
- Best Animation Film

Rules & Terms

1. Eligibility

Filmmaker Age:  There is no restriction in age.

Film Duration: Submitted films must be no longer than 30 minutes in duration.

Completion Date: Films submitted must have been completed after January 1, 2020.

2. Submission Process

Deadline: Submissions must be received by the specified deadline. Late submissions will not be considered.

Submission Format: Films should be submitted digitally through our official submission platform in a high-quality format (e.g., H.264, .mov, .mp4).

Entry Fee: A non-refundable entry fee is required for each film submission. Details about the entry fee can be found on our website.

Language: Non-English language films must include English subtitles.

3. Content Guidelines

Originality: Submissions must be the original work of the filmmaker, and all necessary rights, licenses, and permissions must be obtained for music, images, and other copyrighted content.

Genres: We welcome films from all genres, including but not limited to, drama, comedy, documentary, animation, and experimental.

Content Restrictions: Films that contain hate speech, discrimination, or explicit content that violates our community guidelines will not be accepted.

4. Multiple Submissions 

   Number of Submissions: Filmmakers are allowed to submit multiple films, but each film must be accompanied by a separate entry fee.

​

5. Notification and Exhibition

Notification: Filmmakers will be notified of their submission status via email. Please make sure the contact information provided is accurate.

Exhibition Rights: By submitting your film, you grant the right to screen your film at the festival and in associated promotional materials.

6. Judging and Awards

Judging Process: All films will be reviewed by a panel of judges, and selections will be based on creativity, storytelling, and technical execution.

Awards: Selected films will be eligible for awards in various categories, which will be announced during the festival.

7. Promotion

Promotional Materials: Filmmakers are encouraged to promote their films and the festival on social media and other platforms.

Press Kit: If your film is selected, we may request a press kit with additional promotional materials.

​​