Submissions for 2019 now open!

Taking place on November 14th November to 17th November 2019, annual Vancouver International South Asian Film Festival 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.

VISAFF 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

Vancouver Film School Scholarships

Rules & Terms

SUBMISSIONS FOR THE 2019 VANCOUVER INTERNATIONAL SOUTH ASIAN FILM FESTIVAL ARE NOW OPEN

VISAFF 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, experimental films, documentaries, and narratives of any length will be accepted in any digital formats.

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 2013 and after.

The number, date(s), time(s), and location(s) of screenings of the selected films are at the sole discretion of VISAFF. 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 August 2019.

All non-English language films must have English subtitles.

The exhibition format should arrive at the notified address 2 weeks prior to the start of the festival. VISAFF will not pay customs fees on shipments.

Please see below deadlines for Film Submissions:

SUBMISSIONS OPEN: March 30, 2019

EARLY BIRD Deadline: April 30, 2019
REGULAR FILM Deadline: June 15, 2019
LATE FILM Deadline: July 15 12, 2019

MORE QUESTIONS?
Contact info@visaff.ca
5 Reviews
Overall Rating
Quality
Value
Communication
Hospitality
Networking
  • Jasvir Kaur Rababan

    We had a wonderful time and a great experience at VISAFF, definitely one of the best film festivals that we have had the pleasure of attending. The team was very attentive and responsive to our needs and providing active support throughout the entire process. Our documentary was extremely well received and we have since built very good relations with the festival team.

    May 2019
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  • Vinay Pujara

    It was an honor to screen my film 'Clash of Morality' at the very prestigious South Asian Film festival of Canada. Thank you team VSAFF. I shall look forward to submitting next year.

    December 2018
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    Response from festival:

    thank you hope to see you soon

  • Arshad Khan

    Wonderful and very kind and hospitable festival. The festival is run by a team of incredible women. The venue is beautiful and the accommodation provided was absolutely excellent.

    December 2017
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  • Jacquile Kambo

    Super happy to be part of VISAFF this year! Can't wait to see whats more to come and can't wait to see this festival grow! :)

    November 2017
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  • Dheeraj Jindal

    It was very nice to be a part of this festival. I couldn't attend it but with the regular updates on social media, I always felt that I am there only.

    December 2016
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