Submissions for 2021 now open!

November 11th to 13th 2021

Official Announcements and Details coming soon.

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

Prizes

Rules & Terms

SUBMISSIONS FOR THE 2021

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 September 2021

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: July 25th 2021

Bonus: Early Bird Free Entry for Three Days July 25th to 28th 2021.

EARLY BIRD Deadline: August 8th, 2021
REGULAR FILM Deadline: August 27th, 2021
LATE FILM Deadline: September 5th, 2021

MORE QUESTIONS?
Contact info@visaff.ca
16 Reviews
Overall Rating
Quality
Value
Communication
Hospitality
Networking
  • 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
  • Melissa Das-Arp

    Fantastic and caring team, great communication and hospitality.

    June 2020
    Helpful