iSAFF 2023 Unveils “Pathbreakers” as Theme for Upcoming Film Festival to Celebrate South Asian Stories Through Cinema
This year’s festival includes lauded features from Cannes and TIFF, films and filmmakers nominated for Emmys and BAFTAs, a former Miss America, and Punjabi-Canadian film and music stars.
The vibrant and most exciting works of South Asian cinema are set to take center stage at the upcoming International South Asian Film Festival (iSAFF), which runs from September 28th to October 1st in Surrey, BC. The festival returns with a new identity and a new ambition this year: to celebrate exciting new South Asian storytelling and launch pioneering programming and initiatives. iSAFF promises to be an entertaining and enlightening experience for both film enthusiasts and cultural aficionados alike.
Darpan Magazine is a proud exclusvie media sponsor for iSAFF 2023 and is looking forward to bringing you live coverage of the opening gala night.iSAFF is thrilled to celebrate visionaries, pioneers, and game-changers in the world of South Asian cinema during this year’s film festival. They aim to honor those who have challenged norms, shattered glass ceilings, and pushed the boundaries of what's possible in filmmaking.
"We're incredibly excited to present 'Pathbreakers' as our festival theme this year," said Pulkit Datta, iSAFF Artistic Director. “Our aim is to provide a platform for the voices and stories of South Asia and its diaspora to be enjoyed by the BC audience and beyond. Each film in our lineup offers a unique perspective from the massively diverse and complex South Asian communities, addressing contemporary issues, challenging the status quo, and flexing the artistic prowess of South Asian filmmakers. We look forward to celebrating the artists who have changed the game and will inspire future generations."
This year's festival lineup features a carefully curated selection of thought-provoking and entertaining narrative films, documentaries, episodics, and shorts that span a wide range of genres.
The 2023 festival will feature a dynamic lineup of award-winning films, such as:
- A special retrospective screening to celebrate 10 years of the BAFTA-nominated “THE LUNCHBOX” by Ritesh Batra, who will be in attendance.
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Canadian-Pakistani supernatural thriller, “IN FLAMES”, by Zarrar Kahn, which premiered at the Cannes Film Festival, and is scheduled to screen at TIFF.
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“COMPLEXion”, a documentary about the stigmas and taboos surrounding skin colour, featuring former Miss America, Nina Davuluri. This screening is followed by a discussion on beauty standards in the South Asian community.
A first for any South Asian film festival, attendees can expect:
- A spotlight on social media content creators and influencers, who are at the forefront of dynamic, boundary-pushing storytelling and social commentary.
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Wellness activities lounge for filmmakers and artists to focus on radical acts of self-care and rejuvenation.
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Talks and Q&A sessions with a variety of South Asian artists that dig deeper into topics rarely discussed at such festivals.
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Industry speed networking events where filmmakers, artists, and other industry professionals can connect with specific goals and meetings.
“We’ve come such a long way, and this year is a big leap forward for us,” says Mannu Sandhu, iSAFF Festival Producer. “Since 2010 we've been building this journey, and now with a new name and new goals, we're reaching even more hearts. At iSAFF 2023, our goal is simple: to light up screens with incredible stories and grow our community. Join us as we celebrate films, embrace a community of storytellers, and honour everyone pushing limits in their own ways. We’re determined to make this year's festival unforgettable!"
iSAFF 2023 will take place from September 28th to October 1st.
Attend the Opening Gala on Friday, September 29th to celebrate all Pathbreakers and kick off iSAFF in style!
Tickets can be purchased here:
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