VISAFF 2017

VISAFF was a great success with Opening Gala being the most talked about event. In collaboration with Women Economic Forum, VISAFF honored Bollywood Actress Huma Qureshi and 9 Canadian Women Leaders with the “Women of the Decade Award” in their recognised field.

 

In attendance, the fest had the Global Chairperson Dr. Harbeen Arora attend all the way from New Delhi, India to present these prestigious awards alongside with many prominent personalities and dignitaries from Metro Vancouver. To name a few: Honorable Marvin Hunt, Honorable Kerry Lynne Findlay, Honorable Jagrup Brar, City of Surrey Councillor Vera Lefranc, City of Coquitlam Councillor Bonita Zarillo, Mr. Stockwell Day, Mr. & Mrs. Dave & Rani Mann, Mr. Vivek Savkur and others

 

It had over 25 features films, documentaries, short movies, panels, industry talks, practice pitch sessions for filmmakers, cocktails parties, pre-receptions for movies and closing night ceremony. We awarded 4 out of the 5 awards to Canadian Filmmakers and very proud to see an amazing group of young artists coming forward and promoting South Asian content and themes.

 

Producer/ Creative Director: Mannu Sandhu

Board of Directors:

Panzy Sandhu – Chair

Raj Arneja- Vice Chair

Farah Hasan- Treasurer

Vijay Saini-Board Member

Sowjanya Namala-Secretary

Manu Chopra-Board Member

 Jury Members:  Bim Narine; Manu Chopra

 Advisory Board:

 Jamshed Mistry

Vivek Savkur

Dr. Babra Rana

Abubakar Khan

 

Women of the Decade Awards were presented to:

 

Dianne Watts -Iconic Leader of the Decade in Public Service

Manjit Gill -Women of the Decade Community Leader

Jas Janda-Wiseman - Women of the Decade in Creating a Better World for All

Hon. Maryam Monsef - Women   of the Decade in Public Life

Senator Mobina Jaffer - Women of the Decade in Public Life & Social Change

Shahnaz Rahman -Women of the Decade in Community Leadership & Social Change

Dr. Babra Rana - Women of the Decade in Community Leadership & Social Innovation

Raj Arneja- Women   of the Decade in Entrepreneurship & Empowerment

Taslim Samji- Women of the Decade in Arts & Leadership

Huma Qureshi- Women of the Decade in Film & Entertainment

 

Film Festival Awards were presented to:

 

Best feature film – Abu The Documentary by Arshad Khan

Best Documentary – Maple by Jasleen Kaur

Best International Short film – Kheer by Surya Balakrishnan

Best North American Short film – Help Wanted by Jacquile Kambo

Best audience choice feature- Welcome to Surrey by Kashif Pasta and Shyam Valera.