International South Asian Film Festival 2025: Celebrating Legacy and Bold Storytelling in Surrey

The International South Asian Film Festival (iSAFF) is back with its 15th edition, running from September 24–28, 2025 in Surrey, British Columbia. Over the past decade and a half, iSAFF has become a beacon for South Asian filmmakers and audiences in Canada and across the globe. This year’s theme, “Legacy,” captures the essence of the festival honoring the rich history of South Asian cinema while paving the way for bold new voices redefining storytelling.

From trailblazing debuts to powerful industry discussions, iSAFF 2025 promises to be more than just a film festival. It’s a cultural movement celebrating South Asian identity, art, and the evolving cinematic landscape.

Festival Highlights and Notable Features

Opening and Closing Films

The festival opens with Uttera Singh’s debut feature “Pinch”, which premiered earlier at Tribeca. The film tells the story of Maitri Singh, an aspiring travel blogger who faces assault by her landlord during Navratri. Singh, who not only wrote and directed but also starred in the film, has been praised for her sharp balance of humor and social commentary. Critics call it a “confident first feature” that captures both intimate struggles and the energy of small-town India.

The closing night features Annapurna Sriram’s “F*cktoys,” which bagged the Special Jury Award for a Multi-Hyphenate at SXSW 2025. A surreal, 16mm film reimagining the Tarot’s Major Arcana, it follows AP, a woman trying to lift a curse. This bold selection underlines iSAFF’s commitment to experimental cinema.

Deepa Mehta Legacy Award

A historic addition this year is the inaugural Deepa Mehta Legacy Award, honoring the Academy Award–nominated filmmaker whose work has forever transformed South Asian cinema. Mehta herself will be in Surrey to accept the award and participate in a full-day creative retreat on opening day.

Festival Producer Mannu Sandhu emphasized: “Her presence on opening day, as she joins us for a full-day creative retreat, is a profound gift that will shape the next generation of storytellers for years to come.”

This award cements iSAFF’s role as a platform that doesn’t just screen films but nurtures creative excellence.

Competition Features Lineup: Indian and South Asian Cinema

Indian Films at iSAFF 2025

• “We Are: Faheem & Karun” – Directed by Onir, this poignant love story is set against the tense backdrop of Kashmir. It explores a hidden romance between Faheem, a Kashmiri local, and Karun, a South Indian security guard stationed in the Gurez Valley. Both face challenges of faith, duty, and desire. This Canadian premiere is one of the festival’s most anticipated screenings.

  

• “Pinch” – Already making waves as the festival’s opening film, Singh’s debut sets a new tone for feminist cinema in India. From intimate domestic confrontations to vibrant Navratri celebrations, the 83-minute feature blends social critique with wry humor.

• “Humans in the Loop” – A socially charged film about an indigenous Indian woman training AI models. The story reveals biases in technology and traditional prejudices in society, creating a layered narrative about modern India’s clash of old and new.
  

Notable Pakistani and Regional Cinema

• “Ghost School” – British-Pakistani director Seemab Gul’s debut shines light on Pakistan’s education crisis. Told through Rabia, a 10-year-old girl, the film investigates the closure of her village school. Rooted in the real issue of thousands of “ghost schools” in Sindh, the film has already stirred critical conversations.
  

• “Pooja, Sir” – From Nepal, this feature introduces audiences to Detective Inspector Pooja, who faces political unrest and moral dilemmas while investigating a kidnapping. It’s a gripping story of duty, sacrifice, and resilience.
  

Canadian South Asian Cinema

• “Have You Heard Judi Singh?” – A touching documentary about Edmonton-born jazz singer Judi Singh, a Punjabi-Black artist whose voice broke barriers in the 1950s but whose story went largely unrecognized.
  

• “Singhs in the Ring” – A lively doc exploring wrestling legend Gama Singh and his son Raj. Beyond wrestling, it’s a story about identity, cultural preservation, and generational legacy in Canada’s South Asian community.

  

Industry Programming and Special Events

Professional Development

On Saturday, September 27, the festival will host Industry Day — a packed event with panels covering:

• Producing films in Canada

• Tax credit systems for filmmakers

• Sustainability in cinema

• The evolving role of music in South Asian films
  

  

Cultural Programming

• 10th Anniversary “Schitt’s Creek” Reading – A unique cultural crossover: Season 1, Episode 3 of the Canadian classic reimagined with an all-South Asian cast. A playful, groundbreaking experiment bridging Canadian mainstream and South Asian identity.
  

Filmmaker Retreat

For the first time, iSAFF is hosting a Filmmaker Welcome Retreat, co-hosted by the Geena Davis Bentonville Film Foundation and Kickstart Entertainment. The retreat includes networking sessions and will culminate in a fireside chat with Archie Panjabi, Emmy Award winner and 2024 iSAFF Icon Award recipient.

Festival Venues and Logistics

• Primary Venue: Surrey City Hall, 13450 104 Ave, Surrey, BC

• Special Events: SFU Surrey Engineering Building (including the Red Carpet Gala on September 26)
  

Ticketing and Passes

• Fraser Pass: All-inclusive (CA$299 early bird / CA$379 regular)

• Crescent Pass: Select screenings + industry panels (CA$149 early bird / CA$199 regular)

• Industry Day Pass: Full Saturday access (CA$99)

• Individual tickets + bundles also available

Partner hotels in Surrey are offering special discounts for attendees using festival codes.

Cultural Impact and Community Engagement

Since its inception in 2008, iSAFF has aimed to “bridge the gap” between South Asian filmmakers and broader audiences. It has consistently championed stories ignored by mainstream Bollywood or Hollywood, giving space to unique and often underrepresented voices.

Producer Mannu Sandhu highlights Surrey’s role: “This festival is built with the community and for the community — a vibrant hub of South Asian storytelling.”

Educational outreach remains key: schools, universities, and community groups collaborate with iSAFF to foster cross-cultural understanding and break stereotypes.

Looking Forward: The Legacy Continues

With 15 years behind it, iSAFF is now Canada’s leading platform for South Asian cinema, standing shoulder-to-shoulder with international film festivals.

Artistic Director Pulkit Datta puts it best:“Our programming team has thoughtfully curated a dynamic lineup of powerful stories and exciting voices from Canada, the US, South Asia, and across the global diaspora. Our goal is to craft truly distinctive experiences that leave an impact with filmmakers and audiences in the South Asian creative space.”

The theme of “Legacy” doesn’t just honor the past — it’s an investment in the future of South Asian storytelling. By blending community engagement, cutting-edge cinema, and cultural innovation, iSAFF 2025 is set to make history. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. What is the International South Asian Film Festival (iSAFF)?

The International South Asian Film Festival (iSAFF) is Canada’s leading platform for South Asian cinema, held annually in Surrey, British Columbia. It showcases films from India, Pakistan, Nepal, Canada, and the global South Asian diaspora while also offering industry workshops and cultural programs.

2. When and where is iSAFF 2025 happening?

iSAFF 2025 will run from September 24–28, 2025 in Surrey, BC. The main venue is Surrey City Hall, with special events like the Red Carpet Gala hosted at SFU Surrey Engineering Building.

3. Which films are opening and closing iSAFF 2025?

The festival opens with Uttera Singh’s “Pinch”, a feminist Indian drama blending humor and social critique, and closes with Annapurna Sriram’s “F*cktoys”, a surreal experimental film that reimagines the Tarot’s Major Arcana.

4. What is the Deepa Mehta Legacy Award?

The Deepa Mehta Legacy Award is a new honor introduced in 2025 to celebrate the iconic filmmaker’s contribution to South Asian storytelling. Mehta will personally attend the festival to accept the award and lead a full-day creative retreat with filmmakers.

5. How can I buy tickets for iSAFF 2025?

Tickets and passes can be purchased at www.isaff.ca. Options include the Fraser Pass (all-inclusive), Crescent Pass (select screenings + panels), Industry Day Pass, and individual tickets. Early bird discounts are available.