Uttera Singh’s Pinch Chosen as Opening Night Feature at iSAFF 2025

When passion meets persistence, history is made. That’s exactly what Uttera Singh is doing with her debut feature Pinch. The multi-talented actor, writer, director, and producer has given the South Asian film community a big reason to celebrate her film will officially open the 15th International South Asian Film Festival (iSAFF) 2025 in Surrey, Canada.

Who is Uttera Singh?

Born in India and now based in the U.S., Uttera Singh is no stranger to the global film circuit. An alumna of the prestigious USC School of Cinematic Arts (where she now also teaches), she first grabbed attention with her short film Fanny Pack. That quirky, heartfelt short went on to win 25+ awards and played at over 80 film festivals worldwide.

With Pinch, Singh takes a giant leap into feature filmmaking. She not only directed the movie but also starred in it as Maitri, drawing inspiration from her own experiences and cultural roots. The film premiered at the 2025 Tribeca Film Festival in New York the only Indian film in recent years to compete in the International Narrative Competition.

What’s Pinch About?

At its heart, Pinch is dark comedy meets emotional truth. Singh uses humor and sharp storytelling to explore trauma, power dynamics, and survival themes that feel both personal and universal. Carrying the weight of multiple roles on her shoulders, Singh balanced acting, directing, and producing with finesse, proving herself a true one-woman army.

She credits her Indore upbringing and her close-knit creative team for helping her bring this ambitious project to life.

Why iSAFF Matters

Now in its 15th year, iSAFF is more than just a festival it’s a cultural movement. Dedicated to uplifting South Asian voices and stories that are often underrepresented, the festival has become a trusted platform for fresh, bold, and diverse narratives.

This year’s theme, LEGACY, is about honoring South Asian cinema’s journey while paving the way for future storytellers. Hosting Pinch as the Opening Night Feature on September 25th, 2025 (6:30 PM) is not only a recognition of Singh’s courage as a debutant but also a signal of the kind of fearless storytelling iSAFF champions.

The Bigger Picture

By choosing Pinch to set the tone for the festival, iSAFF is making a statement: South Asian cinema is no longer content with stereotypes. It is about pushing boundaries, asking hard questions, and finding new ways to connect across cultures.

For Uttera Singh, this is just the beginning of what promises to be an exciting filmmaking journey. For audiences, Pinch offers a chance to laugh, reflect, and perhaps even heal through the lens of raw, darkly comic storytelling.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q1: Who is Uttera Singh and why is she important in cinema today? Uttera Singh is an Indian-origin filmmaker, actor, and professor. She is gaining international attention with her debut feature Pinch, after her short film Fanny Pack became a global festival hit.

Q2: What is Pinch about? Pinch blends dark comedy with personal storytelling. It explores trauma, cultural identity, and power dynamics through the character of Maitri, played by Singh herself.

Q3: When and where is Pinch screening at iSAFF 2025? The film will be the Opening Night Feature at iSAFF 2025 on September 25th at 6:30 PM in Surrey, Canada.

Q4: Why is iSAFF important for South Asian films? iSAFF is one of the biggest platforms for South Asian cinema in North America. It supports diverse voices, fosters cross-cultural understanding, and champions stories that often don’t get mainstream attention.

Q5: What makes Pinch stand out? Beyond its powerful subject, Pinch is notable because Singh handled four major roles — actor, writer, director, and producer making it a deeply personal and authentic project.