Films & Events

How do you measure happiness? In AGENT OF HAPPINESS, directors Arun Bhattarai and Dorottya Zurbó take us on an existential journey through Bhutan. The film follows two government officers, tasked with assessing the kingdom's gross national happiness, as they traverse the country, questioning citizens about their contentment. Their quest, both personal and political, unveils insights far beyond their expectations. This exquisitely shot film delves into the profound question of life's purpose and explores how we might find happiness by fulfilling it. "Agent of Happiness" will be preceded by the short film SOMBRE SKIES [India] directed by Manoj Ajith Panicker. ---- Pulkit Datta

Surrey and British Columbia Industry Leaders come together to share how to get your projects made in Canada. From funding, to production, to post. If you're looking for a path to get your films made, consider attending Making in Canada!

OPENING NIGHT FEATURE: BOONG is a profoundly touching and sometimes humorous tale of a young schoolboy's quest to reunite his fractured family. Against the backdrop of ethnic and racial tensions in Manipur, the film portrays the resilience of the perceptive Boong as he navigates the complexities of friendship, longs for familial warmth, and seeks to understand the world around him. Lakshmipriya Devi's debut feature is both vibrant and exquisitely crafted, serving as a poignant reminder that there can be some hope even in the darkest of times. ---- Pulkit Datta

Jury members and Sponsors in attendance will present awards to the Winner and Honorable Mention in each iSAFF 2024 competition category. This event is only open to passholders. Admission is first come first serve.

This program contains subject matter that may not be suitable for all viewers. We request all minors be accompanied by an adult. Viewer discretion is advised. DEAR JASSI is Tarsem Singh’s simplest film, and in the best way possible. He skillfully weaves in the complexities of Punjabi social hierarchy while preserving the courageous innocence of young lovers. The subtle nods to everyday Punjabi and Canadian life beautifully capture the duality of first-generation experiences. Singh’s take on this star-crossed romantic tragedy pierces the heart and fuels the movement to protect daughters. "Dear Jassi" will be preceded by the short film FIRST PLACE [Canada] directed by Kabir Birk. ---- Pallavi Sastry

This program contains subject matter that may not be suitable for all viewers. We request all minors be accompanied by an adult. Viewer discretion is advised. Get ready to laugh and cry your way through some of the most cutting edge series in narrative television. These filmmakers shine a light on important themes and topics in bite sized episodic content that will be perfect for your next binge! ---- GET UP, AISHA [Created by Nisha Khan, Rabiya Mansoor and Marushka Almeida| Canada] · CINCHING SADDLES [Created by Kevin Sengara | Canada] · AND CUT! [Created by Arjun Chatterjee and Ishika Sharma |India] · POTLUCK LADIES [Created by Shazia Javed | Canada] · NOT YOUR BUTTER CHICKEN [Created by Priyanka Desai | Canada] ----

"Fashion in Film” will showcase the intersection of fashion and cinema through fashion curations, trunk shows, interactive panel discussions, short film screenings, and networking opportunities. Attendees will engage with leading costume designers, fashion experts, and filmmakers to explore how costume choices influence film narratives, inspire fashion trends, and revive traditional styles.

*FOR FRASER AND SURREY PASS HOLDERS ONLY* Co-hosted by the Geena Davis Bentonville Film Foundation and Kickstart Entertainment, comes the first ever iSAFF Filmmaker Welcome Retreat. This gathering will feature light bites and refreshments and intimate networking with industry leaders and fellow filmmakers. The evening will conclude with a spotlight fireside chat with the soon to be announced 2024 iSAFF Icon Award recipient, who is an Emmy-winning actor! This event is made possible with additional support from Product of Culture and the British Columbia India Business Network. You will be able to pick up your Filmmaker Pass in person at this venue from 2 - 5pm PST.

Director Shoaib Sultan’s GUNJAL is a gripping tale that reimagines a real-life murder. Inspired by the 1995 killing of 12-year-old child labor activist Iqbal Masih, the film follows small-time journalist Shahbaz Bhatti as he stumbles into a web of intrigue while investigating the crime. Sultan’s masterful storytelling and the cast's intense performances keep you on the edge of your seat, exposing a critical issue in Pakistani society. Gunjal will be preceded by the short film LICE [India] directed by Vindhya Gupta. ---- Pulkit Datta.

A meet and greet + panel discussion with the creators, cast, and executives from CBC's Surrey based hit drama ALLEGIANCE - currently shooting Season 2. Great event for those looking to work in or create TV in Canada. Doors Open: 9:30am Panel: 10 - 11:30am

Get ready for an extraordinary night at "Party in the Skye" on Saturday, September 28th! Join us at Skye Avenue Kitchen & Lounge in Surrey for an evening where gourmet dining meets the vibrant energy of Bollywood. Savour an exquisite culinary journey and get ready to groove to live performance by the sensational Kirti Arneja & her band featuring Hitesh, Jayden, Swaraj. The party heats up in the lounge with a Bollywood dance bash you won’t want to miss! Location: Skye Avenue Kitchen & Lounge, 13450 102 Ave #190, Surrey, BC Attire: Smart Casual Book your spot now for a night of unforgettable flavors, beats, and memories! ABOUT KIRTI ARNEJA: Praised for her flawless voice, Kirti Arneja is a gifted vocalist from Vancouver whose Sufi style adds a special uniqueness to Hindi and Punjabi classics. Kirti has been influenced with all genre’s of music since her youth, from rock to pop along with Indian classical and Punjabi folk music. Kirti released her first song “Jogi” under Mika Singh's label, Music & Sound in April 2017. She was a background singer with Mika Singh for over 2 years following the release.

Stars from the sub-continent and diaspora come together for a dynamic discussion about their careers and artistic process. Panelists coming soon!

PRIVACY is a taut thriller from Sudeep Kanwal that keeps you on edge. It follows Roopali, a Mumbai surveillance operator, as she personally begins to investigate a case of robbery and murder. Kanwal’s gritty film twists and turns, leaving you guessing what this seemingly unassuming but unpredictable operator will do next. Privacy is a gripping ride that’ll keep you thoroughly engaged and slightly unsettled. Privacy will be preceded by the short film FLIGHT 182 [USA, Canada] directed by Rippin Sindher. ---- Pulkit Datta

The Party of the Year! Dress to impress in your best black tie and come celebrate the excellence in film from Canada and beyond. During the gala, iSAFF will present awards to outstanding filmmakers with the help of local sponsors, investors, and film industry leaders. The Purple Carpet Gala is always a night to remember! Please purchase your tickets directly through Surrey City Hall's website: https://tickets.surrey.ca/TheatreManager/1/tmEvent/tmEvent2732.html

This program contains subject matter that may not be suitable for all viewers. We request all minors be accompanied by an adult. Viewer discretion is advised. RAY OF HOPE is a poignant feature documentary tracing the harrowing journey of Rathika Sitsabaiesan, a former Canadian MP, who fled the Sri Lankan civil war as a child with her Tamil family. The film delves into Rathika’s advocacy against the backdrop of Sri Lanka’s 26-year armed conflict, revealing her personal trauma and dedication to justice. In 2013, her return to Sri Lanka stirs painful memories as she faces surveillance by the very government responsible for the suffering. This documentary powerfully intertwines personal and political dimensions, shedding light on the enduring impact of war and the quest for truth and reconciliation. "Ray of Hope" will be preceded by the short film INHERITING AMRITSAR [Canada] directed by Kabir Birk. ---- Shak Jessa.

CLOSING NIGHT FEATURE: [Dir. Amar Wala | Canada] SHOOK is a compelling exploration of identity set in Toronto’s multicultural landscape. The main characters are all grappling with family obligations vs personal goals, and we see the family butt heads with each other as they make day to day decisions amidst their turbulent dynamic. Using the city itself as a vibrant, reflective character, Amar Wala’s direction is nuanced, and the performances are authentic. The loving tension present in the scenes between father and son challenges viewers to reflect on the complexities of identity and environment. A solid debut for a rising filmmaker. "Shook" will be preceded by the short film TRUCKSTOP [USA] directed by Molly Karna. ---- Pallavi Sastry

The strongest moments are often unspoken. These films reveal stories layered with hidden emotions, alternate realities, and unvoiced desires. It's a roller coaster of what’s left unsaid. ---- MIRAGE [Dir. Jhanvi Motla | USA] · FATAL [Dir. Jacquile Kambo | Canada] · SUNFLOWERS WERE THE FIRST TO KNOW [Dir. Chidananda S Naik | India] · HOT SOUP [Dir. Abdullah Shahid | USA] · TABOO [Dir. Nesa Huda | Canada] · CLAUDE [Dir. Satvik Soni | India] · NIGHT QUEEN [Dir. Naireeta Dasgupta | India] ----

This program contains subject matter that may not be suitable for all viewers. We request all minors be accompanied by an adult. Viewer discretion is advised. Society heaps expectations on men, often trapping them in lives that stifle their true selves. These films break that mold, showcasing men grappling with everything from raw, emotional struggles to bizarre, offbeat challenges. ---- KUMAR KUMAR [Dir. Kiran Koshy | USA] · ALL THE LIGHT STILL BURNING [Dir. Ameenah Allen | United Kingdom] · CHAND [Dir. Arshad Mohamed | Canada] · CASH COWS [Dir. Shubham Chhabra | Canada] · BHANGI [Dir. Durva Nandapurkar | India] · BARELY BREATHING [Dir. Neal Reddy | USA] · AYAT (VERSES) [Dir. Samina Saifee | USA] · AMMA [Dir. Rishi Datla | USA] ----

Life is full of surprises - moments of love, defeat, loss, joy and everything in between. These films explore a kaleidoscope of emotions that can stop us in our tracks. ---- ONE DAY [Dir. Yazmeen Kanji | Canada] OLD TOY TRAIN [Dir. Kevin Garbaran and Rae Wiltshire | Guyana] · THIS IS TMI [Dir. Subarna Dash & Vidushi Gupta | India] · A LULLABY FOR YELLOW ROSES [Dir. Rahul Roye | India] · THE MORNING AFTER [Dir. Saniya Mirwani | Canada] · WAGGING TALE [Dir. Samagra Shah | Nepal] · STALLED [Dir. Michael Lazovsky | USA] ----

This program contains subject matter that may not be suitable for all viewers. We request all minors be accompanied by an adult. Viewer discretion is advised. This program contains subject matter that may not be suitable for all viewers. We request all minors be accompanied by an adult. Viewer discretion is advised. It's better to be unusual and different. These shorts take us into the supernatural, mystical, scary, and thrilling worlds of their characters. Nothing is quite as it seems. ---- ASURA - THE DEMON WITHIN [Dir. Viren Shinde | USA] · IMPOSTER [Dir. Rafael Antonio Millán Zoghbi | Canada] · Alif Bay Pay (A B C) [Dir. Javaria Waseem | Pakistan] · CHHAYA [Dir. Sophiyaa Nayar | USA] · HIJACK [Dir. Yuvraj Kalsi | Canada] · IN NOMINE PATRIS [Dir. Don John | USA] · prObed [Dir. Umar Shiraz Jafri | USA] · A SIMPLE ASK [Dir. Nadya Naumaan | USA] · ARO'S WORLD [Dir. Vibha Kulkarni | USA] ----

Relationships with our parents continue to grow and morph as we come of age. Each film in this block captures the unique and complex relationship parents have with their children. From bringing in a new life to passing on, these films are filled with heart, family, and connection. ---- MOVING WATER [Dir. Kaia Singh | Canada] · IF [Dir. Tathagata Ghosh | India] · LEARNER'S PERMIT [Dir. Meera Angelica Joshi | USA] · WINDHORSE [Dir. Sunil Gurung | Nepal] · POST TERM [Dir. Saleem Nasir Gondal | USA] · AMMA'S PRIDE [Dir. Shiva Krish | India] ----

An exciting partnership with the South Asian Film Festival of America (SAFFA), presented by Product of Culture, who have curated and are co-presenting a film block titled “It’s A Bold World.” This selection highlights South Asian queer and female characters who challenge and redefine stereotypes. ---- GEMINI [Dir. Aranaya Sharma | USA] · MAGGIE'S NOT OKAY [Dir. Vance Smith | USA] · NIGHT SHIFT [Dir. AJ Akhtar | Canada] · HEMA [Dir. Ritvik Dhavale | USA] · BUBBLES [Dir. Tishna Lodi | USA] · I'M DEAD RIGHT [Dir. J. Mehr Kaur | USA] · THE CLOWN [Dir. Kamil Chima | Pakistan] ----

This program contains depictions of violence, war, and conflict. Viewer discretion is advised. THE GLASSWORKER is Pakistan's inaugural hand-drawn 2D animation feature film. Set in a picturesque waterfront town, it follows the journey of Vincent, a young glassblower apprenticing with his father, Thomas. As war looms on the horizon, their lives are upended by the arrival of a new army colonel and his daughter, Alliz. Usman Riaz's exquisitely crafted film is both a sweeping epic of conflict and resilience and a tender narrative of love and loyalty. "The Glassworker" will be opened by the short films DANCING DHAMAAL! [USA] directed by Nimisha Sanjeevani-Chandrashekhar Mahatme and CUL DE SAC [Canada] directed by Satrio Prahasto. ---- Pulkit Datta

WE STRANGERS is a sharp, character-driven drama that unravels the complexities of power and deception in everyday interactions. The film follows Rayelle, a house cleaner who, facing a challenging home life and driven by a need to be valued, fabricates a new identity as a psychic to capitalize on her employers' gullibility. Anu Valia brilliantly balances thrilling tension with riveting humour in this incredible feature debut. "We Strangers" will be preceded by the short film KIMAYA [United Kingdom] directed by Manasi Bedekar. ----Shak Jessa

Filmmakers and Producers will dive deep on the current distribution landscape, share duplicatable processes to get your films seen, and discuss how DIY Impact campaigns can benefit every project. Doors Open: 3:30pm