The Vancouver South Asian Film Festival 5th edition came to a rousing close following five spectacular days that featured a wide variety of films from around the world, infused with food and fetes, serving up a bountiful cinematic feast. “We are very excited VISAFF 2015 created an impact,” stated Jessie Lehail and Mannu Sandhu, Co-Producers of VISAFF 2015. “Not only were we able to screen many incredible films from independent voices linked by South Asian culture, but the festival spurred many new discussions for a variety of film projects, here in Vancouver and globally. VISAFF 2015 was able to provide the much needed platform for discussion and engagement. This year’s theme included global Bollywood filmmaking, but also championed local and global independent film creatives and was committed to bridging the gap with mainstream film. We look forward to many interesting announcements in 2016.”
This year, attendees marvelled at VISAFF's curated program and also reaffirmed their love of local and global South Asian stories. The feature and short series delighted viewers, while themes such as belonging, female genocide and abuse, domestic abuse, and alcoholism connected with filmgoers core values of advocacy, equality, and human interest. VISAFF honoured creators from India, Pakistan, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, Nepal, Tibet, Bhutan, Afghanistan and the global South Asian Diaspora and welcomed many special guests, including producer/director extraordinaire Anurag Kashyap, Mr. Rajiv K.Chander Consulate General of India and his wife Dr. Shalini Chander, Dr. Muhammad Tariq Consulate General of Pakistan, Minister Suzanne Anton (MLA for Vancouver-Fraserview), City of Vancouver Councillor Andrea Reimer and members of VISAFF’s Indian Film Delegation Jamshed Mistry, Entertainment Lawyer, Dr. Abhiraam Sharma, Filmmaker, Gayathri Batra, Filmmaker.
With initiatives like a workshop and film panel featuring the esteemed Anurag Kashyup film creatives and South Asian cinephiles focused on professional development and insight into current industry topics and the increasingly global diverse filmmaking, post production, digital entertainment and distribution landscape. A bonus creative breakfast helped “bridge the gap” between mainstream and South Asian film communities.
The 5th edition of the VISAFF surpassed both expectations and projections in 2015. The program allowed attendees to view South Asian films through a new lens with a special focus on Bollywood and beyond and were juried by Bim Narin and Manu Chopra. Also, special thanks to VISAFF 2015 Advisory Board: Raj Arneja, Paula McGlynn, Jamshed Mistry, and Vivek Savkur.
Here's a quick recap from the successful event
BEST INTERNATIONAL FEATURE FILM:
Dukhtar
Directed by Afia Nathaniel
Presented by Pakistani Canadian Women's Association and Pakistani Consulate.
BEST NORTH AMERICAN FEATURE FILM:
Miss India America
Directed by Ravi Kapoor
BEST NORTH AMERICAN DOCUMENTARY:
Journey of a Dream
Directed by Shenpenn Khysmar
BEST INTERNATIONAL DOCUMENTARY:
Petals in the Dust
Directed by Nyna Pais Caputi
Presented by Global Girl Power and Women in Film & Television Vancouver
BEST NORTH AMERICAN SHORT
Bonjour Ji
Directed by Satinder Kassoana
BEST INTERNATIONAL SHORT FILM
Kathakaar
Directed by Abhimanyu Kanodia
AUDIENCE AWARD
Dheeyan Marjania
Directed by Ashok Tangri
INDUSTRY AWARDS
Excellent Achievement in Filmmaking
Vic Sarin
Excellent Achievement Film Creative
Balinder Johal
Since its inception, VISAFF has been instrumental in breaking the South Asian stereotype, and expanding North American views on the artists within the culture beyond Bollywood. This festival is committed to serving as a launching pad for integration through celebration and education. Screenings are supplemented by guest appearances by filmmakers, actors, and other expert speakers who partake in question and answer sessions following most screenings.
