A Canadian film icon is coming to Surrey film festival this month
It’s time to take your seats and silence your cellphones because the International South Asian Film Festival (iSAFF) is officially back for 2025.
The annual film festival dedicated to South Asian stories in cinema will return to Surrey from Tuesday, Sept. 24 to Sunday, Sept. 28.
This year’s theme, “Legacy,” pays tribute to South Asian cinema’s rich history and celebrates iSAFF’s 15th anniversary.
A highly anticipated component of this year’s festival is the introduction of the Deepa Mehta Legacy Award, named in honour of the Oscar–nominated, Indian-born Canadian filmmaker.
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Mehta will also receive the inaugural honour, which celebrates her extensive contributions to film as well as her role in inspiring future artists.
The writer and director of Water will be in attendance at iSAFF to accept the honour, as well as take part in a filmmaker welcome retreat and a fireside chat.
“iSAFF has always been more than a film festival, it’s a cultural catalyst,” said iSAFF Festival Producer Mannu Sandhu in a statement. “Over the past 15 years, we’ve built something truly meaningful: a space where bold South Asian voices are nurtured and celebrated.
“This year’s theme, ‘Legacy,’ is incredibly special not only because of the milestone we’ve reached, but because of the honour of having Deepa Mehta endorse the festival by lending her name to our new Legacy Award. 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.
Deepa Mehta
The festival’s programming features premieres, features and shorts, and South Asian stories from across the globe.
Get your tickets to the opening night film Pinch by Uttera Singh, a critically acclaimed feature about facing confrontation and change while dealing with the community.
This year’s iSAFF will close with Annapurna Sriram’s transgressive indie freak-out, F*cktyoys. The surreal film follows AP, a woman on a desperate journey to lift a curse.
Filmmakers will want to check out Industry Day, packed with workshops, panels, and special events.
Pinch
A highlight is the 10th Anniversary Celebration Reading of Schitt’s Creek Season 1, Episode 3, “Don’t Worry It’s His Sister,” reimagined with an all-South Asian cast. Participants will also learn about producing films in Canada, the sustainability of filmmaking, the role of music in cinema, and tax credits.
“We’re thrilled to present a bold and boundary-pushing program this year,” said Artistic Director Pulkit Datta. “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.”
International South Asian Film Festival
When: Tuesday, Sept. 24 to Sunday, Sept. 28, 2025
Time: Various times
Where: Various locations
Cost: Various costs for tickets, festival passes, and special events. Purchase online.
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