Surrey, BC – April 2025 — After a landmark year that shattered attendance records and set a new standard for mission-driven film festivals in Canada, the Sundar Prize Film Festival is proud to announce that submissions for the 2026 edition officially open on May 1, 2025, via FilmFreeway!
Dedicated to showcasing powerful, uplifting, and socially impactful storytelling, the 2025 festival saw phenomenal growth, overwhelming community support, and a surge in global filmmaker engagement.
Festival by the Numbers – 2025 Edition Highlights:
- 850+ attendees across two key venues: SFU Surrey and Landmark Cinemas Guildford, plus a pre-launch event at the VIFF Centre in Vancouver.
- Nearly 200 film submissions from 22 countries.
- 54 selected films presented, including narrative features, short films, documentaries, and experimental works.
- Over 50% of screened films directed by women, and over 65% by BIPOC filmmakers — reinforcing Sundar Prize’s commitment to diversity, inclusion, and representation.
- Strengthened partnerships with CBC (Exclusive Media Partner), Creative BC, Rogers Group of Funds, Canada Media Fund, and other leading organizations.
“In only our second year, we’ve delivered a world-class exhibition platform, strong industry support, a true community feel, and meaningful opportunities for filmmakers,” said Sidartha Murjani, Executive Director and Senior Programmer of the Sundar Prize Film Festival. “It’s truly exciting to see how this festival is evolving with the unwavering support of our filmmakers, sponsors, and audiences.”
Major Announcements for 2026
The Sundar Prize Film Festival is thrilled to unveil an ambitious slate of new awards, initiatives, and expanded opportunities:
- Over $18,500 CAD in cash awards — an increase from 2025.
- Over $30,000 CAD in film industry prizes and services, including equipment rentals from Keslow Camera and Sparky’s Film Rentals, free courses at Vancouver Film School, and distribution offers from Moving Images Distribution for BC and Canadian films.
- New Award Category: Best Spiritual, Health, and Wellness Film — highlighting films that promote emotional resilience, personal transformation, and holistic well-being.
- New Impact Initiative: Best Environmental Film — 100% of net ticket sales from this screening block will be donated to a local charity dedicated to planting trees and reforesting Surrey’s green spaces.
- BC Student Film Showcase: A new competition exclusively for British Columbia high school and post-secondary students, offering cash prizes of $1,000, $750, and $500.
- Youth Jury Program: Grade 11 and 12 students from across the Lower Mainland will have the opportunity to serve on a special jury and select the winner for Best Youth Film.
- BC Filmmaker Mentorship Program: Select emerging filmmakers will receive free mentorship, networking opportunities, and professional development resources from established Canadian industry leaders.
“Sundar Prize is not just a festival—it’s a movement,” said Vinay Giridhar, Co-Founder and Finalist Juror. “We are cultivating a global space where filmmakers can ignite conversations, build careers, and move audiences to action. We’re excited to create even more opportunities for filmmakers and audiences to connect in meaningful ways.”
Festival 2025 – Celebrating Stories of Resilience and Growth
Among the standout moments of the 2025 festival:
- Opening Night Film: Paper Flowers by Mahesh Pailoor, which left audiences deeply moved.
- Closing Night Film: Firma Aquí by Enrique Vázquez, a gripping exploration of justice and perseverance.
- Record participation from women, Indigenous, BIPOC, LGBTQ+, and international filmmakers.
- Expanded educational programming through panels, workshops, and filmmaker Q&As.
“At the Sundar Prize, we know that storytelling has the power to heal, inspire, and transform lives,” said Alex Sangha, Co-Founder of the Sundar Prize Film Festival. “Our mission is rooted in amplifying diverse voices and celebrating the human spirit. Every year, we are reminded that film is not just entertainment — it is a catalyst for empathy, hope, and change.”
Submissions for the 2026 Festival Open May 1!
Filmmakers from around the world are invited to submit projects that capture themes of diversity, resilience, growth, healing, and social impact. All genres and formats are welcome, with special encouragement for films from underrepresented communities.
- FilmFreeway submission page: Sundar Prize Film Festival
- https://filmfreeway.com/sundarprize
“We are passionate about offering an inclusive platform where powerful voices and transformative stories shine,” added Murjani. “We look forward to welcoming incredible new films that continue putting Life in Motion: Journeys of Growth and Discovery on the big screen.”
About the Sundar Prize Film Festival
The Sundar Prize Film Festival is a proudly IMDb-qualifying, social justice-driven festival based in Surrey, BC, committed to showcasing diverse, underrepresented, and courageous voices from around the world. Founded by filmmakers for filmmakers and film enthusiasts, the festival offers meaningful recognition, community engagement, and real-world opportunities for social impact through the power of film.
