iSAFF will present Filmmaker Deepa Mehta with the inaugural Deepa Mehta Legacy Award in recognition of her significant contributions to filmmaking and exploration of South Asian stories and themes
The International South Asian Film Festival (iSAFF) proudly announces its milestone 15th edition, taking place from September 24th to 28th, 2025, in Surrey, British Columbia. This year’s theme, “Legacy,” is both a tribute to the rich history of South Asian cinema and a celebration of iSAFF’s own journey as a hub for bold, innovative storytelling.
The 2025 program expands on iSAFF’s tradition of showcasing independent and groundbreaking works by offering a diverse lineup of features, shorts, music videos, episodic series, industry events, and content creators. Audiences can expect stories that span past, present, and future — highlighting the cultural legacy of South Asian narratives while spotlighting fresh voices reshaping the landscape of global cinema.
As part of its 15th anniversary, iSAFF will introduce the Deepa Mehta Legacy Award, named after the Academy Award–nominated filmmaker whose visionary work has transformed South Asian storytelling worldwide. This inaugural honor celebrates Mehta’s enduring contributions to cinema and her role in inspiring future generations of artists. Mehta will be in attendance at the festival to accept the honour.
“iSAFF has always been more than a film festival, it’s a cultural catalyst,” says Mannu Sandhu, iSAFF Festival Producer. “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. We’re deeply grateful to our supporters, sponsors, and the Surrey community for helping us grow into a vibrant hub for South Asian storytelling.”
The festival will open with Uttera Singh’s Pinch, a powerful debut that premiered at the Tribeca Film Festival, and close with Annapurna Sriram’s F*cktoys, whichwon the Special Jury Award for a Multi-Hyphenate at SXSW this year.
A major highlight of the festival is its industry day, which includes panels, workshops, and special events. Among them 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, presented in partnership with Not A Real Management Company, Inc. Additional industry sessions will feature conversations on producing films in Canada, demystifying the tax credits process, sustainability in filmmaking, and the role of music in cinema.
“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.”
Now in its 15th year, iSAFF has become one of Canada’s leading platforms for South Asian cinema and artists, connecting filmmakers, industry professionals, and audiences from across the globe. This year’s festival promises vibrant storytelling, community engagement, and a celebration of South Asian culture that spans generations.
iSAFF 2025 will take place from September 24 to 28 in Surrey, British Columbia. Tickets and passes are available at www.isaff.ca
iSAFF Red Carpet Gala is to take place on September 26th, 2025.
