The Vancouver International South Asian Film Festival returns to Surrey from November 9 to 12 with a celebration of storytelling and inspiration. The VISAFF was created in 2008 to “bridge the gap” between South Asian talent and mainstream audiences by connecting directors, actors, producers, community organizations, corporate brands and South Asian cinephiles. The festival celebrates stories not usually represented by mainstream cinema or contemporary Bollywood film formulas, and this year with a theme of Unity in Diversity, the festival will showcase over 70 films, including 12 features, 5 documentaries, over 50 short films along with various panel discussions and workshops.
The films lined up for the festival will bring forth different voices and styles of storytelling and take you on a trip all the way from North America to the heart of South Asia.
Every year the Vancouver International South Asian Film Festival (VISAFF) finds ways to support different themes and perspectives and provides a platform for new talent while ensuring the best films make the line-up. This year, the festival will open with feature film No Land’s Man, the story of a man who is persecuted in one country for being a “Non-Muslim” and in another for being a “Muslim”, and finds temporary refuge in an apparent safeguard of a manufactured identity in an eventful quest for a sense of belonging.
Other feature films to look forward to this year include #Homecoming, Bite of a Mango, Dear Satyajit, Donkeyhead, Four Samosas, Natasamrat, Razaa, Residents of Arcadia, Who am I and Land of Gold, which will close out the festival.
The festival kicks off on the evening of November 10 with its Opening Night – Red Carpet Gala with a special performance by violinist, Raaginder, held at Surrey City Hall. This red-carpet event will be attended by filmmakers, members of the community and the media.
For more information about the Vancouver International South Asian Film Festival and schedule, and to purchase tickets, please visit The VISAFF Box Office Website.