SURREY – The Vancouver International South Asian Film Festival (VISAFF) is moving to Surrey this year and bringing their line-up of local and international films to where the audience is.
VISAFF runs from Nov. 16-19 and will screen a host of international and Canadian films through the four day event.
“VISAFF has been an excellent platform for filmmakers from around the world to showcase their work related to the South Asian Diaspora and South Asian themes, the festival has grown tremendously since the past 7 years as there is an increasing demand for South Asian movies and talent. I’m very thankful for the support and appreciation that the community has given us,” states Festival Director, Mannu Sandhu.
VISAFF’s opening night will commence at the Centre Stage, Surrey City Hall on Nov. 16 and the doors will open at 7 p.m. The opening night gala is THE event to attend with the promise of mind-blowing music, distinctly Indian delicacies and a night to remember as you get set for some incredible screen entertainment.
Bollywood beauty Huma Qureshi will headline the festival with a Q&A session on Nov 16. She will talk about her work, provide some tips and career advice for local talent and also shed light on her experience on the sets of Viceroy’s House, her International debut.
Some of our top film picks this year are Actor in Law, Cinema Travellers, The Valley, The Snake Charmer, Abu, The Union Leader and international short, Sisak. We also have a line of local short films, features and documentaries. The most awaited films are Maple the Documentary, Welcome to Surrey (Web Series), Help Wanted, Ranvir, and No way to Return.
Here are some movies for VISAFF 2017 to watch out for:
Aamir Khan’s “The Snake Charmer”:
Director-Writer: Nina-Maria Paschalidou
The documentary follows Aamir Khan on a journey through India’s TV and Bollywood film industry, from the set of ‘Satyamev Jayate’, to the filming of his new Bollywood blockbuster ‘Dangal’, the biopic of a father who encourages his young daughters to take up wrestling and make their own choices in life.
MAPLE
Director: Jasleen Kaur
‘Maple‘ is a documentary profiling the life and loss of Maple Batalia, the 19 year old health sciences student, aspiring actress and model who was gunned down in 2011. Her death sparked outrage in the community, and after five years of court appearances and trials, Gary Dhaliwal was found guilty of second degree murder, and sentenced to 21 years in prison.
ABU
Director-Writer: Arshad Khan
Arshad always knew he was different. Soon after emigrating from Pakistan to Canada with his family, Arshad realized he was gay. Khan shares a deeply personal story of self-discovery and familial reconciliation, as he explores the challenges that can threaten the bonds between children and their parents.
