Original Article Link: Montreal City News – South Asian Film Festival Highlighting Complex Topics

City News – South Asian Film Festival Highlighting Complex Topics

Montreal, QC – April 28, 2023 – The South Asian Film Festival of Montreal (SAFFM) proudly unveils its 12th annual event in collaboration with Cinémathèque Québécoise and Ville de Saguenay. Showcasing a compelling mix of 58 films, this festival promises a cinematic journey that transcends boundaries.

Spotlight on Independent Filmmakers

T.K. Raghunathan, President of SAFFM, emphasizes the festival’s commitment to highlighting the diverse range of independent filmmakers beyond Bollywood. The event brings forth a myriad of voices from India and neighboring countries like Pakistan, Bangladesh, Nepal, Sri Lanka, and Afghanistan.

Diverse Lineup and Award Recognition

The festival boasts 58 award-winning films from 12 countries, challenging stereotypes and addressing pressing social and political issues in South Asia. Festival Director Syeda Nayab Bukhari expresses pride in the diverse lineup that delves into themes of women empowerment, environmental concerns, cultural nuances, and more.

“We believe in diversity, inclusiveness, and giving a platform to all voices. That is the main criteria,” says Bukhari.

Multilingual Experience

SAFFM enhances accessibility by featuring films in Urdu, Hindi, Nepali, and Czech, with English and French subtitles. Raghunathan notes the effort invested in adding French subtitles to increase accessibility and understanding.

Exploration of Social Issues

The films explore a wide spectrum of topics, including immigration, LGBTQ+ issues, religious freedom, women’s rights, aging, environmental challenges, gender parity, parenthood, various art forms, and rural life struggles. SAFFM stands out as the only cinema that amalgamates talents from various South Asian countries.

Festival Dates and Platforms

SAFFM will run from April 28 to May 7 at cinemas, followed by an online extension from May 1 to 10. Join us in celebrating cinematic diversity and experiencing stories that resonate with the complexities of our world.

For more details and to explore the festival, visit the original article.