Pakistan Shines at the 8th South Asian Film Festival of Montreal: Double Triumph in Best Feature Fiction and Documentary Categories
Pakistan triumphs at the 8th South Asian Film Festival of Montreal with two awards. ‘Cake,’ featuring Sanam Saeed and Aamina Sheikh, secures Best Feature Fiction, while ‘Salam – The First ****** Nobel Laureate’ clinches Best Feature Documentary. The latter, a documentary on Nobel Laureate Abdus Salam, adds to its accolades, marking its fifth award. ‘Cake’ earns the honor of being Pakistan’s Oscar nominee. Read more about the festival’s recognition of Pakistani cinema at Dawn News.
Source: https://images.dawn.com/news/1181201
Date: 06 Nov, 2018
Documentaries on Sabeen Mahmud, Sheema Kirmani, and Indus Blues Triumph at SAFFM
Pakistani documentaries shine at the South Asian Film Festival of Montreal, with awards for films capturing the essence of Sabeen Mahmud’s courage, Sheema Kirmani’s dance and activism during the Zia era, and Jawad Sharif’s ‘Indus Blues,’ a poignant exploration of disappearing folk instruments in Pakistan. Explore the powerful narratives that garnered accolades at this prestigious film festival.
Source: https://tribune.com.pk/story/2094503/documentaries-sabeen-mahmud-sheema-kirmani-win-big-saffm
Date: 06 Nov, 2019
South Asian Film Festival of Montreal: Celebrating Diversity, Sparking Dialogue
Delve into the vibrant world of the South Asian Film Festival of Montreal, an annual showcase of short and feature-length films by directors of South Asian descent. With a focus on diaspora filmmakers and freedom of expression, this year’s edition, curated by director Dipti Gupta, transcends cinematic boundaries to open dialogues on crucial issues. Explore the festival’s commitment to representing marginalized stories and fostering a community passionate about films, art, and meaningful conversations
Source: https://thelinknewspaper.ca/article/the-south-asian-film-festival-of-montreal-2017
Date: 06 Nov, 2018
“HOME 1947” Triumphs: Best Film at South Asian Film Festival of Montréal 2020
Pakistan triumphs at the 8th South Asian Film Festival of Montreal with two awards. ‘Cake,’ featuring Sanam Saeed and Aamina Sheikh, secures Best Feature Fiction, while ‘Salam – The First ****** Nobel Laureate’ clinches Best Feature Documentary. The latter, a documentary on Nobel Laureate Abdus Salam, adds to its accolades, marking its fifth award. ‘Cake’ earns the honor of being Pakistan’s Oscar nominee. Read more about the festival’s recognition of Pakistani cinema at Dawn News.
Source: https://dailytimes.com.pk/696951/home-1947-wins-the-best-film-at-south-asian-film-festival-of-montreal/
Date: 03 Dec, 2020
10th South Asian Film Festival of Montreal Goes Virtual: A Cinematic Journey from Home
Embark on a cinematic journey from the comfort of your home with the 10th annual South Asian Film Festival of Montreal, now presented online due to the pandemic. Opening with the Canadian short film ‘Balakrishna,’ the festival explores diverse themes, from the heartwarming tale of ‘Behind the Bhangra Boys’ to thought-provoking narratives on racism, women’s rights, and more. Admission is free, offering a global audience the opportunity to experience the richness of South Asian cinema with films in their original languages and subtitles in English or French. Join us in fostering multiculturalism and harmony through the powerful medium of storytelling.
Source: https://www.rcinet.ca/en/2020/11/04/montreals-south-asian-film-festival-goes-online/
Date: 04 Nov, 2020
Kavitha Lankesh’s ‘Gauri’ Takes Top Honors at South Asian Film Festival of Montreal
Kavitha Lankesh’s powerful documentary ‘Gauri’ secures the ‘Best Long Documentary Award’ at the South Asian Film Festival of Montreal, marking its second international accolade. The film fearlessly examines the political landscape in India, delving into the 2017 assassination of trailblazing journalist Gauri Lankesh. Directed and narrated with compelling verve by Gauri’s sister, Kavitha Lankesh, the documentary serves as a poignant ‘J’accuse’ docu-thriller. The award recognizes its unyielding portrayal of the contemporary political crisis in India, shedding light on the legacy and impact of Gauri Lankesh in the realm of journalism.
Source: https://thewire.in/film/kavitha-lankesh-gauri-documentary-film-award-montreal
Date: 17 May, 2023
Internship Spotlight: Shailee Rajak’s Journey with SAFFM and Kabir Centre for Arts and Culture
Shailee Rajak shares her transformative summer internship experience with the South Asian Film Festival of Montréal (SAFFM), presented annually by the Kabir Centre for Arts and Culture. As a key contributor to the 2024 edition, Shailee delves into her roles in film scouting, communication, and collaborative decision-making. From engaging with filmmakers to organizing cultural events, she reflects on the invaluable insights gained, emphasizing the impact of promoting South Asian cinema and fostering cultural awareness in Canada. Shailee’s journey exemplifies the fusion of academic learning with real-world application, leaving an indelible mark on her professional and personal growth.
SAFFM’s 12th Year: A Celebration of Diverse Narratives and Cultural Harmony
The South Asian Film Festival of Montreal (SAFFM) marks its 12th year, showcasing nearly 60 films that delve into the rich tapestry of South Asian life. From thought-provoking documentaries to captivating dramas, the festival explores a myriad of themes—immigration, LGBTQ+ issues, religious freedom, women’s rights, and more. Syeda Nayab Bukhari, Director of SAFFM, discusses the rigorous film selection process, the vastness of South Asian cinema beyond Bollywood, and the festival’s role in fostering awareness and empowerment. With an expanding audience, SAFFM flourishes as a cultural beacon, promoting the diverse voices of the South Asian community in Quebec and beyond.
Source: https://www.westmountmag.ca/south-asian-film-festival-of-montreal-celebrates-12th-year/
Date: 04 May, 2023
Exploring Courage and Crisis: ‘Gauri’ Wins Best Long Documentary at SAFFM 2023
Kavitha Lankesh’s powerful documentary ‘Gauri’ secures the Best Long Documentary Award at the South Asian Film Festival of Montreal 2023. Delving into the life of journalist and activist Gauri Lankesh, the film bravely exposes the challenges faced by journalists in India. The 12th edition of the festival showcased 58 films, offering a diverse cinematic experience from the Indian subcontinent and its global diaspora. ‘Gauri’ stands out for its unwavering determination and poignant portrayal of the political crisis in India. The award citation hails it as a ‘J’accuse’ docu-thriller directed with verve by Gauri’s sister, Kavitha Lankesh.
Gauri Wins Best Long Documentary at SAFFM 2023
Kavitha Lankesh’s ‘Gauri’ claims the Best Long Documentary Award at the South Asian Film Festival of Montreal 2023. The film, exploring the life and tragic assassination of journalist Gauri Lankesh, stands out for its courageous narrative. Commissioned by Free Press Unlimited, it reinforces the festival’s dedication to cultural unity and understanding. A powerful exploration of India’s current political crisis, ‘Gauri’ shines as a beacon of storytelling excellence.