Surrey, BC — From September 24 to 28, 2025, Surrey proudly hosted the International South Asian Film Festival (ISAFF), a premier cultural event that has evolved over the past 17 years into a powerful platform for South Asian voices in film and media. Formerly known as VISAFF and founded in 2008, ISAFF has firmly established itself as a cornerstone of the local arts scene and a catalyst for Surrey’s fast-growing film industry.
This year’s festival carried the theme of “Legacy”, honouring the past while inspiring the future of South Asian storytelling. A major highlight of ISAFF 2025 was the introduction of the Deepa Mehta Legacy Award, named after the renowned Indo-Canadian filmmaker Deepa Mehta, whose work has had a lasting impact on cinema and cultural discourse.
To present this inaugural award, Premier David Eby attended the festival and addressed the audience, recognizing the significant contributions of South Asian filmmakers to the cultural and creative industries of British Columbia and beyond.
Also in attendance were provincial leaders including MLA Garry Begg, MLA Jessie Sunner, MLA Amna Shah, and MLA Niki Sharma, who joined the festival’s organizers, filmmakers, and community members in celebrating artistic achievement, representation, and cultural connection.
The five-day festival featured film screenings, panel discussions, industry networking events, and community engagements — all dedicated to showcasing diverse narratives that reflect the complexities and richness of South Asian experiences.
For more information about iSAFF, visit: www.isaff.ca
