Beyond Borders: How SAFFMontréal Is Changing The Conversation Through South Asian Cinema

Now in its 14th year, the South Asian Film Festival of Montréal (SAFFMontréal) is more than just a celebration of cinema—it’s a bold platform for cultural exchange, powerful storytelling, and social reflection. As the only South Asian film festival in Quebec, SAFFMontréal brings more than 50 thought-provoking films from across the Indian subcontinent and its global diaspora to both in-person and online audiences. We sat down with Syeda Bukhari, the festival’s director and head of programming, to talk about this year’s themes, the importance of diverse representation in Canadian film culture, and why SAFFMontréal is a must-watch moment for cinephiles and changemakers alike. —Noa Nichol

1. This is the 14th edition of SAFFMontréal—what has been the biggest evolution you’ve seen in the festival since its inception, both in terms of content and audience engagement?

Over the years, SAFFMontréal has undergone a remarkable transformation. In the early years, we had to put in significant effort to scout for quality films. Now, with our growing reputation, we receive a wide range of powerful, critically acclaimed submissions from filmmakers around the world. Our programming has not only expanded in volume but also in depth and diversity, we’ve grown from showcasing fewer than 10 films in our first editions to now presenting over 50 films annually.

This evolution is also reflected in our hybrid format, which allows us to screen a curated selection of films in cinemas while also offering a beautiful lineup online. This has expanded our reach and made the festival more accessible to diverse audiences, locally and globally. The engagement has been phenomenal, with our community growing year after year, not just in numbers but in the richness of dialogue and connection sparked by the stories we share.

2. SAFFMontréal is the only South Asian film festival in Quebec. What role do you think the festival plays in shaping cultural awareness and representation within the province—and beyond?

SAFFMontréal plays a unique and vital role in fostering cultural awareness and representation in Quebec. We are proud to be the only South Asian film festival in Canada that screens films with both English and French subtitles. This intentional choice makes the cinematic art of South Asian filmmakers accessible to a wider Quebecois audience, encouraging deeper cultural exchange and understanding.

Our programming features films by South Asian filmmakers from across the globe, including those based in the subcontinent as well as in diaspora communities, with a particular focus on Canadian South Asian voices. This allows audiences to engage with diverse lived experiences, cultural nuances, and social realities, both from different parts of the world and from within Canada itself. In doing so, SAFFMontréal becomes more than just a film festival, it becomes a space for dialogue, empathy, and bridging communities through the power of storytelling.

3. Many of this year’s films spotlight the resilience of women across diverse communities. Why was it important for you to amplify these stories in this year’s programming?

At SAFFMontréal, we don’t enter the programming process with a predetermined theme, we aim to reflect the wide range of stories being told by South Asian filmmakers across the globe. Each year, we receive submissions that span a variety of themes, and we intentionally maintain that diversity in our curation. Interestingly, certain themes often emerge organically, echoing the issues currently shaping our world.

This year, we’ve seen a strong presence of films that spotlight the resilience of South Asian women navigating cultural, social, economic, and environmental challenges. While these stories often feature women protagonists, they are far from singular, they present rich, intersecting narratives with multiple layers and perspectives across various countries and communities. Amplifying these stories wasn’t a decision, it was a recognition. We’re proud to present them, knowing they will resonate deeply with audiences and contribute meaningfully to broader conversations about justice, equity, and human dignity.

4. With over 50 films from 11 countries in more than 15 languages, how do you approach curating such a rich and varied selection while maintaining a cohesive festival identity?

Our curation is rooted in the principles of diversity, intersectionality, and intentional inclusion. At SAFFM, we are deeply committed to showcasing a wide spectrum of voices, and that begins with our selection process. We don’t want to spotlight just one region, one language, or one dominant narrative. Instead, we aim to represent the linguistic, cultural, and thematic richness of South Asia and its global diaspora.

Language plays a key role. South Asia is incredibly multilingual, and we strive to include films in both widely spoken and minority languages. This is part of our effort to uplift underrepresented communities within the region, including ethnic and linguistic minorities whose stories often go untold in mainstream and even independent cinema.

Thematically, we look for films that explore a range of social, political, and personal issues, often with intersecting themes of identity, migration, gender, caste, environment, and more. This allows the festival to maintain a cohesive yet expansive narrative space where audiences can engage with both common threads and distinct differences.

Another vital layer is geographical diversity. We showcase films not only from South Asia’s urban centers but also from rural and remote regions, ensuring that the lived experiences of those in less visible communities are part of the conversation. At the same time, we intentionally include South Asian filmmakers living in diaspora communities around the world, including Canada, North America, Europe, and beyond, recognizing that South Asian identity is not bound by borders.

So, while our lineup is diverse in language, origin, and theme, what ties it together is our commitment to authentic, meaningful representation. That is the identity of SAFFMontréal: a space where complex, layered, and powerful South Asian stories find their home.

5. The inclusion of Indigenous films and discussions on Truth and Reconciliation is a powerful addition. How do you see the intersection of Indigenous and South Asian narratives contributing to a deeper dialogue about inclusion and shared experience in Canada?

As South Asians in Canada, many of us immigrants or children of immigrants, we recognize that we live, work, and create on the traditional and unceded territories of Indigenous Peoples. This acknowledgement is not symbolic for us, it is a call to relationship, responsibility, and respect. At SAFFM, we are committed to fostering meaningful dialogue and cultural exchange between South Asian and Indigenous communities, rooted in shared experiences of resilience, colonization, and identity-making.

In past years, we began this journey by featuring a single film by an Indigenous filmmaker as part of our opening programming. This year marks an important step forward: we’ve curated a dedicated session showcasing multiple films by Indigenous creators, and we’re creating space for post-screening discussions and Q&A sessions with the filmmakers themselves. These moments of direct engagement are invaluable, they allow for mutual understanding, dialogue, and the building of relationships across communities.

6. What do you think sets SAFFMontréal apart from other South Asian film festivals globally—not just in terms of programming, but in mission and impact?

What truly sets SAFFM apart is its deep commitment to dialogue, diversity, and democratic values. We’re not just screening films, we’re creating a space where artistic expression becomes a tool for reflection, reconciliation, and connection. Our programming highlights complex, often conflicting perspectives, while our mission, rooted in Kabir Centre’s broader vision, emphasizes cultural harmony, pluralism, and bridge-building between the South Asian diaspora and wider Canadian society. It’s this blend of artistic integrity and social impact that makes our festival unique on the global stage.

7. Many of the films shown at SAFFMontréal are Canadian premieres. How does the festival serve as a launching pad or bridge between international South Asian cinema and Canadian audiences?

We provide a vital platform for independent South Asian filmmakers to debut their work in Canada, especially those who might not have access to commercial distribution. These premieres connect international stories with Canadian audiences, spark dialogue, and often lead to broader recognition across North America. It’s a space for discovery, for both viewers and creators.

8. The festival is offered both in-person and online, with all programming accessible by donation. How does this model reflect your values of accessibility and community-building?

Our pay-what-you-can model reflects our deep commitment to accessibility and community building. We believe everyone, regardless of affordability, should be able to experience the power of South Asian cinema. With the rising cost of living, we’ve chosen not to charge fixed ticket prices. Instead, audiences can donate what they can, typically $5–10, and we also offer seasonal passes for those who want to support the festival further.

Offering an online version free for ten days extends this accessibility beyond Montreal, reaching viewers across Canada and around the world, including South Asians who may not otherwise have access to these powerful indie stories. It’s about keeping art open, inclusive, and community-centered.