About Us

Discover SAFFM's

CINEMATIC TAPESTRY

The festival was founded in 2011 with guidance from Late Mrs. Vijaya Mulay, distinguished documentary filmmaker, film historian, writer, educationist and researcher, and Mr. Thomas Waugh, Distinguished Professor Emeritus of Film Studies and Interdisciplinary Studies in Sexuality, Cinema at Concordia University.

The festival presents films made mostly by independent filmmakers and includes a variety of themes. Now in its 15th edition, SAFFM has grown into one of Canada’s leading South Asian film festivals, presented annually in Montreal and online.

The festival invites films from South Asian countries — Afghanistan, Nepal, Pakistan, India, Bangladesh, Bhutan, Sri Lanka — and their diaspora around the world. Occasionally and at our discretion, we include films from neighbouring countries of this region. The festival has grown from 6 films in 2011 to 79 films in 2026, screened both in-cinema at Cinéma J.A. DeSève, Concordia University, and online. The languages represented include national and regional languages of the respective countries, as well as English and French.

SAFFM: A Decade of Diversity. Showcasing independent films from South Asia and beyond.

SAFFM 2026

Mission statement

South Asian Film Festival of Montréal (SAFFM) is committed to showcasing new artistic work that fosters discussions and explores the world we inhabit. The Festival hopes to be a platform for filmmakers worldwide whose films have a focus on South Asia, with pertinence to Canadian democratic values and leading to civilized discussions and reconciliation of multiple points of views.

Language

A Mosaic of Cultural Expressions

The festival is a symphony of languages, showcasing films in a multitude of national and regional dialects from the participating countries, along with English. This linguistic diversity is a testament to our commitment to cultural representation and inclusivity.

The festival showcases films with subtitles in English and French, in keeping with its inclusive ethos

Awards

SAFFM annually bestows prestigious awards to commend exceptional contributions to cinematic brilliance. The festival's coveted honors include the Best Feature Fiction, recognizing captivating storytelling; the Best Feature Documentary, celebrating profound insights into reality; the Best Short Fiction, honoring concise narrative artistry; and the Best Short Documentary, highlighting the potency of succinct storytelling. These awards not only acknowledge outstanding filmmakers but also enrich the global cinematic landscape, fostering a spirit of artistic exploration and cultural appreciation. Join us in applauding these remarkable talents who contribute to the vibrant tapestry of storytelling at the South Asian Film Festival of Montreal.