Filmi 23!
Filmi Toronto’s South Asian Film Festival – 23 Years!
December 6th – 7th, 2025
Stay tuned for some great films!
21st Filmi: Toronto’s South Asian film festival
Harbourfront Centre
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0 DINNER PARTY
A young South Asian Canadian couple with cultural differences attempt to prepare a Diwali dinner for their relatives, but end up arguing about whether they are ready to have children.
Director Biography – Sabareesh Subramaniam
Sabareesh Subramaniam (he/him) is an emerging writer & director based in Toronto, originally hailing from South India. A Business Analyst by day, Sabareesh’s love for filmmaking motivated him to start writing scripts inspired by real-life incidents. His first web series as a co-writer and co-director, “YiN” is an investigative thriller currently awaiting release on a streaming platform in India. His most recent short, “Small Wishes”, which he co-wrote and directed, is a drama about the need for women’s empowerment in rural India, and released to rave reviews in May 2024. “Dinner Party” is his second short film as a director.
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0 A Sign
“A Sign” is a short film that explores the unexpected turns of a disastrous first date between Rihana, a successful lawyer, and Irshad, a quirky and seemingly annoying guy. As the evening unfolds, Rihana’s initial impressions of Irshad as an annoyance gradually shift, revealing a charming and genuine side to him.
“A Sign” becomes a tale of serendipity, showing that sometimes what we perceive as annoying or disruptive can turn out to be the very thing we need.
Director Biography – Amreen Ghouse
Amreen Ghouse, is a writer and director (finalist of the WIFT Incubator, and the Big Pitch), with a distinguished career in advertising and film production.
At Think Brown Media Inc., she has written and directed high-
profile commercials for top brands like Coca-Cola, Canada Dry, and Nestlé.
Her film “Who’s Next?” won Best Short Film at the CineFAM Film
Festival. Her credits include producing Slam, Dunk, Sehaj! (CBC Gem)through the CFC/Netflix Calling Card Accelerator and content
for Zee TV Canada. She also directed a music video
with 1.5 million views on YouTube.
Her upcoming HBO short documentary series, Everyday Muslim
Heroes, spotlights individuals who selflessly enhance others’ lives
without seeking recognition.
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0 Champion
Synopsis:
In a race against time, a forgetful husband must utilize his own time-travel app to retrieve his lunch box from a friend’s house before his wife arrives, to prevent disastrous consequences.
Swaroop Elamon is a seasoned independent filmmaker and scriptwriter, based out of Toronto, with over a decade of experience in the industry. Hailing from a background in political science, Swaroop pursued his passion for storytelling through cinema, earning a postgraduate diploma in film direction from the prestigious LV Prasad Film Academy in Chennai, India.
His creative journey spans across various mediums, including short films, music videos, documentaries, and digital content. Swaroop has directed 15 short films, 2 music videos and helmed 2 documentaries, showcasing his versatility and depth as a filmmaker. Additionally, he has contributed significantly as a writer, penning scripts for numerous short films, spec screenplays for feature films, and documentaries.
Beyond the realm of cinema, Swaroop is an active participant in the theater scene, showcasing his talents as a writer, sound designer, and actor. His multifaceted approach to storytelling reflects in his diverse body of work, which resonates with audiences across different platforms.
Swaroop Elamon’s dedication to the craft of filmmaking and his commitment to exploring nuanced narratives make him a notable presence in the contemporary landscape of Indian cinema.
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0 The Man and The Monkey
Shiv, a New York City based Bengali-American photographer, is sent on an assignment to Kolkata by a Western Stock Footage company to capture the “real” India”.
While Shiv wants to show the extraordinary economic growth, wealth and vibrancy of today’s India, he is harshly reminded by his boss of the perceptions of India from a Western gaze as being one of Exoticism and Poverty.
What follows is a series of adventures and encounters where Shiv is forced to decide. Will he continue to be “The Monkey” who is being forced to dance to the tune of “The Man”; or the other way round?
Director Biography – Korok Murmu
Korok Murmu is an alumnus of St. Xaviers College, Kolkata, India (Mass Communication), and Satyajit Ray Film and Television Institute.
He has directed more than 7 web series, in both regional and national streaming platforms, including the FIRST Bengali web series, Khyapa (AddaTimes). Other notable works are Kaali (Zee 5), and Vidyasagar (HoiChoi).
Director Statement
Being an avid world cinema fan, I have always been fascinated about which films the Oscars choose to recognize from around the world.
Indian cinema is the largest film industry in terms of the number of films produced, yet over the years, the Academy continues to only highlight films that are about the poverty of India (Slumdog Millionaire) or that boxes India in as Exotic Dance numbers (Naatu Naatu). The truth is Indian cinema is vast in its multilingual content, rich with complex dynamic human stories of different cultures and deeply layered in its presentation of their ever-growing economy and global entrepreneurial spirit.
We created “The Man and The Monkey” to battle the current state of the western gaze on to India. To break narrow minded views of India. To help share the arrival of today’s India onto the global map. Thru colonialism and beyond, the west often has acted as having control of places like India. And times, it still does.
The west signifies the Man and India it’s Monkey. This film has been created to challenge those ideas by going deeper to capture today’s layered India and its place in the Global Diaspora. It’s story of a New Yorker who is challenged by his own circumstances to ultimately transform from the monkey to the man.
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0 Maybe
Synopsis:
The story of a young Indian man who moves to Toronto, becoming neighbours with a white girl. Despite brief encounters and text messages, they fail to fully connect before he leaves for his home country. The girl, captivated by his harmonica playing, reaches out to express her longing for their bond to endure
Director – Swaroop Elamon
Swaroop Elamon is a seasoned independent filmmaker and scriptwriter, based out of Toronto, with over a decade of experience in the industry. Hailing from a background in political science, Swaroop pursued his passion for storytelling through cinema, earning a postgraduate diploma in film direction from the prestigious LV Prasad Film Academy in Chennai, India.
His creative journey spans across various mediums, including short films, music videos, documentaries, and digital content. Swaroop has directed 15 short films, 2 music videos and helmed 2 documentaries, showcasing his versatility and depth as a filmmaker. Additionally, he has contributed significantly as a writer, penning scripts for numerous short films, spec screenplays for feature films, and documentaries.
Beyond the realm of cinema, Swaroop is an active participant in the theater scene, showcasing his talents as a writer, sound designer, and actor. His multifaceted approach to storytelling reflects in his diverse body of work, which resonates with audiences across different platforms.
Swaroop Elamon’s dedication to the craft of filmmaking and his commitment to exploring nuanced narratives make him a notable presence in the contemporary landscape of Indian cinema.
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0 Oh My Cow
Synopsis:
In a world where cows reign supreme, Kamala and her family must outwit a bovine examiner to save their home from eviction. As they navigate a surreal examination center, they deploy unconventional tactics to win over the cow and secure their future. ‘Oh My Cow’ offers a satirical commentary on the housing crisis, showcasing the extraordinary measures families take to protect their shelter.
Director Biography – Ramgopal Rajagopalan
Ram Rajagopalan is an emerging filmmaker based out of Vancouver. His stories have made it to the top 40 at prestigious local film festivals like Crazy 8s and Run N Gun. A recent alumni of Vancouver Film School, he has produced three noteworthy shorts – Spiral, Mannequin and Oh My Cow) of which the last two he also directed. He has worked on other roles like 1st AD, Script Supervisor, DOP in different student film projects while at VFS.
Prior to filmmaking Ram spent close to two decades in the technology industry leading product and software teams for Amazon and BlackBerry. He is passionate about building creative teams. The zest for visual storytelling made him take a few part time courses in Toronto (Metropolitan University, and The Second City) a few years back. He eventually decided to pursue filmmaking full time. He loves telling stories that are inspired by real life experiences.
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0 Leveled
Synopsis
Safa, a 17-year old hijabi is about to embark on a day like no
other in pursuit of her dreams but time is of the essence.
Growing up in a multi-generational, Pakistani household, Safa is
forced to adhere to cultural ideologies by her over-bearing,
traditional grandmother, while caring for her mother who is sick
with cancer.
When Safa realizes her mother’s medication has run out on one
of the most important days of her life, she’s forced to navigate a
path that’s filled with levels of cultural stigma and islamophobia
from the community around her.
As she races against the clock, will she be able to help her
mother and believe in herself enough to see her dreams become
a reality?
DIRECTOR- WRITER BIO
Founder of Dalphinium Media, Sara is a Director and Writer dedicated to
changing the narrative for equity deserving communities through
powerful storytelling. Born and raised in Toronto, her award-winning proof
of concept, short film, Leveled continues to screen at festivals worldwide
and has catapulted her to new heights.
She believes in the power of changing perspective through four-
dimensional storytelling. As one of four selected for Rising Voices with
Hillman Grad, Bipoc TV& Film and Indeed for her screenplay Leveled, she
is currently in the development stages of her coming-of-age film, which
will be her feature directorial debut.
With a slate of projects in film and series in development, Sara is
dedicated to telling powerful stories that centre on themes of belonging,
love and loss layered with a distinct dramatic and comedic tone which is
both entertaining and relatable. Sara is committed to changing the
narrative by pushing boundaries and challenging cultural norms. She
continues to charter a path in the industry through various recognized
programs and creating content on screen as a proficient writer and
director.
Socials:
http://www.dalphininiummedia.com
@sara.rangooni
@leveled.film
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0 Midnight Snack
Midnight Snack
Stella, a single mother, grapples with the conflict between her morals and the growing hunger of her daughter, Gabby. What was once an occasional indulgence becomes more frequent, leaving Stella torn between her role as a caring mother and her sense of community duty, as she navigates the challenge of providing for her child.
Ken Mohabir
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0 On Christmas Day
Adira, grappling with heightened emotions and impulsiveness after a recent heart-wrenching breakup, endeavors to salvage remnants of a relationship that has already slipped away. Unbeknownst to her, a delightful surprise awaits, reshaping her outlook and infusing holiday cheer into her home. “On Christmas Day” delves into the realm of mental health, intricately weaving a tale that spotlights the affectionate connection between a mother and daughter. Breaking away from stereotypical South Asian family dialogues, the film introduces refreshing conversations.
Director Biography Natasha Krishnan
Natasha Krishnan (Actress/Director/Screenwriter/Producer)
Website: https://www.n-tertainment.ca/ IMDB: https://www.imdb.com/name/nm7607838/
Adira, emotional and impulsive due to a recent breakup that leaves her heartbroken. Trying to save what’s left of something that is already far gone. Little does she know that she has a sweet surprise coming her way that will change her perspective and lighten the holiday mood around her house. ‘On Christmas Day’ highlights the topic of mental health while capturing a loving bond between a mother and daughter. The film breaks stereotypical conversations that we
normally see in a South Asian family dynamic.
Natasha Krishnan is from the South of India, born in Kerala, and brought up in the Middle East, Kuwait. She moved to Toronto, Canada at the age of fifteen. Today, Natasha is a filmmaker, producer, screenwriter, and working actress in Toronto. Her directorial debut film ‘Stay Connected’ (2020) garnered multiple awards in the film festival circuit, some of which include ‘Best Spiritual Film’ at Montreal Independent Film Festival and the ‘Award of Excellence’ at the One-Reeler Short Film Fest. ‘Stay Connected is currently streaming on Indieflix. Since then, she has written, directed, and produced films such as ‘Dosa’ (2021), a mini thriller/sci-fi; ‘The Algorithm’ (2021), a romantic thriller short which premiered at Cineplex, and received much acclaim at Hamilton and Toronto International Short Film Festival. Moreover, she won the ‘Best Director’ award at Reale Film Festival. Her recent film ‘On Christmas Day’ was nominated for Best Drama & she was nominated for the Best Actress performance award at the Los Angeles International Short Film Festival. She further received an honourable mention for ‘Best Actress’ at Independent Shorts Awards. Natasha Krishnan uses her emotional intelligence and curiosity to push creative boundaries and challenge societal norms by portraying stories in the most authentic way possible.
She made a leap into her career as an actress in 2015 and continues to hone her craft. Her recent work includes the thriller series on Paramount+, ‘Rabbit Hole’; ‘Metamorphosis’, a horror thriller directed by Alex Smoot; Netflix film titled ‘Wedding Season’ directed by Tom Dey; and the biographic film ‘Percy vs Goliath’ directed by Clark Johnson starring Christopher Walken. Playback recently announced her as a series lead on the upcoming show titled ‘Potluck Ladies’ by creator and producer, Shazia Javed.
Outside of film and TV, she shares a passion for dance. Her artistic journey started off with theater plays and stage performances. In 2012, she showcased her love for dance on the National television show named ‘Canada’s Got Talent’ and was a finalist. She’s performed for Pan Am Olympic Games (2015) opening ceremonies with Cirque Du Soleil and Toronto Raptors basketball games amongst many others.
Director Biography Prasanna Paul
Website: http://www.paulbrosfx.com
IMDB: https://www.imdb.com/name/nm5206446/
Prasanna Paul is a Canadian film director, producer and screenwriter. Born in Sri Lanka and raised in Canada. Prasanna developed an interest in filmmaking at a young age. After studying film production at Toronto Film School, he made his first short film ‘Olivia’ (2013), which is based on true events by critically acclaimed American author, Jack Ketchum. Oliva gained international recognition with its festival runs and tackling major awards including ‘Best Picture’ in Greece’s Roots Film Festival.
After Olivia, Prasanna went on to write, direct, and produce films such as ‘Be My Gallows’ (2018), a horror film which centers around a waitress, ‘Sanctorum’ (2020), a post-apocalyptic
sci-fi film, and ‘Dosa’ (2021), a mini sci-fi thriller.
challenge societal norms and delve into the depths of human emotions. His exploration of the human/A.I psyche continues in “Madeline”. “Gently as She Goes” showcases his flair for crafting emotionally resonant musicals of south Asian classical dance/music and western folklore, evoking a range of emotions through captivating melodies. ‘Stay Connected’, a film that he co-produced is now streaming on Indieflix. Prasanna’s penchant for pushing creative boundaries is evident in ‘The Algorithm’ (2021), a thought-provoking exploration of the intersection between technology and humanity. He won the ‘Best Director’ award at Reale Film Festival and was showcased at Hamilton and Toronto Shorts International Film Festival. Furthermore, his recent dramatic short film titled ‘On Christmas Day’ was nominated for ‘Best Drama’ at the Los Angeles International Short Film Festival. Prasanna’s passion for filmmaking has led him to work towards his upcoming feature film titled ‘Sanctorum’.
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0 Dark memories
Sometimes the darkness unleashes your biggest fears
Director biography Priyanka Shailendra
With over 15 years in film and advertising, Priyanka, a scion of Bollywood writers, excels in directing, producing, and writing for films and ads. Producing features and web series like “Hundred” for Disney Hotstar, she’s been shaping commercials for top brands since 2013. Rooted in a legendary Bollywood lineage, Priyanka tailors content to broadcaster needs. Committed to impactful storytelling globally, her feature films, one officially selected by the Canadian film festival, are in development. In her decade-long advertising career with giants like LOWES and BBDO, Priyanka emphasizes high-quality, commercially viable content with a distinct yet subtle message.
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0 Jaane Kya Hoga Mera
“Who knows what’s going to happen to me”
Jaasmaan Singh
Musician/band
Composer and Producer 🎵
Award Losing Singer/ Songwriter (Scratch Singer)
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0 You’re Smart
A pioneering exploration of the #MeToo movement unfolds as an experimental meditation, intertwining dance and spoken word. This unique perspective emanates from a woman of colour, offering a distinctive lens on the profound narrative.
Director Biography – Suri Parmar
Suri Parmar (she/they), a filmmaker and professor based in Toronto, is a graduate of the Canadian Film Centre’s Writers’ Lab and the Stonecoast MFA Program. Having earned recognition through esteemed international artist residencies like RIFF Talent Lab, Suri has honed her craft under the guidance of filmmakers Olivier Assayas and Anne Carey. In her role as a studio producer and coordinator of branded content, she contributed to projects such as Season 2 of Futurists, a Yahoo In The Know docu-series, behind-the-scenes videos, and live holographic event activations for New York Fashion Week 2022, along with XR media for Yahoo Entertainment. Suri’s impactful short films have graced the screens of the Canadian Film Fest, Kansas International Film Festival, and Toronto Reel Asian International Film Festival.
Director Statement
I conceived You’re Smart as a tribute to the many brave individuals who kickstarted the #MeToo movement to combat sexual harassment and abuse in the entertainment industry. Who -unfortunately – continue to face skepticism and hostility. Times and perspectives are shifting but victims still must fulfil a narrow, outdated, and misogynistic metric to be taken seriously.
Their stories are rarely straightforward. Predators often cultivate grey areas to cast doubt on their targets. Women of colour in particular are already fetishized and stereotyped as “angry” and “troublemaking” and may not come forward to avoid further abuse. In response to #MeToo, industry power players have proposed performative one-size-fits-all gestures – catered to the nonexistent “perfect victim” archetype – that allow perpetrators to flourish.
I hope that You’re Smart adds nuance to this ongoing dialogue. It features a visible minority performer who relates a hypothetical predatory encounter through movement and spoken word. It takes place in an outdoor theatre to imply that her pain as an “imperfect” victim is treated as a spectacle. The pretty and manicured park backdrop shows that horrific incidents brazenly occur in pleasant, everyday life.
The performer expresses how the world sees her as “smart” and a “feminist” and not someone who could be groomed and victimized. In the end, she’s alone, an incidental murmur in an ongoing maelstrom of power and privilege
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0 Mindslip
In the heart of Toronto, a young man awakens on a train, his mind a blank canvas regarding the journey that brought him from India to Canada. Driven by the urgency to piece together his past, he embarks on a quest for memories that takes him through the city’s intricate tapestry. In the labyrinth of recollection, a fortuitous encounter with a fellow Indian becomes a beacon of hope, suggesting a potential solution to the enigma shrouding the young man’s arrival. As their paths intertwine, a narrative unfolds, weaving threads of mystery and connection. The bustling urban landscape becomes a backdrop to the unfolding drama of identity and origin. Through twists and turns, the search for lost memories becomes a compelling journey of self-discovery, leaving the young man and those around him on the brink of uncovering profound truths that transcend borders and span continents.
Director Biography – Swaroop Elamon
Swaroop Elamon is an independent filmmaker/scriptwriter with an experience of over 10 years.
He is a graduate of political science from University of Delhi and have a post graduate diploma in film direction from LV Prasad Film Academy, Chennai, India.
He has created 12 short films, 2 music videos, 2 documentaries and was part of a few digital content videos as a director-writer-editor. More recently, he wrote and directed two episodes for the upcoming fiction web series “Ekam”. As a script writer, he has written 9 short films, 3 spec screenplays for feature films and 2 documentaries.
He is also actively involved in Theatre as a writer, sound designer and actor.
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0 Bark
Seventeen-year-old AJ, engrossed in social media, is startled when his girlfriend, Priya, invites him to prom. Troubled, he delves into a blank profile, encountering anonymous men soliciting hookups. Simultaneously, a newlywed couple prepares for their first night together; while the wife is eager, the husband appears hesitant.
As AJ, convinced by James online, ventures into the unknown, the husband experiences a panic attack during his wife’s intimacy attempt. AJ eagerly bikes to meet James, while the husband drives frantically elsewhere. At the rendezvous point, an old tree, AJ is met by a seemingly friendly teenager, but the encounter turns grim when James assaults him.
Later, the husband returns to the tree, emotionally shattered. Ignoring a call from his wife, Priya, he succumbs to tears at the haunting memory of an irrevocably altered night.
Director Biography – Ganesh Thava
Ganesh Thava, a Tamil-Canadian writer, director, and actor, seamlessly navigates the realms of film and theatre. Trained at Toronto’s George Brown Theatre School and New York’s Neighborhood Playhouse Theatre, he fearlessly unravels everyday moments from underrepresented perspectives. Fueled by his immigrant journey, Ganesh passionately delves into the intersectionalities of ethnicity, status, and sexuality, aspiring to cultivate spaces where diverse voices articulate profound truths.
His creative ventures span various mediums. Currently workshopping in Toronto, Ganesh’s play “KOLI KARI” intricately explores the relationship between an immigrant son and his mother. Shortlisted for the prestigious Whistler Film Festival’s Screenwriters Lab, his feature film “MAN ABROAD” narrates an unconventional romance.
In 2021, Ganesh directed the award-winning Toronto Fringe show “MY KOREAN CANADIAN FRIEND.” His debut short film, “THE ORCHID & THE TREE,” premiered at the Reel Asian Film Festival, reaching audiences worldwide. This year, he developed his second short film, “BARK.”
His most personal project, the solo show “UNDER THE MANGO TREE,” crafted at Factory Theatre’s Foundry Playwriting Program, has received support from the Toronto Arts Council (TAC), Ontario Arts Council (OAC), and Canada Council for the Arts (CCA), propelling Ganesh’s creative journey.
Discover more about Ganesh Thava and his captivating projects at ganeshthava.com.
Director Statement
In our lives, there exist moments that possess the power to transform us irrevocably. Within this realm of decision-making, our humanity reveals itself in astonishing and liberating ways. However, what transpires when this very freedom is unjustly snatched away?
BARK, a short film, delves into the profound journey of a queer South Asian boy on the precipice of self-discovery. As he confronts his sexuality, he wages a silent battle against the rigid expectations imposed upon him by family and society. In this fragile and crucial moment, he stands at the edge of taking a courageous leap toward his authentic self. BARK is a poignant exploration of this pivotal moment in young AJ’s life. Yet, within this beautiful opportunity for self-awareness and growth, an unexpected turn changes his life forever.
Through evocative imagery and nuanced performances, BARK seeks to unearth the emotional depths and complexities of this young man’s journey. It is a meditation on the resilience of the human spirit, the struggle for authenticity, and the profound consequences that arise when personal freedom is jeopardized.
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0 Always Here
In “Always Here,” we embark on the poignant odyssey of Ann, a woman haunted by memories of her lost childhood. Wrestling with the challenges of adulthood, Ann’s subconscious becomes a gateway to her past, where vivid dreams and surreal encounters lead to heartfelt conversations with her younger self, reliving the innocence and wonder of her formative years.
As Ann delves further into these encounters, she unravels hidden truths about her past and the pivotal moments shaping her present self. These dialogues serve as a therapeutic release, enabling Ann to confront unresolved emotions and heal the scars of her history.
With dreamlike visuals and a moving score, “Always Here” explores the potency of self-reflection, self-compassion, and the enduring connection between our current selves and the children we once were. This short film offers a touching exploration of the healing potential within our subconscious minds, providing hope and closure for those grappling with their inner demons.
Director Biography – Mridul HariDas
Mridul HariDas is a director, editor and screen writer from Toronto, Canada.
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0 Amor Fati
Amor Fati
“Amor Fati,” translating to “Love of Fate,” narrates the tale of a mortal destined to usher in the apocalypse. When Death is tasked with the impossible mission of ending his life, she grapples with conflicting emotions—duty versus her burgeoning affection for him. As she delves into the mortal’s essence, she unravels his uniqueness, prompting her to question her own purpose. The film delves into themes of love, sacrifice, and the inexorable grip of fate. A tragic narrative that blurs the boundaries between mortals and gods, it leaves an indelible mark on the audience, offering a haunting portrayal of the human experience.
Director Biography – Ridaa Khan
Based in Toronto, Canada, Ridaa Khan is a South Asian Canadian animator nearing the completion of her final year at Sheridan College. A skilled experimenter, she navigates diverse mediums, utilizing hands-on techniques to breathe life into her creative visions. Driven by a fervent desire to narrate distinctive stories, Ridaa aspires to contribute to the animation industry by championing greater representation of BIPOC voices. Her journey at Sheridan College exemplifies a commitment to honing her craft and forging a path towards a more inclusive animated landscape.
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0 Hair to stay
Hair to Stay
“Hair to Stay” is a poignant clay stop-motion short depicting the challenges faced by a young, transgender, and brown individual who endures bullying from their crush. The film explores the complex emotions surrounding identity and acceptance, providing a thought-provoking glimpse into the struggles of the protagonist. Through the unique medium of clay stop-motion, the narrative unfolds, highlighting the resilience and strength required to navigate the complexities of being different. This heartfelt story delves into themes of self-discovery, love, and the courage needed to embrace one’s true self in the face of adversity, offering a powerful and relatable message.
Diretor Pree Rehal
Pree Rehal
Pree (they/them) is an interdisciplinary artist residing in Tkaronto, originating from Tiohtiake, and bearing Panjabi roots. Their artistic expression draws inspiration from community care, cultural heritage, and the aesthetics of storybook illustrations. Operating under the creative moniker @stickymangos, Pree’s work has graced prestigious platforms like the Luminato Arts Festival, Design TO festival, and the Art Gallery of Ontario. Their shop gained recognition in CBC, Xtra magazine, and BlogTo. Notably, Pree is the visionary force behind CRIP COLLAB and DigiZine, initiatives dedicated to providing paid opportunities for artists within Disabled, racialized, and 2SLGBTQ+ communities.
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0 (Not so) little India
In the narrative of “(Not so) Little India,” the tale unfolds from the roots of Naaz Theatre, a cinematic landmark born in the 1970s, which laid the foundation for the thriving street and community now known as Gerrard India Bazaar in Toronto. Following the theater’s establishment, a flourishing wave of South Asian restaurants and shops emerged, shaping the vibrant cultural landscape. Although the Naaz Theatre is no longer present, the resilience of the community endures.
This documentary intimately explores the street’s evolution, narrated through the experiences of three steadfast store owners. Nestled at the crossroads of Gerrard Street East and Ashdale Avenue, these entrepreneurs not only witnessed the community’s transformation but actively contributed to its resilience. Their stories serve as a lens into the changes, challenges, and enduring unity that have defined life on this historic intersection, portraying the enduring spirit of “(Not so) Little India” from its cinematic beginnings to the present day.
Director – Rimsha Minocha
Hailing from Mumbai, Rimsha Minocha is a budding screenwriter and filmmaker currently immersed in a Documentary Film Production course at Seneca@York in Toronto. Following a stint as a Director’s Assistant/Assistant Director alongside the accomplished filmmaker Alankrita Shrivastava in India, Rimsha draws inspiration to craft her own slice-of-life films. With a solid seven-year professional background in the Indian Arts & Media industry, she has honed her skills under the mentorship of independent artists, theatre production houses, and digital creators. This diverse experience forms the foundation for Rimsha’s creative journey as she ventures into the realm of storytelling through the lens of her unique perspective and experiences.
Director – Rimsha Minocha
Hailing from Mumbai, Rimsha Minocha is a budding screenwriter and filmmaker currently immersed in a Documentary Film Production course at Seneca@York in Toronto. Following a stint as a Director’s Assistant/Assistant Director alongside the accomplished filmmaker Alankrita Shrivastava in India, Rimsha draws inspiration to craft her own slice-of-life films. With a solid seven-year professional background in the Indian Arts & Media industry, she has honed her skills under the mentorship of independent artists, theatre production houses, and digital creators. This diverse experience forms the foundation for Rimsha’s creative journey as she ventures into the realm of storytelling through the lens of her unique perspective and experiences.
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0 #Slashtag
A Social Media Influencer’s staged slasher video turns out not to be so staged after all…
Director – Ali Akhbar Khan
Ali Akhbar Khan is a South Asian – Canadian Emerging Filmmaker, Digital Content Creator and Video Specialist based in Mississauga. Ali has made films and videos for over half his life, Ali has experience in many aspects in filmmaking from pre-production to post production. Ali specializes in Assistant Directing and Producing. As an assistant director, Ali has proficiency in Movie Magic Scheduling and has worked on Student productions and an Indie one-take feature film called “Decap”. Ali has produced a wide variety of short films, with his documentary “Memes a Dankumentary” winning best student film in the 2018 World Premiere Film Awards.
Ali has worked professionally and independently as a digital content creator and video specialist for over 5 years. At Humber College, Ali was a Digital Content Creator for Life at Humber, developing video projects as well as producing, starring and editing them. Ali was also a Video Specialist at Humber College creating E-Learning videos and producing videos for Humber College faculty. Ali also has a self run YouTube Channel called Zeonic Blader which has garnered over 8800 subscribers and over 3 millions views. Ali’s presence on YouTube has allowed him to be brand ambassadors for several companies, including Spin Master for their Bakugan brand.
Project Links
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0 Taboo
Taboo
“Taboo” unfolds the poignant narrative of Naureen (Nawal Salim) as she grapples with the aftermath of her best friend Yousef’s (Abdul-Shakur Alawi) suicide attempt. In a vulnerable state, Yousef witnesses his community shutting him out, adding layers of complexity to an already precarious situation. While Huda hasn’t directly encountered the specific circumstances depicted in the film, the authenticity of Naureen and Yousef’s emotions deeply resonated with her.
The inception of “Taboo” traces back to Huda’s time at UTM, where the film’s concept was born from two profoundly impactful life experiences. One involved a close relative undergoing hospitalization due to a severe anxiety attack, shedding light on the often-overlooked struggles surrounding mental health. Another scenario unfolded with a friend who battled depression, anxiety, and suicidal ideation. Amidst her friend’s emotional turmoil, Huda grappled with a sense of helplessness, uncertain of how to provide meaningful support during those challenging moments.
The film serves as a nuanced exploration of mental health challenges, drawing inspiration from real-life instances that touched Huda personally. As she navigates the delicate threads of friendship, mental health, and societal perceptions, “Taboo” emerges as a poignant reflection on the complexities of human connection and the often unspoken struggles individuals face.
Director Nesa Huda
Nesa Huda, a screenwriter and director, is the Canadian daughter of South Asian immigrants and holds a Screenwriting MFA from Boston University. Her storytelling gravitates towards narratives centered on being Muslim in North America, portraying characters unapologetically embracing their identities, adorned with hijabs and unlinked to terrorism. With a keen focus on themes like childhood, love, and mental health, she even ventured into a unique territory with a mafia movie featuring a Muslim character.
Among her creative works is a comedy pilot titled “The Madresa,” drawing inspiration from her childhood experiences in an Islamic School, offering a blend reminiscent of “Abbott Elementary” meeting “Never Have I Ever.” Not confined to writing, Nesa has also written, directed, and produced the short film “Taboo.” The film delves into the life of Naureen, a Muslim girl whose best friend Yousef attempts suicide, exploring the repercussions within their friendship and the broader community, particularly considering the cardinal sin in Islam.
Supported by the Ontario Arts Council and community crowdfunding, “Taboo” stands out for its commitment to inclusivity, with 90% of the crew and actors being BIPOC. Nesa prioritizes creating a safe space, influenced by her own experiences of feeling unsafe as the sole visibly Muslim hijabi on sets, often the only person of color. This dedication underscores her commitment to fostering an inclusive and supportive environment for all involved in her projects.
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0 Fan Girl
“Fan Girl” unfolds as a concise yet compelling dramatic film, drawing inspiration from the theme of celebrity obsession. Set predominantly in a single hotel room, the narrative centers on the interview between Anika, a young South Asian journalist, and her idol, the former A-list actress Finley Cork. Initially characterized by a lighthearted and enjoyable tone, the interview takes an unforeseen and intriguing turn.
Director Biography Shetu Modi
Shetu Modi, a versatile writer, director, and editor, centers her creative endeavors on capturing the internal battles of anxious South Asian women. Notably, her short dramedy, “The Pits,” made waves at 15 festivals, clinching three audience choice awards. With 13 years of experience as a producer and editor in newsrooms, Shetu has transitioned into a freelance picture editor. Beyond her film pursuits, she showcases her talents through the YouTube web series “Smita’s Eats,” where she takes on the roles of both cinematographer and editor, featuring her mom in the starring role.
Director Statement
With Fan Girl, I wanted to examine my infatuation with pop culture and celebrities. I worked at the Canadian Press for nine years, and as part of that job, I interviewed many famous people I admire at the Toronto International Film Festival. When I conducted those interviews, I worried about celebs disappointing me and about the impact that would have on me. Is it even healthy that I would be heartbroken because a meeting with a stranger went poorly? I decided to explore these thoughts using my protagonist Anika and her idol, fictional actress Finley Townsend.
23rd Filmi: Toronto's South Asian Film Festival Dec 6-7 2025 
