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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Category: Uncategorized
0 toxiCity
Director: Kirill Kripak
Hunkered down in an abandoned dome, a group of survivors of an environmental cataclysm wait for transport while wrestling with existential thoughts of dread.
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0 Buyer Beware
Dean
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0 Tingling
A man watches a soothing ASMR video to help him sleep, but the voice meant to calm him soon reveals a chilling connection to his past.
Director Biography – Swaroop Elamon
Swaroop Elamon is an independent director, producer, and scriptwriter. Now based in Toronto, Swaroop hails from a background in political science and 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 various mediums, including short films, music videos, short documentaries, and digital content. He has directed 20 short films, 2 music videos, and 2 short documentaries, demonstrating his versatility as a filmmaker. His writing contributions include scripts for numerous short films, feature film spec screenplays, and documentaries.
Since relocating to Toronto in 2022, Swaroop has further developed his craft and gained recognition at various film festivals such as Reelworld film Festival, Insomniac Film Festival, and International Film Festival of South Asia, among others. Beyond film, Swaroop has worked in the theatre community as a writer, sound designer, and actor.
Director Statement
“Tingling” began with a simple question: what happens when something meant to soothe us becomes the very thing that unsettles us? I’ve recently been fascinated by how rituals of comfort like guided sleep videos and ASMR, can create a strange intimacy between strangers.
The rise of these practices speaks to a very real hunger for calm amidst the chaos. In today’s world, where anxiety is constant and genuine connection often feels fleeting, we turn to these digital spaces hoping to feel less alone.
But what if those spaces carried more than just comfort?
Through quiet tension and whispered horror, this story asks: can we ever truly escape what we’ve done, especially in a digital world where nothing ever really disappears?
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0 In search of lost time
Synopsis:
Two South Asian immigrants arrive in Canada in hopes for a better life, but slowly learn it’ll cost them their soul. In today’s world, what does it cost to leave everything behind and make a new-life in a “First World” country? In Search of Lost Time is a tragic comedy which explores the longing for something worth calling “home”, and what someone must do to have “la dolce vita”, as they love to call it.
STARRING: Ali Kazmi, Gia Sandhu, Mikaela Lily Davies, Rouvan Silogix, Steph Crothers & Athena Kaitlin Trinh
Director: A film by Rafeh & Rouvan Mahmud
Rafeh Mahmud is a Pakistani-Tanzanian-American, recent Canadian immigrant, Director, Writer, Daytime Emmy award winning Producer & Editor. He has worked for ABC News “Good Morning America” and as a Production & Post Production Engineer’s Associate for Light Iron, Panavision on Netflix’s “Queens Gambit”, Amazon’s “Marvelous Mrs. Maisel”, CBS’s “The Good Fight” among other TV-shows and films. Since moving to Toronto, he has worked with Cineflix Productions on a Lifetime MOW “Jodi Arias: Bad Behind Bars”, and on CBC Gem’s “Virgins” and “True Dating Stories.” He has also worked with the Canadian Opera Company, Stratford Festival, Crow’s Theatre & Modern Times Theatre Company.
Rafeh latest film ‘When Life Gives You Lemons’ (2022) has 3 Official Selections, including Oscar-qualifying Martha’s Vineyard AA Film Festival Virtual Experience. His previous film ‘In Defense of Civil Society’ (2021) has received 18 Official Selections, including Cannes’ Diversity in Cannes Shortfilm Showcase, Sarasota Film Festival, & Richmond International Film Festival. 2 Award Wins in Best Picture & Best Editing, 5 Nominations in Best Dark Comedy, including a Grand Jury Nomination, and 3 Honourable Mentions.
Outside of his work in film, he works as a director, playwright, and actor in theatre, and is a multiple grant-winning theatre artist. Prior to his recent immigration to Toronto, he lived and worked in New York City, and Karachi, Pakistan.
Previous experience includes: “Jodi Arias: Bad Behind Bars” Assistant Editor; Lifetime (Cineflix Productions). CBC Gem’s “Virgins” (Lead Editor) & “True Dating Stories” (DIT, BTS Photographer, Assistant Editor). Stratford Theatre Festival Digital Content (2020), Ruby Waters Live (2021), Associate Producer, ABC News [2018 Daytime Emmy]. Post & Production Engineer’s Associate, Light Iron, Panavision (2019), Artistic Associate & Coordinator, Williamstown Theatre Festival (2017), The New School for Drama, BFA, 2013-2017.
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0 The Mermaid Waits
A showcase of multiple seasons’ worth of designs and products by 18 Waits, through the meet-cute of a man and a mermaid
Director Biography – Nadeem Umar-Khitab
Director Statement
Nadeem Umar-Khitab is a classically trained actor who has spent most of his career performing
Shakespeare. He studied acting at Toronto Metropolitan University with Ian Watson of the Stratford
Conservatory and Dr. Cynthia Ashperger of the Michael Chekhov Association. Most recently, he played
Hamlet in a bold reimagining by director Stephen Drover. His performance was lauded as “eminently
watchable, sympathetic” leading “a first-rate cast [in]…the must-see show of the summer.”
Nadeem’s career spans two decades and three countries, performing at London’s Barbican Centre, the
Brooklyn Centre for the Performing Arts, and across Toronto and Vancouver. Notable credits include the
world premieres of the smash hit Beatles musical adaptation of Shakespeare’s As You Like It (Bard on
The Beach), Anosh Irani’s The Men In White (Arts Club), Carmen Aguirre’s Anywhere But Here (Electric
Company), Chris Abraham’s Macbeth, and the national tour of the award-winning Canadian musical
Onegin (Arts Club).
Recently, his focus has shifted to Film & Television, working on network shows like The Handmaid’s Tale
(Hulu), Brilliant Minds (NBC), and Robyn Hood (Global). Spring 2026 will see the release of his third major
studio feature Ready or Not: Here I Come (Fox Searchlight).
A recent graduate from Toronto Film School’s Screenwriting program and soon-to-be graduate of
Yorkville University, Nadeem is now forming a banner to produce his own projects under – uplifting
original narratives that put him and other up-and-coming diverse artists at the forefront.
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0 The Seas Between Us
Synopsis:
In the mid 1960s a young girl who has never seen anything but rural Trinidad has her eyes opened to the world when her adventurous Auntie from India comes to visit.
Director: Faisal Lutchmedial
Director’s Filmography:
Faisal’s work has explored the themes of identity, the immigrant experience, and loss. He’s directed numerous short films like the short “Useless Things” (2009) which won the Writers Guild of Canada English Script Prize at the Festival Nouveau Cinema Montreal, and the short Caribbean flavoured drama “Mr. Crab” which aired nationally on CBC’s Short Film Face Off. In documentary he directed the the labour rights themed feature doc “My
Cultural Divide” (2006). As a screenwriter Faisal worked on Ransom (Global/CBS), and Endlings (Hulu/CBC), and is an alum of the TIFF Writers Studio, the WarnerMedia Access x Canadian Academy Writers Program, and a winner of the WGC Bell Diverse
Screenwriters Program. Faisal’s is an alum of the TIFF Writers Studio, the WarnerMedia Access Writers Program, and a winner of the WGC Bell Diverse Screenwriters Program.
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0 Jo Mera, Woh Tumhara
Synopsis:
Feeling inadequate as a father, Naim starts to notice unsettling changes in his wife’s behaviour and the increasing visits from his best friend Javed. With his son Talha also sensing that something is wrong, they quietly navigate their suspicions and the complexities of their family relationships.
Director: Haaris Qadri
Haaris Qadri is an emerging filmmaker based in Toronto and London and a graduate from York University’s Bachelor of Fine Arts in Film Production Specialized Honours. He is currently a participant of the 2025 Canadian Film Centre Directors Lab.
His last short film majboor-e-mamool screened at the Montreal Festival du Nouveau, was featured on the Short of The Week and won Best Canadian Short Film presented by the National Film Board of Canada at the Canadian Academy recognized film festival, Toronto Reel Asian International Film Festival. He has also screened at the 2023 TIFF Next Wave Film Festival and the Canadian Film Festival. His latest film, Jo Mera Woh Tumhara enters the film festival circuit this year.
Haaris aims to make films that blend the authenticity of naturalism with the vividness of a painter’s realism. His works delve into the essence of everyday life, capturing the subtle moments that evoke deep emotions and perhaps change. Haaris is drawn to diasporic narratives, exploring themes of identity, familial fragmentation, and the nuances of intergenerational dynamics.
Haaris has had his work supported by the Canada Council of the Arts, Ontario Arts Council, the International Film Festival of South Asia’s inaugural Bright Lights Talent Fund and the Toronto Reel Asian International Film Festival.
Branching into the world of television, Haaris was also shortlisted for Sundance Institute Episodic Labs with his pilot Bintu’s Weddings and later went on to develop the script with Anthony Q. Farrell with the Warner Brothers Access x BIPOC TV and Film Episodic Labs. He’s currently shopping the script in the U.K with Camilla Wren of Frolic Pictures.
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0 Mango Trail
Each morning, Rabiya moves through her routine with quiet precision, unseen by a husband who barely notices her. When their car breaks down, she follows a surreal trail of mangoes into a park where colors speak, and wind, water, and the Koel, the bird of memory and spring, call to her. There, she meets a trickster spirit drawn from Punjabi folklore, devouring mangoes with wild abandon. In this strange encounter, Rabiya brushes against a forgotten self, stirred by desire and memory. She runs. The next morning repeats like clockwork, but a basket of mangoes and the echo of a haunting melody suggest something has quietly, irreversibly shifted.
Director Biography – Danyal Rasheed
Danyal Rasheed is a filmmaker working between Toronto and Pakistan, known for a body of work that navigates memory, displacement, and the sacred. His key projects include A Walnut Tree (2015), Mela Chiragan: A Few Rhymes (2018), and Hatak (2020).
Hatak, a short fiction film based on a story by renowned Urdu writer Saadat Hasan Manto, screened at international festivals including IFFSA Toronto (2021) and DCSAFF (2022). His feature documentary A Walnut Tree offers a haunting glimpse into the lives of internally displaced people in Pakistan’s conflict-ridden FATA region, premiering at IDFA (2015) and Hot Docs (2016).
In Mela Chiragan: A Few Rhymes, Rasheed turns his lens to the ecstatic rituals of the annual mela at the shrine of Sufi poet Shah Hussain. The film screened at Open Doors (Locarno Film Festival) and the Freiburger Film Forum in 2021.
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0 My Eyes (Meri Ankhon)
The story of a woman who was betrayed by “love at first sight”. The memories flashback in their eyes of what was once a sweet innocent pure love story they embarked upon. What must have happened for her to leave with no sign of return? Her husband sits in deep regret unable to see a way to bring her back.
Director Statement
“Where there is Love, there is Life” -S.G.N.
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0 The Act
The Act follows the journey of an actress, Marie, who navigates the glitzy yet unforgiving world of classic Hollywood. Trapped between her desire for recognition and the expectations imposed by a male-dominated industry, Marie battles not only external obstacles but her own inner demons. The film intricately weaves themes of patriarchy, mental health, and self-worth, illustrating how Marie’s fight against the glass ceiling becomes a personal revolution. Capturing the elegance of old Hollywood and the stark reality behind the scenes, The Act is both a critique and a celebration of an era’s unspoken challenges. It invites viewers to reflect on societal norms and the cost of striving for greatness in a world that demands conformity.
Recognition for The Act Film:
Best Actress Award at Milan Indie Film Festival – Spring 2025
Semi-Finalist at the London Women Film Festival – January 2025
Nominated for Best Music at Brown Girl Empowerment Film Festival – September 2026
Director Biography Natasha Krishnan
Natasha Krishnan
Actress | Director | Screenwriter | Producer
IMDB: https://www.imdb.com/name/nm7607838/
PRESS: https://www.n-tertainment.ca/portfolio
Natasha Krishnan is a writer, director, producer, and actress born in Kerala, India and raised in the Middle East, Kuwait. She is currently based in Toronto, Canada since the age of fifteen. Her directorial debut, ‘Stay Connected’, won multiple awards, including Best Spiritual Film at the 2020 Montreal Independent Film Festival, and recognized by festivals like the Toronto Independent Festival of CIFT and MISAFF. She directed her dark comedy thriller short, ‘The Algorithm’, that premiered at Cineplex and earned acclaim at CSA-qualifying festivals like Hamilton Film Festival and TINFF, where she won the Best Actress Award. In 2023, she won Best Director at the Reale Film Festival in Italy. Her 2022 dramatic piece ‘On Christmas Day’ earned nominations for Best Drama and Best Actress at the Los Angeles
International Short Film Festival and an Honourable Mention for Best Actress at the Independent Shorts Awards. Her Rom-Com short, ‘Soupy Sunday’ had its Canadian premiere at MISAFF 2025, garnered her the Outstanding Performance Award at AIMAFF in Greece, and awarded Best Writer at the 8 th annual Great Canadian Comedy Film Festival. Natasha made a leap into acting in 2015 and uses her emotional intelligence and curiosity to hone her craft. She played the series lead on Potluck Ladies Season 1 (Hollywood Suite, Yes TV), which won Best Drama at Series Fest in 2024. Her on-screen credits also include Rabbit Hole (Paramount+), Metamorphosis (Tubi), Wedding Season (Netflix), and Percy vs Goliath starring Christopher Walken. A passionate dancer, her journey began with theater and stage, to becoming a finalist on the national television show Canada’s Got Talent in 2012. She performed at the 2015 Pan Am Games with Cirque Du Soleil and Toronto Raptors games, amongst others. Natasha can be seen in asupporting role in the upcoming feature, ‘Tyler’s Review’, starring Tristan D. Lalla (Ghosts). She also had thepleasure to work with Ashley Greene and directed by Peter Facinelli (Twilight franchise), in the upcoming Rom-Comfeature titled ‘Grace Period’.
Co-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.
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0 Newly Dead
After a fatal car accident, Ryan, an arrogant and self-centred salesman, finds himself in a room with God. He bargains to be sent back in order to take care of some unfinished business. With humor and drama, the film explores themes of acceptance, redemption, and the reluctance to let go of past grievances, ultimately leading to an unexpected revelation about life’s true priorities.
Director Biography – Anoop Pillai
Anoop Pillai is a filmmaker (writer/director) based in Toronto, Canada, originally from Kerala, India. Anoop began as a hobbyist landscape photographer and wrote short stories in his free time, which eventually led to filmmaking.
Anoop’s work includes both animation and live-action projects, ranging from short films to feature projects. He was awarded ‘Best Director’ for his second short film, ‘TP Tango.’ Additionally, Anoop has authored three children’s picture books, “Pinky-Boo and Gumberstonz Stories,” available on Amazon and other online stores.
Director Statement
Newly Dead marks my directorial debut, a project I poured my heart into alongside a dedicated cast and crew. I’ve always been a fan of mystery dramas set in a single location, like ‘The Man from the Earth,’ and this film follows a similar vein.
Crafting an engaging story in just 10 minutes with compelling performances was a challenge I was eager to take on. After sharing the film with friends and the team, the feedback was overwhelmingly positive. We’re proud that over 80% of the team were Canadian citizens or permanent residents, and we shot the film in Mississauga, Ontario.
I believe audiences will enjoy the steadily building tension and the thought-provoking ending. I hope viewers will wonder why the protagonist holds on to the past, when there’s something better waiting for him, which is a representation of humans holding on to their past.
Overall, ‘Newly Dead’ aims to entertain with its mix of suspense and drama. We hope it finds an audience worldwide and becomes a favorite for many.
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0 The Unknown Soldier
The Unknown Soldier follows a Sikh soldier who enlists in the Canadian Army during World War I. Confronted by the horrors of trench warfare and personal conflict, he remains determined to survive and find his place. Paired with Private Nash, he embarks on a perilous mission to rescue an injured General. When their mission turns violent and they are both wounded, the soldier’s resilience emerges as he risks his life to save his comrade. This powerful narrative explores bravery, humanity, and the quest for belonging amid the chaos of war.
Director Biography – Aviel Kurulkar, Javier Alfaro
Aviel Kurulkar and Javier Alfaro met while studying film at Wilfrid Laurier University, where their shared passion for storytelling sparked a creative partnership that continues to thrive.
Aviel Kurulkar is a filmmaker whose work draws on lived experience, historical inquiry, and a deep sensitivity to the emotional landscape of migration and memory. As an immigrant, Aviel brings a distinct lens to The Unknown Soldier, infusing the film with themes of displacement, identity, and the burden of remembrance.
With a background in cinematography and direction across feature films, shorts, and TV productions, Aviel’s approach balances visual restraint with emotional depth.
At twenty-one, Javier left home to pursue filmmaking in Canada, and has since directed over fifteen short films and worked on more than twenty projects, earning awards such as first place at the GRFF YODO Film Festival and the Audience Choice Award for I’ve Been Dreaming, I’ve Been Working at the 48 Hour Toronto Film Project. He is well-versed in all aspects of production—from directing and producing to editing—and aims to create films that inspire others to explore their wildest dreams.
Together, they form a dynamic team dedicated to telling powerful, visually rich stories.
Director Statement
World War I has been depicted on the big screen countless times from various perspectives, yet the contributions of Punjabi soldiers remain largely untold. This idea was sparked by a desire to tell one such story, particularly within a Canadian context. The aim is to provide a realistic depiction of these hardships, while offering a slice of life that highlights the Sikh soldier’s culture and beliefs, when they are put to the test amidst the horrors of conflict
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0 The Forgotten Soles
Not long ago, residential school walls stood in silence, bearing witness to stories too heavy for even the wind to carry away.
In this claymation animated short, two young boys—Animkii and Makwa—embark on a journey of rediscovery after a classroom lesson stirs echoes of a history their families once kept quiet. Guided by an elder and the stories stitched into the land, they begin to uncover the strength of their people—and themselves.
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0 Wrung Out
A recent divorcee treats herself to a spa day, becoming fast friends with her quirky esthetician. When the unsuspecting duo take their friendship beyond the spa walls they visit a medium who predicts a wild night ahead of them
Director Biography – Harmeet Bhatti, Amanda McNeice
AMANDA McNEICE is a former production manager turned screenwriter and now a first-time co-director with Harmeet Bhatti. Amanda writes for animated TV and MOW romance but is fond of any genre where she gets to create memorable characters. When she’s not writing, Amanda enjoys making art, reading and visiting any town that has a butter tart festival.
HARMEET BHATTI is a writer and actor from Toronto. She took a risk thirteen years ago when she left behind a steady, traditional career path (much to her grandmother’s dismay) in order to pursue her passion for performing. Her transition into writing was a natural progression from her acting career. The inspiration for her content derives from the lack of nuanced characters and roles available to her as a South Asian actor. In her spare time Harmeet enjoys powerlifting, baking and ceramics.
Director Statement
Our goal was to challenge stereotypical casting choices and societal perceptions of how women are portrayed on screen – particularly in comedy.
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0 Maybe Tomorrow
In the face of mounting tension, an overworked woman striving for a better life briefly finds peace with her carefree partner before tragedy strikes.
Consumed by societal pressures pushing her to make a “better” life for herself, Natalie is trapped in a relentless cycle of work that places her at odds with her carefree partner, Andy. What’s worse is that the two live in close quarters in a tiny downtown apartment. As the unsustainable nature of Natalie’s lifestyle comes to the fore, she is pushed to reconnect with Andy, briefly finding peace before the two are torn apart forever.
Director Biography – Steve Chambers, Aidan Grossman
Primarily a writer, Steve Chambers is also a filmmaker and actor. Originally from Toronto, he honed his craft at The New School of Drama and The Neighborhood Playhouse in New York, along with training at The Second City. He also studied screenwriting at George Brown. Steve has left his mark on both stage and screen, producing and starring in acclaimed theatrical productions like “The Indian Wants The Bronx” and “Blood,” which garnered Dora Award nominations. His filmography includes roles in projects such as “Casino Jack,” “Rookie Blue,” and “The Murdoch Mysteries.” Steve has also written and directed short films, and co-wrote the feature film “The Wishing Tree.” Steve has won numerous awards for his work, while placements in screenplay competitions and programs continue to showcase his writing.
Born in Toronto, Aidan Grossman is an actor, filmmaker, and cinematographer with a strong dedication to creating visually compelling, innovative works. He has proudly created and starred in award-winning projects such as “Drummer Boy” (2020), Seabreeze (2021), and Elle (2024), while he has served as Director of Photography on captivating short films such as “Guilty Pleasures” (2025) and “The Nook” (2025).
Director Statement
The idea for “Maybe Tomorrow” stemmed from observing the relentless pressure modern life imposes on us—particularly how social media creates these impossible “couple goals” that leave many feeling inadequate. We were intrigued by the tension between personal ambition and contentment, and how that dynamic could manifest in a relationship. The story explores the quiet, often unseen pressures that make us lose sight of what truly matters until it’s too late.
Today, many of us feel the incessant drive to be productive, to meet societal and social media-imposed ideals. We wanted to tell a story that shows the dangers of getting caught in that cycle, especially when we already have much of what we need in front of us. It’s a cautionary tale about how the pursuit of external success can blind us to the simple joys of life, such as love and connection.
The film speaks to the universal human need to slow down and appreciate what we have rather than endlessly chasing what we think we should have.
Of course, the story was also born out of the writer’s experience of the COVID lockdowns, reflecting how many relationships (including his own) were tested through a time of great uncertainty and fear. For some, living vicariously through a fictional “better version” of themselves was a means of escape from the overwhelming reality of the pandemic era.
The film’s aesthetic is deliberately minimalist, confined to the apartment to emphasize Natalie’s sense of isolation as she chases her goals. The lighting shifts from bright and vibrant in moments when Andy is trying to connect with Natalie, to dim and shadowy when she is lost in her work. The use of tight, claustrophobic framing is meant to mirror how boxed in Natalie feels. We chose to film the project with static shots, removing all movement and keeping the frames still to allow the actors to tell the story through their subtle gestures and emotional states.
We hope that this film will encourage audiences to reflect on their own lives—on how they balance work, love, and the pursuit of happiness. We hope they’ll take away the message that life is about more than just achieving a list of goals—it’s about being present and finding fulfillment in what’s already around us.
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0 Comical Depression
Comical Depression is a short film that talks about different ways in which depression can appear and the impact of relationships on a person who is going through depression.
Millie, the lead character who is going through depression has friends and family who visit her throughout the day. Their attempts at ‘helping’ do not translate into actual help primarily due to a lack of awareness of ‘depression’.
This film is meant to start conversations about depression, its symptoms, the differing appearance of varying symptoms in different people and other mental health issues that are prevalent in our society. It is a film that incorporates educational and entertainment elements but does not offer medical advice as this is not a public service announcement. However, it does fill the gap of providing light-hearted, family centric film content for healthy conversations around various mental health issues.
Director Biography – Swaroop Elamon
With over a decade of experience in independent filmmaking and scriptwriting, Swaroop has developed a unique style that blends creativity with technical expertise. Swaroop’s passion for storytelling is evident in every project he undertakes.
His academic background in political science from the University of Delhi coupled with a postgraduate diploma in film direction from LV Prasad Film Academy in Chennai and a certificate in Digital Marketing from York University, Toronto has contributed to his diverse and rich storytelling abilities that resonates universally.
His extensive repertoire of work showcases his versatility across various formats, including short films, music videos, documentaries, and digital content. Notably, his involvement in the upcoming web series “Ekam” as both a writer and director highlights his continued growth and involvement in larger-scale fictional narratives.
Beyond film, Swaroop’s engagement in theater as a writer, sound designer, and actor likely provides him with a multifaceted approach to storytelling, allowing him to infuse his projects with depth and creativity.
Overall, Swaroop Elamon’s blend of education, experience, and involvement across different mediums indicates a well-rounded and passionate artist with a penchant for storytelling and creative expression.
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0 Glitchaos
GLITCHAOS isn’t a story meant to be taken seriously; it’s a two-minute burst of chaos, comedy, and game-glitched mayhem. I wanted to capture the feeling of smashing a controller, raging at a boss fight, and then laughing at the absurdity of it all.
The film borrows the bold FX style of Arcane and the glitchy, playful energy of Spider-Verse to create a world where reality breaks apart in the most ridiculous ways. At its heart, it’s just about having a good time watching things spiral out of control, because not every film needs to be deep. Sometimes, it’s just fun to watch a mech wreck a kid’s bedroom.
Director Biography: Gurtaj Malhi
Gurtaj Malhi is a versatile 3D artist specializing in Animation and Layout. Born in Canada and raised in India, his multicultural upbringing fueled a deep appreciation for diverse media and storytelling. While his primary expertise lies in 3D, Gurtaj has a passion for traditional life drawing, often finding inspiration in putting pen to paper.
In his final year at Seneca College, Gurtaj directed Glitchaos, a short film where he showcased his leadership as Animation Lead, Production Manager, Rigging Lead, Previs Artist, Character Modeler and made significant contributions to the pipeline. His ability to adapt across departments highlights his strengths as a generalist with an affinity for animation and storytelling.
Beyond his artistic pursuits, Gurtaj is captivated by the mechanics of machines, blending creativity with technical curiosity. Known for his initiative, strong sense of responsibility, and professional demeanor, he is often described as a natural leader who brings passion and dedication to every project. A skilled communicato or “professional yapper” as some affectionately call him, Gurtaj thrives in collaborative environments, inspiring those around him to achieve their best.
Danny Mai
Danny Mai is a Vietnam-born, Canada-based 3D artist who loves storytelling through animation and visual effects. He focuses on texturing, look development, and creating immersive worlds, pulling inspiration from Cyberpunk, Akira, Spider-Verse, and a mix of music, games, and shows.
Danny works across a few different areas, mainly as a texturing and lookdev artist, a comp artist with experience in Nuke, and a beginner VFX artist with a bit of previs experience too. He’s comfortable working in Unreal Engine, Maya, Substance Painter, Substance Designer, and ZBrush and always curious to learn new tools and techniques. A collector of retro toys, vintage tech, and fashion, Danny loves blending nostalgia with modern creativity. Whether it’s building environments, designing effects, or piecing things together in comp, his work is all about curiosity, style, and a genuine love for art and storytelling.
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0 चाय (chai)
Animated using all natural materials, चाय (chai) showcases my family’s chai recipe and the significance behind our healing ritual, all while demonstrating its importance using my Dadaji’s wise words to me.
Director Biography – Venya Luthra
Venya Arshia Luthra is a hard-working Experimental Animation student at OCADU (Ontario College of Arts and Design University) in Toronto, Canada. Although learning different mediums of animation, she loves to express her stories through stop-motion animation. She hopes to pursue a career in the animation industry after receiving her BFA.
Director Statement
My work is cross-dicipinary, though I hope to focus mainly on different modes of animation. In particular, my more current works are stop-motion animation as I try to develop more skill in this artistry.
Furthermore, I am an advocate for representation in the media, amplifying voices that have been overlooked and ignored in the conversation. I have this passion from my personal experiences of looking for representation in the media I consume, especially as a woman of colour. I resonate with the feeling of being represented and hope to continue this in my career, diversifying the animation on screen and behind it.
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0 Nanoo Knows Best
A 3-minute animated short blending 2D and stop-motion, telling an absurd yet heartfelt tale of love, memory, and mangoes during a zombie apocalypse. Inspired by my bond with my Pakistani grandmother, Nanoo, it captures a surreal moment of connection in a crumbling world.
Director Biography – Raahim Tariq
Raahim Tariq is a 2D Animator & Multimedia Designer from Pakistan who recently completed his BFA with Honours and a Distinction from OCAD University in Toronto. He majored in Experimental Animation. Within the trajectory of learning and experimenting with different types of animations from 2D to 3D, as well as stop motion, he has developed a passion for 2D animation. He enjoys creating whimsical and fantastical characters, exploring humor-filled stories, and mainly promoting stories about being Pakistani and his identity, and in doing so, he tries to bring brown culture to the mainstream, so it may lead to the acceptance and respect for brown culture. Furthermore, his exploration entails using color symbolism and materiality within his animations to support displaying a deeper message. He hopes to work in Animated TV Shows/ Cartoons as well as create animated adverts for companies. While he is majoring in animation, he has a background in graphic design, illustration, and traditional art, which has led him to work and make campaign posters and article illustrations for nonprofit organizations in Pakistan, designing logos and menus for restaurants, and showcasing his work in exhibitions and winning awards.
Director Statement
The film combines two distinct animation styles. The main characters and world are presented in 2D animation, using blood flat colors and geometric shapes. The zombies, however, are animated using stop-motion, texturally and tonally separating the “imaginary” from the “real.”
Ultimately, this film is a love letter to grandmothers, to mangoes, and the chaotic beauty of South Asian storytelling. It captures the feeling of being a kid and believing every wild tale your elders told you, no matter how impossible, because when Nanoo speaks, you listen, even if it means you go through a field filled with zombies
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0 Twist
An panda cub faces off against a stubborn jar of strawberry jam. Who will emerge victorious in this tussle?
Director Biography – Anoop Pillai
Born in Kerala, India, Anoop has lived in various parts of the world such as Mumbai, Dubai, Dammam, Manama, and most recently in Toronto. Alongside actively working on his own projects, he also assists fellow filmmakers in bringing their visions to life. Anoop’s second project, ‘TP Tango’, received two awards, including one for ‘Best Director’.
Anoop has a diverse portfolio. He has worked on over 10 projects, writing and directing six of them, which are currently in various stages of production. These include animation and live-action short films, as well as a feature project. He has also directed 2 French short films. He fondly recalls starting as a photographer and writing short stories on his personal blog, which sparked his passion for writing and directing.
Beyond films, Anoop has ventured into literary work, having authored three children’s picture books titled ‘Pinky-Boo and Gumberstonz Stories’, available on Amazon and other online platforms.
Director Statement
“Twist” is a short animation for younger children aged 3 to 8 years. The story centers around friendship and the message that we all need a helping hand at times.
In the film, a young panda cub wrestles with a stubborn jar of strawberry jam. The story captures her determination to open it and the timely help she receives in getting through this.
Growing up, I was captivated by classic cartoons like Tom & Jerry and Looney Tunes. Creating an engaging animated short has always been on my bucket list, and with Twist, I’m thrilled to bring that dream to life.
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0 The Green room
A nervous comic’s night spirals into chaos when his jokes are stolen, his girlfriend kicks him out of her apartment, and a call from home delivers devastating news just as he’s about to take the stage
Director Biography – Shashank Banawalikar Subhash
Born in Mumbai and raised in Bangalore, Shashank is a multidisciplinary artist whose journey spans architecture, Art, stand-up comedy, and filmmaking. His early experiments with mixed media art fostered a strong visual instinct, which later merged seamlessly with his narrative pursuits.
While studying architecture, Shashank discovered a deep passion for comedy, performing stand-up by night while navigating design projects by day. When the pandemic paused live performances, he shifted to filmmaking, using the camera as his new canvas. This transition led him to Toronto, where he formally trained as a filmmaker and began refining his voice as a writer-director.
His short film “Dosa”, a sharp Crime-comedy, earned awards and recognition on the international festival circuit, establishing him as a filmmaker with a distinct point of view. His Upcoming film, “The Green Room”, is an ambitious single-take short film that blends theatre, stand-up, and cinema. With this project, Shashank pushes the creative limits of short-form storytelling, experimenting with real-time narrative, precise choreography, and emotional pacing to explore themes of identity, vulnerability, and performance.
Now based in Toronto, Shashank continues to balance his work as a filmmaker with performing stand-up comedy. Across mediums, his goal remains the same: to tell honest, layered, and visually compelling stories with humor and heart.
Director Statement
As a first-generation immigrant, filmmaker, painter, and stand-up comedian, I’ve spent a lot of time balancing performance and vulnerability and figuring out what it means to be seen. The Green Room captures those moments, minutes before showtime, when nerves, anticipation, and self-doubt collide. Designed to feel like a single continuous take, the film lets you experience the energy, tension, and humor of life on stage, drawn from moments I’ve lived both on and off the comedy stage.
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0 Time
After losing her husband to dementia, Surjit becomes consumed by her grief. Her days are spent trying to pass the time, finding ways to cope with loss. The best part of her week is when her grandchildren come to visit. She seeks solace reflecting on memories of her younger days. Although restricted by her anxiety, she tries to search for peace within her loneliness. Surjit’s yearning for companionship leads her to a group of elderly women who often gather at a park. What does life look like when you have to forge new friendships at the age of 70? Time explores life after loss.
Director Biography – Kiran Rai, Baljit Singh
Kiran Rai, also known by her creator name KayRay, is an actor and filmmaker based out of Toronto. Throughout the past decade, Kiran has used her platform to primarily focus on addressing taboos within the South Asian community through short films, documentaries and digital series. Her short films, Ananke (garnered over 1 million views on YouTube) and Haneri have gone on screening tours around the world, and have often been used by University / College curriculums as a reference tool. This led her to co-produce and star in 28 episodes of the hit digital-series, Anarkali which reached approximately 2 million views across all seasons. The Brown Bachelorette, the parody web-series which Kiran starred, co-wrote and directed, helped cultivate her comedic screenwriting. Through her satirical yet didactic content she has been able to create meaningful and critical dialogue through her work. She is now the co-founder of The Kollective, a BIPOC focused creative agency and production company that aims to create opportunities for artists while supporting small businesses. And though her passion is in the arts, her heart is centred around community and mental health, which is why she has facilitated and hosted over 50+ workshops around the world. With her talk show Cha Da Cup With KayRay now airing on Brit Asia TV, her work continues to be recognized by the likes of Vogue, The Toronto Star, NBC News, BBC, CBC and Cosmopolitan.
Baljit Singh is an analog photographer who has evolved into a compelling storyteller through cinematography, graphic design and writing. Committed to documenting and narrating stories focused on people of colour, her work infuses nostalgia with a modern twist, eventually having branched out to film, digital series and documentaries. Baljit has also played a key role in branding various artists, businesses, and events. As the co-founder and executor of THE KOLLECTIVE, based in Toronto, she strives to reinvent and produce high-quality work aligned with a shared vision. Her work actively contributes to international exhibitions and has been featured in prestigious publications worldwide, including Vogue, Cosmopolitan, Elle, Toronto Life and USA Today.
Director Statement
Our grandmothers, who are remarkable women of strength and resilience, have left an indelible mark on our lives. We have the privilege of knowing them intimately, of being nurtured by their love, and witnessing their unwavering courage in the face of adversity. The profound grief they endured upon losing their husbands, our grandfathers, resonated deeply with us. Getting married at such a young age, being a wife, a mother, and a grandmother was all they’ve ever known. When they lost their partners, in turn, they lost a sense of themselves.
Time finds its roots in the inspiring journey of my naniji (ਨਾਨੀਜੀ translation: maternal grandmother), Surjit Kaur. Known for her fierce spirit and boundless love within her community, she epitomized independence despite suffering through her own pain throughout her life. Growing up with the name Jaitno, her identity underwent a significant transformation upon marriage to my grandfather, who changed her name to Surjit (ਸੁਰਜੀਤ translation: immortal). This symbolic change reflected not only a shift in her marital status but also in her sense of self.
Living a humble life in Punjab, Surjit faced grief early on, losing many loved ones by the tender age of 20. However, her resilience knew no bounds. She embarked on a new chapter in Canada with my grandfather and their children, working tirelessly to support her family until her early retirement. Her selflessness became most evident when my grandfather battled cancer, as she assumed the role of a caregiver with unwavering dedication, even learning to drive to ensure he received proper care. Despite the heartbreaking loss of my grandfather, Surjit continued to persevere, finding solace in her friendships, her family, and discovering who she is outside of being a caretaker. Although she is no longer with us, I don’t think she ever realized how much of an inspiration she continues to be for me. She showed us that life doesn’t have to end after you become a widow, a controversial cultural mindset most South Asian elderly carry.
My paternal grandmother, Avtar Kaur, also played a pivotal role in shaping my understanding of strength and resilience. Living with my family throughout my life, our bond grew stronger, particularly in her later years as I delved into her past, discovering the depth of her experiences before and after marriage. Her recent passing due to Covid-19 left a void in our lives and reminds me of the impact our elders have on us.
Baljit Singh, my co-director and producing partner in this film, shares a deep connection with her own grandmothers. We often worked on projects together where we would feature our elders. Our main character in this film is played by Baljit’s naniji, Jeet Kaur, who had a hidden talent waiting to be discovered. Through the lens of our personal experiences, we aim to shed light on the often-overlooked narratives of elders, especially surrounding the universal theme of grief. We want to honour these stories that often get lost when they are no longer with us.
For anyone that has felt a deep connection to their grandparents or an aging parent, we hope our film can offer a sense of comfort and healing.
23rd Filmi: Toronto's South Asian Film Festival Dec 6-7 2025 
