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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Rock the Cradle follows the journey of a troubled inner voice of a new mother, as she finds herself trapped in a dark space with her new baby. She struggles to find her own voice in the voice of many others, as she grapples with Post Partum Depression.
Director Biography – Asis Sethi
An alumna of TIFF SERIES ACCELERATOR 2023, WOMEN IN DIRECTOR’S CHAIR and a former PLAYBACK MAGAZINE’s 10 to Watch, Asis Sethi is a South Asian Canadian filmmaker who graduated from Humber College where she currently teaches film and television directing. Her career in broadcasting spans over 15 years as a producer and a host on lifestyle shows. Asis has created over 100 hours of content for television. Her REMI Award winning short on menstruation, ‘A BLOODY MESS’, was screened at 30 film festivals. Her 16-episode documentary television series on Sikh shrines in India, ‘DARSHAN DEKH JEEVA’, was funded by the OMNI DOCUMENTARY FUND. She directed a documentary on post 9/11 effects on turban wearers titled ‘THE COLOURFUL CROWN’ which premiered on OMNI Television nationally. Her short film on postpartum depression titled ‘ROCK THE CRADLE’ was funded by the CANADA COUNCIL FOR THE ARTS and will start the film festival run in 2023.
Asis is an alumni of CINEFAM’s LIMITLESS program through which she developed a proof of concept for her feature ‘SLAM DUNK, SEHAJ!’. It was supported by the CFC/NETFLIX CALLING CARD ACCELERATOR and also won Caribbean Tales’ THE BIG PITCH at the Toronto International Film Festival in 2022. The feature project has also received development funding through the CANADA COUNCIL FOR THE ARTS. Asis has been chosen as one of the 25 pitch participants for the NETFLIX BANFF DIVERSITY OF VOICES Fellowship for the BANFF WORLD MEDIA FESTIVAL 2023.
Asis is also a mentor at WIFT Toronto and the M Film Lab.
Director Statement
Fly Away Films is comprised of wonderful Canadian women, some of whom are relatively new mothers. Grappling with the COVID-19 pandemic were two mothers on our team who had just given birth. Born out of a poem, we all spoke to each other about our experience with Post Partum Blues, Post Partum Anxiety, and Post Partum Depression. When we were casting for this role, the natural choice it seemed was Gauri Prasad to play Pari. Gauri had experienced Post Partum Depression and completely understood the world of Pari – a world filled with doubt, pain, guilt, and everyone’s voices and pressure.
Women experience such physical and mental changes in their lives, and it is at this time, that they are so vulnerable. When we shared our experiences with each other during the writing process, we also came across an article of a South Asian woman who died by suicide in California, and it was much later realized by close family and friends that she had Postpartum Depression.
We wanted to open a dialogue within our families, within our friends, to facilitate a dialogue about mental health. That six-week check up with the OB is not good enough. More support is required. Through our films in the past and through ‘Rock the Cradle’, I want to continue to engage our community in dialogue about women’s health and the social stigma attached to discussing mental health.
The shoot was challenging, to say the least. Gauri wanted to quit after the first two hours of shoot, because of the sheer mental toll she felt Pari was experiencing. The house we were shooting in experienced leakages because of the bathtub being filled in two of the scenes. Despite the hurdles, we felt this was an important story to tell. Many women go through Post Partum Blues, at the very least, and go through hormonal changes. When we called a wrap at the end of Day Two, I spoke briefly about why this story was so personal and important to me, as a mother of two, and the co-writer, a mother of one. There were many tears, with several crew members coming up to me well after the wrap, to tell us about personal experiences, and an acknowledgment that they could have been more present for the new mothers in their own lives, be it their sisters, friends, or themselves. A close friend told us after the shoot, that he knew that his mother was suicidal shortly after she gave birth and this film gave him that moment of realization of how significant Postpartum Depression can really be.
We were, of course, encouraged by the fact that our script was selected as one of the top ten scripts in Landed Entertainment’s Short Script Competition. We also received funding from the Canada Council for the Arts. We hope to continue on our journey of telling stories that our close to our hearts, but also shed light on key issues of importance within our community.
“Friendly Visit” unfolds as a gripping thriller, following Nero’s visit to his estranged friend Alec. However, the reunion takes a sinister turn when Nero realizes Alec is injured and concealing his face. Amidst an uneasy conversation about their shared past and mutual friend Priya, Nero senses something amiss. Doubts arise, leading him to suspect that the person before him isn’t Alec but an imposter. As the unsettling truth unravels, Nero faces a challenging decision, forced to weigh his own safety against the well-being of his friend, adding an intense layer to the suspenseful narrative.
Director Biography – Siddarth Nair
Siddarth Nair, a filmmaker hailing from South Asia and currently based in Toronto, discovered his passion for visual arts in Kerala, India. Proficient in digital art, photography, and filmmaking, Siddarth pursued his cinematic journey in Canada, earning a BFA in Film Production from York University in 2012. Specializing in South Asian narratives, his films have gained acclaim at various festivals. Notably, his high school documentary, “High School – Hip-Hop,” represented Canada at the THIMUN film festival in Qatar. At York, Siddarth wrote and directed three fiction films showcased in multiple festivals. Presently, he’s immersed in a lifestyle cooking series and completing post-production for “CAYATE” (2023). Siddarth independently produced and directed “FRIENDLY VISIT” (2022) and “REVERIE” (2022). Acknowledged for his creativity, Siddarth is a recipient of the CAC Research & Creation grant for his project “CHASING CURRY.” Alongside filmmaking, he freelances as a video-content creator, contributing narratives, commercials, music videos, and social media content for various startups and established companies.
Director Statement
“With “Friendly Visit,” I wanted to create a thrilling and suspenseful story that would keep audiences on the edge of their seats. The film centers around the character of Nero, who visits his estranged friend Alec, only to find that Alec’s face is covered due to an accident. As Nero begins to suspect that the person he’s talking to is not Alec, but an imposter, he is forced to make a difficult decision that ultimately puts his own safety against that of his friend.
This film was a quick and exciting project for me and my crew, as we were eager to get back to shooting after the challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic. Despite the difficulties we faced in sourcing equipment and finding a suitable location, we were determined to make the most of the resources we had and bring this small story to life. The process of creating this film was a great exercise for us before we worked on something a bit bigger in scale, and we enjoyed the opportunity to workshop and develop the project. Despite some struggles during post-production, we are proud of the end result and the film that we have created.
I was drawn to this story because of its compelling premise and the opportunity it presented to explore themes of identity and friendship. The film’s tension-filled atmosphere and unexpected twists and turns help to keep viewers engaged and guessing until the very end.
Overall, “Friendly Visit” is a film that I hope will both entertain and engage audiences, leaving them with plenty to think about long after the credits roll.
Born into the tumult of a politician’s household, the son grapples with profound guilt, haunted by the memory of not shielding his mother from the relentless abuse inflicted by his alcoholic father. As he matures, the burden intensifies, prompting a soul-searching quest for reconciliation. Struggling to reconcile his love for his mother with the pain inflicted by his father, he navigates a complex emotional landscape. In this poignant journey, he confronts the scars of familial trauma, seeking healing and understanding, determined to break the cycle of abuse and find solace amidst the shadows cast by his father’s destructive legacy.
About Jaskaran Singh
Originally from New Jersey and now residing in Toronto, Jaskaran, a seasoned screenwriter since the age of fifteen, faced a delayed acknowledgment of his craft by his parents at family gatherings. Over the past five years, he has undertaken the roles of writer, director, and producer for various short films, including “A TURBAN & A BEARD,” a docu-drama shedding light on Sikh hate crimes in America post-9/11; “ME|HER,” a South Asian romantic dramedy exploring the complexities of friendship and emotions over a decade; and “COPELESS,” a psychological drama delving into generational trauma, guilt, and grief. Jaskaran’s feature script “JERSEY BOY” achieved Quarterfinalist status in The Academy Nicholl Fellowships in Screenwriting 2022, earned a spot on The CAPE List 2021 (curated by The Black List), and clinched victory in the 2020 Whistler Film Festival’s Power Pitch Competition.
As Karan extends an invitation to Ritu for a birthday celebration, their ensuing interaction unveils a concealed secret, thrusting them into a realm of difficult choices. Amidst the festivities, the revelation alters the course of their relationship, prompting soul-searching decisions with far-reaching consequences. The delicate balance between truth and consequence becomes the focal point, weaving a narrative that explores the complexities of honesty and the challenging terrain of making pivotal choices when confronted with unexpected revelations during what was meant to be a joyous occasion.
Written and starring: Megha Raina Ashutosh Walia
Director: Ashish Varma
Ashish, an experienced director, has dedicated years to crafting short films and web series. Recently, he enjoyed a highly productive year, churning out numerous shorts. Now, he’s embarked on a new venture, writing his inaugural full-length film. Currently, Ashish is actively engaged in the production phase, bringing his cinematic vision to life.
Faced with a heartbreaking twist during her little brother’s birthday celebration, a young girl grapples with the challenge of accepting a new and difficult reality. The once joyous occasion takes a devastating turn, forcing her to navigate the emotional complexities of this unexpected and life-altering shift, as she endeavours to find resilience and understanding amidst the unanticipated challenges that unfold on this special day.
Written & Directed by: Anusree Roy
Starring: Eponine Lee, Nadine Tiwari-Cook & Aakash James Tiberius Lewis
About Anusree Roy:
Anusree Roy, a multifaceted creative force, wears the hats of a writer, actor, producer, and director. As an Indo-Canadian luminary, she’s earned accolades for her work in plays, television, film, and libretto. Initially, she embarked on her artistic journey as an actress, immigrating to Canada from India at 17. A fixture in Toronto’s performing arts scene, Roy graced the Stratford Festival of Ontario stages before transitioning into writing for major TV networks like CTV, NBC, CBC, Global TV, Netflix, and Paramount+. Evolving further, she assumed the role of a director, overseeing notable works like The Birthday Party and God’s Plan through her production company, Kali Roy Inc. Presently, Anusree imparts her expertise as an Adjunct Professor, teaching Playwriting at the University of Toronto Mississauga.
Anusree Roy embodies Jude in “God’s Plan,” portraying a woman navigating a daunting twist of fate, grappling with an uncertain future. In this role, she confronts the challenges that arise, creating a compelling narrative of resilience amidst the unpredictability of life’s unfolding events.
Written & Directed & Starring: Anusree Roy
About Anusree Roy:
Based in Toronto, Ontario, Kali Roy Inc., helmed by Anusree Roy, a Writer, Actor, and Director, specializes in crafting narratives featuring South Asian individuals and those with disabilities. The production company excels in storytelling across film, television, and theatre, contributing diverse perspectives to the creative landscape.
With the clock ticking down to the impending destruction of a Mujahideen camp by U.S. forces, a Sikh prisoner finds himself trapped in solitary confinement. Drawing strength from his faith, he embarks on a daring escape, navigating the tumultuous moments before devastation, crafting a gripping narrative that intertwines religious resilience and the pursuit of freedom against the backdrop of imminent conflict. In this high-stakes scenario, the Sikh prisoner’s journey becomes a testament to courage, faith, and the indomitable human spirit amidst the looming threat of annihilation.
Director Biography – Maninder Chana
Maninder Chana is a critically acclaimed, award-winning writer and director. His action heist feature Scratch won 30 international awards, including 11 for Best Film and 4 for Best Director. Maninder’s four-language feature Little Terrors, starring Bollywood legend Om Puri (Gandhi, The Hundred-Foot Journey) was released theatrically to rave reviews and won Best Film and Best Director awards at festivals. His supernatural thriller Cell 213, also had a theatrical release. That film stars Michael Rooker (Walking Dead, Guardians of the Galaxy) and Bruce Greenwood (Star Trek). Additionally, he’s produced two features: the sci-fi thriller Mystic and a horror yarn Carbon Copy. He also has two features he penned coming out: Secrets in the Building for Lifetime and Arranged Love for E! He is also in development on a number of television shows that he has optioned.
Other selected credits: his hit comedy troupe Mixed Nuts; directing the national television special Fade to Brown; an epic six-hour science-fiction series for radio, Sectarian Wave; directing segments for IIFA (Indian Oscars) and an award-winning action short, Fuku, with members of Jackie Chan’s stunt team. Maninder is also a published author with a short story collection, Gunga Din Lite & Other Delights (of Lust and Comedy).
A Social Media Influencer’s staged slasher video turns out not to be so staged after all…
In a world where love is colorful, two people see things in black and white and that makes them dangerous.
Directed + Edited by: Alireza Shojaei | Asif Limbada
Starring: @neilwhitely | @alirezash0jaei
Producers: @the.wulfgang | @egtfilms
Writer/AD: @david.omwange
Cinematographer: @asiflimbada
Cam Operator: @jason_providence
Grip: @jamel_bowens
1st AC: Andrew M. Richardson | @mehran.sh198
Colorist: @aj_mcl (@redlabto)
Sound: Jack Le Touzel
Sound Designer + Supervising Sound Editor: @bzelem
Music: Zack Hemsey | @ajpl86
Special thanks:
When passengers arrive at Lego City Airport their flight boarding becomes disrupted by the diva actions of a celebrity passenger in first class.
Filmmaker Biographies
Hari (10) and Ishan (8) Panwar
Student filmmaking brothers, Hari and Ishan, have been interested in Lego since they were in preschool and started writing stories for their Lego characters in Elementary school. They decided to make their stories into films after watching stop motion animation videos online. During the Pandemic they learned their craft by making short flip-book style stop motion animations and then progressed to mini films by increasing the length of their stories and improving the complexity of their filmmaking with the use of video editing software. They have created twelve stop motion films to date, with Airport Adventure being their first minute long film. They hope to continue their learning into middle school and beyond.
In the throes of an unrelenting scandal, a seasoned celebrity chef enlists her steadfast PR fixer for an urgent mission: assembling an extraordinary team to salvage her reputation. The stakes are high, the need pressing. Yet, as they navigate the tumult, a surprising transformation unfolds. Beyond the realm of image management, their efforts extend far, inadvertently becoming catalysts for change on a global scale. The narrative weaves through the intricacies of reputation protection, exposing the unforeseen consequences that ripple into a broader, unexpected impact—a journey that transcends the confines of personal crisis and ultimately leaves an indelible mark on the world.
Shot & Directed by:
Kirill Kripak
MAIN THEEK HOON
The bond of two sisters is tested, as their lives take on separate paths.
The Intervention
Jai MataDi – A Trek to the Top
Kash Gauni guides us in this initial trek to a mystical mountain cave of a folkloric immortal avatar, who makes wishes come true. Kash puts out a wish to experience the powers of Vaishno Devi and joins the thousands of pilgrims trekking up an ancient mountain in the tiny terrorist stricken, remote Himalayan pathway to the famous cave in Jammu & Kashmir. Jai Matadi: Trek to the Top is a brilliant and entertaining Malcolm Gladwell-esque vacation of the mind that will simultaneously delight and illuminate anyone in search of the secret of success.
Shreela Chakrabartty is the director half of Shreela & Kash films. Kash Gauni is the storyteller. They built a company on faith, hope and trust when they made their first feature, Rock Paper Dice Enter. Their symbiotic relationship enables them to churn out stories that take you into new entertaining vistas. Trained by award winning industry masters on sets and in action, the pair joined hands from East to West in Canada and across the globe.
Born in Edmonton, Alberta, Canada, Shreela identifies female, director, 2nd gen, ethnic minority, daughter of freedom fighting, truth seeking refugee/immigrants, and child of immortal bliss. Her primary language is English and she is exposed to multiple world languages. She is dedicated to working in partnership with American/Canadian/Asian Indian, writer/producer/talent, and storyteller, Kash Gauni, who travels widely around the world representing top brands with his ethnically diverse face.
Shreela and Kash attract outliers, curious about the world outside of their feeds. They interface in English, digging into mind bending scenarios. They explore plots beyond the noise and chaos, to find entertaining moments in the migrant experience. They tirelessly persist in this filmmaking business to creatively fill the absence of heritage based thoughts and reflections on the screen. They are not shy about their pursuit of success and would like to take you on that journey with them.
Synopsis:
Marc had been involved in a car accident and had inadvertently killed a pedestrian girl. In the end, he simply couldn’t live with the guilt.The acted scene is an argument he has with inner self right before he kills himself. There are two inner voices: negative and positive. Right before pulling the trigger, negative inner voice becomes more dominant and drives the action. Positive voice in the end interrupts but it’s too late by then.
Directed by: Pankaj Brijlani
Pankaj Brijlani
·Director’s Biography:Pankaj Brijlani was born and raised in Delhi, India. He moved to Canada in 2008 and currently lives and works in Toronto. He is a graduate of the Visual Effects program from Seneca College. He divides his time working as a Visual Effects artist and Director for Feature Films. His Vfx credits includes Game of thrones, Logan, X-men, Avengers, The Revenant and many others.
CREW:
Actor: Noor Alimran
VFX Artist: Harshal Mistry
DOP: Mike S
AD: Tajpreet Kaur Madan
Sound: Cory
MUA: Candice Britton
Special Thanks: Ash Varma
“The Longest Dawn” follows four friends as they try to negotiate their emotions in the aftermath of one of the most distressing nights of their young lives.
Synopsis
Four young friends walk the still-empty streets of a city. The sun is rising, as are tensions between them. There are unspoken conflicts unravelling as they each try to make sense of the dire circumstances of their previous night. Whatever brought them to that moment is something that will resonate with them forever. But as the dawn clears, they must find a way to forge on and face a new day together.
Director’s bio
Luca Maria Piccolo was born in Puglia, Italy in 1989. He is a writer and director currently based in Toronto and Rome. He has worked extensively in both Italy and Canada as a director of commercials and fashion films. He is known for the short films “113″, “A Bed Day” and “The Longest Dawn”, which have screened at multiple international film festivals.
Title: 150 Days
Duration: 1:37
Director’s Message:
This short captures the 150th day of a 1000-day ongoing protest by the Mothers of the Disappeared in Kilinochochi, Sri Lanka 2017. There children have been taken away by the government and have not returned. All of these disappearances began after the end of the war in 2009. The Mothers gave me access to their camp and wanted me to make their story known to the world.
Director: Cyrus Sundar Singh
23rd Filmi: Toronto's South Asian Film Festival Dec 6-7 2025 