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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Tag: cinema
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 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 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 Kalki On The Way
As a family prepares for a journey, a son challenges his mother’s ideas about having children, leading to a discussion about societal norms and the future of humanity.
Objective: Through the lens of familial dynamics, “Kalki On The Way” aims to explore and challenge conventional notions of parenthood, sparking conversations about societal expectations and the evolving landscape of family planning in the context of our collective future.
Director Biography – 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.
https://www.imdb.me/swaroopelamon
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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 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.
23rd Filmi: Toronto's South Asian Film Festival Dec 6-7 2025 
