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: Movies
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 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 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 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 Guilty Pleasures
A Christmastime date takes a dark turn when Emily and Arjun, a young couple still in the early days of their budding relationship, begin discussing their guilty pleasures.
Director Biography – Aidan Grossman, Abhinay Jakhar
Abhinay Jakhar is a filmmaker and actor with a background in film directing from the New York Film Academy and additional training from UCLA Extension. His previous short film was selected for the prestigious ASCF Festival. With experience in acting and directing, Abhinay combines a strong storytelling sensibility with a passion for crafting visually compelling narratives.
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 “Maybe Tomorrow” (2025) and “The Nook” (2025).
Director Statement
Although delivered in a dark, titillating package, “Guilty Pleasures” is ultimately an exploration of weird, twisty bits that we all have inside of us. This film takes a seemingly trivial and lighthearted event — discussing our day-to-day guilty pleasures — and flips it on its head, turning it into a dark comedy.
But while it’s thrilling and comical, it’s also relatable. At some time or another, most people experience a moment where things get a little too weird to take seriously. We also have a tendency to judge others for their quirks and inner demons, sometimes turning a blind eye to our own eccentricities in the process. “Guilty Pleasures” pokes fun at the uncomfortable situations we find ourselves in (especially while dating!) while also drawing attention to the hypocrisy many of us harbor.
Aesthetically, the film still starts out with a slightly more Hallmark feel, but we decided to commit to a more disturbing tone throughout the film instead of playing up the humor. To achieve this, we took a more intimate and unnerving approach to the cinematography. The aesthetic shift mirrors the characters’ descent into chaos, which is exactly what makes the dark comedy work: that surprising contrast.
We hope that viewers will laugh, but in a “what did I just watch?” kind of way. It’s a rollercoaster of emotions—one minute you’re laughing, and the next, you’re wondering if you should be laughing at all. All the while, you may be starting to wonder if someone has ever looked at you the way these characters look at each other… What strange and dark parts of yourself have others flagged that you might not be aware of?
This film plays with genre conventions in a way that doesn’t take itself too seriously, so expect some oddball humor mixed with suspense. It’s a fun ride from start to finish—dark, quirky, and definitely not your average guilty pleasure.
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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 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 Mother’s Tongue
Synopsis:
After moving out of her family home and being estranged from her mother, Gurleen yearns to reconnect with her Punjabi culture through cooking. But as she attempts to do so, she quickly realizes she’s missing a crucial element, her mother’s touch.
Director Biography – Vanesa Millado
Vanesa is a Toronto-based filmmaker of Chinese and Vietnamese descent, with a BFA in Film Production from York University. Her experience in the industry is in both long and short format, throughout the feature, documentary, television, and commercial worlds. With a cinematography background, Vanesa uses that to her advantage when it comes to storytelling in her direction. As an empath, Vanesa uses her sensitivity as her lens to explore emotion, tone, and rhythm. By creating a genuine and safe environment on set, nuanced beats naturally unravel before her lens. Her intuitive exploration of the medium results in strikingly meaningful visuals that support and enhance the story onwards. Vanesa pushes the boundaries of telling underrepresented stories to extend the power of feeling seen and heard to her community. So they too can gather, empathize, and dream. So they too can be proud to belong.
Director Statement
Miscommunication is a common problem, especially with those we hold most precious in our lives. It often occurs between first-generation immigrants and their Canadian-born children due to a stark difference in mentalities and perspectives. As we try to discover our sense of self through individualism, we often feel stuck between two worlds: modern and progressive views from a younger generation and traditional ones held by our parents. Although breaking free from our parents can be a liberating experience that allows for self-exploration, it can also bring about feelings of loneliness, despair and loss. Directing ‘Mother’s Tongue’ was an opportunity for me to express the nuance and complexity of this experience through a grounded, honest approach.
The audience can see themselves in Gurleen: her innocence and desperate will to realize the societal benchmarks informed by her cultural frame. Though Gurleen’s experience of disconnecting from her culture is because of the pressures to get married — a trauma that many young South Asian Canadian women endure — it was important to me to showcase the humanity of her mother. It is common for us to blame immigrant parents for their rigidity in terms of their cultural norms. However, understanding that each person carries their own baggage of trauma no matter the age, allows us to be more compassionate.
In bringing this script to life, I drew inspiration from two films, ‘The Lunchbox,’ with food as a connecting vessel, and ‘Brick Lane’s’ protagonist feeling imprisoned due to conventions of her culture. With ‘Mother’s Tongue,’ cinematography, rhythm and pacing is reflected with the story telling. I wanted to play with demonstrating the pace of a slow, monotonous life and how mentally challenging each day feels when one struggles with loneliness after disconnecting from their family and culture. The visual style allows for framing the integral themes of the film. The rhythm in the film shifts as a reflection of Gurleen’s journey. The film is inspired by the rhythm and cinematography of ‘The Farewell’ alongside moments of tempo in cooking from ‘Chef.’ Longer takes, where the action moves in and out of frame like we’re frozen in time, further aid the visual storytelling of this film. Moreover, the feeling of being misunderstood really hits home with the use of camera panning, as it drags out moments and adds confusion. We’ve incorporated negative space and the use of a 2.39:1 aspect ratio to really emphasize the feeling of emptiness.
As someone who is not from the South Asian diaspora, I’m beyond proud to be cultivating a film with South Asian Canadian creators to help bring this story to light for the community. However, the writer’s decision to incorporate a Chinese family in the story to offer an alternative narrative is proof that ‘Mother’s Tongue’ is a universal story that will resonate with scores of young women. It is a reminder that we can all learn from each other by sharing our stories, regardless of our backgrounds. I want young women to find their own reasons for cooking dishes from their cultures. More importantly, I want them to know that it is never too late to reconnect with their cultural heritage through food because food is a powerful tool to connect people to their culture. It’s an extension. It brings people together and allows us to understand easily, and open conversations across generations and perspectives.
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0 Bringer
A corporate manager secretly working a second job as a food delivery driver finds himself in an unexpectedly tense situation when one of his deliveries leads to a surprising and awkward encounter.
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
Director Statement
In today’s world, where layoffs and unemployment are becoming the norm, exploring the struggles of both employers and employees feels crucial. With “Bringer”, I wanted to shed light on how both sides are trapped in a survival loop, often too consumed with their own challenges to consider each other’s perspectives.
Through a seemingly silly situation, the film aims to bring empathy to these characters and spark conversations about their shared crises. Humor, I believe, is a powerful way to connect and provoke thought about these pressing issues.
It’s vital to highlight these modern struggles, and that is the core objective of “Bringer”.
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0 Cric-Nick 2.0
Synopsis:
The journey of a troubled, anxious, 40-year-old man Nick – played by Madhur Gulati, being motivated and nudged back to fitness by his estranged biological father Dhanraj – played by Sultan Ali Saif a.k.a Tiger Ali; turning him into a sportsman and getting him competing with athletes half his age in their prime….
Will he be able to survive it in this North American cricket jungle….
That is the story of Cric-Nick 2.0 where 2.0 signifies the second half of his life.
Director Biography – Nicholas Aska
Nicholas Aska is a BIPOC film maker who is originally from India. Today he lives in Toronto, Canada (Hollywood North). Growing up he belonged to a middle-class family and hailed from a less developed part of India.
His passion for film started even as a child, he would love watching films and was an avid film goer till he left India. He did not learn of his passion for film making till he was in his early thirties. He first wanted to be a novelist in his free time and wrote Bro Binny as a novel, but then his passion for film making was realized through some plays he watched at EMBASSY Church that threw out huge productions. He then went to a Prestigious Organization in Toronto and took some courses on film making and Direction.
In the course he shared his dream to be a film maker with the trainer of one of the courses and said confidently that he could get funding for Bro Binny just based on his passion for film making. But the trainer humiliated him saying that without a film to see no investor would fund any of his ideas. This humiliation stuck with Nicholas Aska and taking it to heart he decided to follow filmmaking.
Director Statement
Cric-Nick 2.0 is a labor of love of over 40 cast and crew members. Through this film I intend to inspire all the middle-aged folk, he, she or they, that it’s not too late to follow your passion in sports… Mental health affects a lot of us, but that does not need to stop us from following our passions and dreams. One needs to forgive the demons of the past and strive towards the future. That is the essence of Cric-Nick 2.0. Enjoy.
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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 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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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 
