
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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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.

Raj, an international student, eagerly anticipates his lunch date with a girl he met online, only to find himself in an unexpected situation.

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.

Always on the lookout for easy money, a couple of small-time crooks, Rohan and Han, come up with what might just be their best plan ever: kidnap famous “Crypto King” Martin Collins and demand two million dollars for his release. While they have no trouble capturing Collins and holding him hostage in the live-in artist’s studio belonging to Rohan’s scatterbrained girlfriend, Maya, convincing the Crypto King to go along with the rest of their plan proves to be far more difficult.

Director Biography – Shashank Banawalikar Subhash
Born in the vibrant city of Mumbai, India, and raised amidst the bustling streets of Bangalore, Shashank is a person of many talents. From an early age, he immersed himself in the world of mixed media art, constantly experimenting and expressing his creativity through various forms.
His journey took a fascinating turn when, while buried in blueprints and design projects at Architecture school, he discovered a new passion: comedy. By day, he was a diligent architect, but by night, he transformed into a stand-up comic, winning over audiences with his wit and charm.
Then, as if scripted by a mischievous screenwriter, the world decided to throw a curveball. The Pandemic struck, and the stand-up stage went dark. Undeterred, Shashank pivoted to a new medium. He began crafting short films with friends, weaving his comedic touch into every script. This creative spark led him across the globe to Toronto, Canada, where he traded his drafting table for a film student’s desk.
Embracing his role as a perpetual student of visual and narrative media, he honed his skills and expanded his artistic horizons. Several films and a myriad of sleepless nights later, Shashank emerged as a dynamic writer and director in the industry. Yet, he never abandoned his first love—comedy. Today, he juggles his burgeoning career in film with performing stand-up sets in local comedy clubs, continuing to share his unique blend of humor and storytelling with the world.

Midnight Snack
Stella, a single mother, grapples with the conflict between her morals and the growing hunger of her daughter, Gabby. What was once an occasional indulgence becomes more frequent, leaving Stella torn between her role as a caring mother and her sense of community duty, as she navigates the challenge of providing for her child.
Ken Mohabir
