Surrey: Vancouver International South Asian Film Festival (VISAFF) was a great success and Opening Gala was the most talked about event. In collaboration with the Women Economic Forum, VISAFF honored Bollywood Actress Huma Qureshi and 9 Canadian Women Leaders with the “Women of the Decade Award” in their recognized field.
The Global Chairperson Dr. Harbeen Arora came from New Delhi, India to attend the fest and present these prestigious awards alongside with many prominent personalities and dignitaries from Metro Vancouver such as Honorable Marvin Hunt, Honorable Kerry Lynne Findlay, Honorable Jagrup Brar, City of Surrey Councillor Vera Lefranc, City of Coquitlam Councillor Bonita Zarillo, Mr. Stockwell Day, Mr. & Mrs. Dave & Rani Mann, Mr. Vivek Savkur and more.
This year VISAFF had over 25 features films, documentaries, short movies, panels, industry talks, practice pitch sessions for filmmakers, cocktails parties, pre-receptions for movies and closing night ceremony. Four out of the five awards went to Canadian Filmmakers and it is proud to see an amazing group of young artists coming forward and promoting South Asian content and themes.
Producer/ Creative Director: Mannu Sandhu
Board of Directors:
Chair: Panzy Sandhu
Vice Chair: Raj Arneja
Treasurer: Farah Hasan
Board Member: Vijay Saini
Secretary: Sowjanya Namala
Board Member: Manu Chopra
Jury Members: Bim Narine, Manu Chopra
Advisory Board:
Jamshed Mistry
Vivek Savkur
Dr. Babra Rana
Abubakar Khan
Women of the Decade Awards were presented to:
Iconic Leader of the Decade in Public Service: Dianne Watts
Women of the Decade Community Leader: Manjit Gill
Women of the Decade in Creating a Better World for All: Jas Janda-Wiseman
Women of the Decade in Public Life: Hon. Maryam Monsef
Women of the Decade in Public Life & Social Change: Senator Mobina Jaffer
Women of the Decade in Community Leadership & Social Change: Shahnaz Rahman
Women of the Decade in Community Leadership & Social Innovation: Dr. Babra Rana
Women of the Decade in Entrepreneurship & Empowerment: Raj Arneja
Women of the Decade in Arts & Leadership: Taslim Samji
Women of the Decade in Film & Entertainment: Huma Qureshi
Film Festival Awards were presented to:
Best feature film: Abu The Documentary by Arshad Khan
Best Documentary: Maple by Jasleen Kaur
Best International Short film: Kheer by Surya Balakrishnan
Best North American Short film: Help Wanted by Jacquile Kambo
Best Audience Choice Feature: Welcome to Surrey by Kashif Pasta and Shyam Valera
Photos: Aziz Ladha.
