Entertainment / This Is Why The South Asian Film Festival Of Montreal (SAFF Montreal) Should Be On Your List

This Is Why The South Asian Film Festival Of Montreal (SAFF Montreal) Should Be On Your List

Entertainment Nov 18, 2021

by Marriska Fernandes

Quebec’s only South Asian film festival is ringing in their 11^th year. The South Asian Film Festival of Montreal (SAFF Montreal) which starts today is featuring a world-class selection of 50 movies in Urdu, Tamil, Marathi, Hindi, Assamese, Malayalam, Bengali, Punjabi, Rajasthani, Persian, Ukrainian and English covering newsworthy current topics highlighting: life during Covid, immigration and displacement, LGBTQ+ issues, aging, gender parity, and the struggles of rural life. In addition, the festival will also be commemorating renowned Bengali motion picture director, writer and illustrator Satyajit Ray on the 100th anniversary of his birth (1921-1992). We tell you why this festival needs to be on your list!

This 11th edition of the festival takes place between Nov. 19-28. Most films are available for free, including opening night at Cineplex Forum. Film enthusiasts can look forward to 54 award-winning films from India, Pakistan, Bangladesh, South Africa, Iran, South Korea, Canada and the USA, with short, long, documentary and feature selections.

This year, special tribute to will be paid to renowned Bengali motion picture director, writer and illustrator Satyajit Ray on the 100th anniversary of his birth (1921-1992). Ray is a cultural icon in India and the recipient of the highest civilian honour, Bharat Ratna.

In addition, this year marks the first time the festival from Iran, paying homage to Shahin Parhami, the late Montreal-based Iranian-Canadian filmmaker who passed away earlier this year.

Syeda Bukhari, the festival’s new director, said: “I would like to reach as many minority language communities of South Asia as possible for even more inclusiveness. At the same time, I would like SAFFMontréal, the only South Asian film festival in Quebec, to be presented in different parts of the province in an effort to widen cultural connections.” Bukhari would like to bring the many groups together to share this rich legacy, “Showcasing some of the best cinema made by South Asians, the festival promotes harmony and peace.There is a need to understand and celebrate the cultural history and diversity of the region, which encompasses various ethnic groups, cultures,and languages, with people practicing almost all major religions. We want to introduce the true colors and essence of South Asia to the world for better understanding and appreciation.”

Most of the films can be enjoyed from the comfort of home, with these key films offering the inimitable cinema experience. The films that should be on your radar are:

Mee Raqsam

Country: India
Language: Hindi (ST English & Français)
Time: 95 mins
Viewing: Cineplex Forum
November 19 | 6:00 pm

This Is Why The South Asian Film Festival Of Montreal (SAFF Montreal) Should Be On Your List: Emergence: Out of the Shadows. Photo Courtesy: SAFF Montreal — **This Is Why The South Asian Film Festival Of Montreal (SAFF Montreal) Should Be On Your List: *Mee Raqsam*.** Photo Credit: SAFF Montreal

Baaram

Country: India
Language(s): Tamil (ST English & Français)
Time: 91 mins
Viewing: Cinematheque
November 25 | 9 pm

Bhai’s Cafe

Country: South Africa
Language(s): English (ST in Français)
Time: 100 mins
Viewing: Cinematheque
November 28 | 3:00 pm

Emergence: Out of the Shadows

Country: Canada
Language(s): English (ST in Français)
Time: 80 mins
Viewing: Cinematheque
November 28 | 6:30 pm

Online:

Washing Machine

Country: India
Language(s): Rajasthani, ST Eng, Fr
Time: 17 mins
Viewing: Online
November 19-28 (all day)

Heroes of Our Time

Country: India
Language(s): Bengali, ST Eng, Fr
Time: 32 mins
Viewing: Online
November 19-28 (all day)

**This Is Why The South Asian Film Festival Of Montreal (SAFF Montreal) Should Be On Your List: *Heroes of Our Time*.** Photo Credit: SAFF Montreal

Such a great collection of films! Congrats SAFF Montreal!

Main Image Photo Credit: SAFF Montreal

Marriska Fernandes

Author

Marriska (@marriska.fernandes) is an entertainment expert who has been creating celebrity, movies and pop culture content for digital outlets for over ten years. From reporting headline-grabbing celebrity news to reviewing movies to interviewing Hollywood and Bollywood’s finest actors and industry...

COMMENTS

TIFF 2021: “Sort Of” Star/Co-Creator Bilal Baig Embraces The Power Of Trans Representation In Their Barrier-Breaking CBC Comedy

The Team Behind "Emergence: Out Of The Shadows" Tell Us Why Parents Of LGBTQ+ Kids Need To Share Their Stories Too

TIFF 2021: One-On-One With Aliya Kanani Who Shines In Award-Winning Indie "Scarborough"

Highlights From The New York City South Asian Film Festival (NYCSAFF)

Check Out These November 2021 Movies From Bollywood And Beyond!

Holiday Gift Guide 2021: 9 Fab Books By South Asian Authors

Agam Darshi Shows The Beauty Of An Adult Coming-Of-Age In 'Donkeyhead'

Check Out These December 2021 Movies From Bollywood And Beyond!

TIFF 2021: Riz Ahmed Shines In His Latest Psychological Thriller "Encounter"

We Go Behind The Scenes Of The Already Iconic IKEA “Chaiyya Chaiyya” Holiday Commercial

Decoding "The Matrix Resurrections' With Priyanka Chopra Jonas

Geraldine Viswanathan Leads An All-Star Cast In The Animated Feature "Rumble"

Our 2021 Roundup: We Tell You Why 'India Sweets & Spices' Needs To Be On Your Watchlist

This Is Why The South Asian Film Festival Of Montreal (SAFF Montreal) Should Be On Your List

by Marriska Fernandes

Marriska Fernandes

COMMENTS

YOU MAY ALSO LIKE