Photo Credits: VISAFF 2015 - Aziz Ladha Photography

The Vancouver South Asian Film Festival 5th edition came to a rousing close following five spectacular days that featured a wide variety of films from around the world, infused with food and fetes, serving up a bountiful cinematic feast.

“We are very excited VISAFF 2015 created an impact,” stated Jessie Lehail and Mannu Sandhu, Co-Producers of VISAFF 2015. “Not only were we able to screen many incredible films from independent voices linked by South Asian culture, but the festival spurred many new discussions for a variety of film projects, here in Vancouver and globally. This year’s theme included global Bollywood filmmaking, but also championed local and global independent film creatives and was committed to bridging the gap with mainstream film. We look forward to many interesting announcements in 2016.”

This year's films explored themes such as belonging, female genocide and abuse, domestic abuse, and alcoholism connected with filmgoers core values of advocacy, and equality.

VISAFF honoured creators from India, Pakistan, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, Nepal, Tibet, Bhutan, Afghanistan and the global South Asian Diaspora and welcomed many special guests, including producer/director extraordinaire Anurag Kashyap, Mr. Rajiv K.Chander Consulate General of India and his wife Dr. Shalini Chander, Dr. Muhammad Tariq Consulate General of Pakistan, Minister Suzanne Anton (MLA for Vancouver-Fraserview), City of Vancouver Councillor Andrea Reimer, Jamshed Mistry, (entertainment lawyer), Dr. Abhiraam Sharma (filmmaker), and Gayathri Batra (filmmaker).

The weekend festival also included a workshop and film panel featuring Indian director Anurag Kashyup.

BEST INTERNATIONAL FEATURE FILM: Dukhtar
Directed by Afia Nathaniel
Presented by Pakistani Canadian Women's Association and Pakistani Consulate.

BEST NORTH AMERICAN FEATURE FILM: Miss India America
Directed by Ravi Kapoor

BEST NORTH AMERICAN DOCUMENTARY: Journey of a Dream
Directed by Shenpenn Khysmar

BEST INTERNATIONAL DOCUMENTARY: Petals in the Dust
Directed by Nyna Pais Caputi
Presented by Global Girl Power and Women in Film & Television Vancouver

BEST NORTH AMERICAN SHORT: Bonjour Ji
Directed by Satinder Kassoana

BEST INTERNATIONAL SHORT FILM: Kathakaar
Directed by Abhimanyu Kanodia

AUDIENCE AWARD: Dheeyan Marjania
Directed by Ashok Tangri

INDUSTRY AWARDS:
Excellent Achievement in Filmmaking - Vic Sarin
Excellent Achievement Film Creative - Balinder Johal

ABOUT VISAFF
The Vancouver International South Asian Film Festival (VISAFF) presents a local and international collection of feature films, documentaries and shorts, including premieres, advance screenings and independent films. VISAFF’s purpose and vision is to "bridge the gap" between South Asian talent and mainstream audiences. VISAFF is instrumental in breaking the South Asian stereotype, and expanding North American views on the artists within the culture beyond Bollywood.