The Surrey-based Vancouver International South Asian Film Festival has rebranded as iSAFF Canada, or International South Asian Film Festival Canada.
The move, announced Thursday (June 22) at a Surrey Board of Trade luncheon, aims to reflect the festival’s growth and expansion in recent years.
VISAFF began in 2008 with a goal to bridge the gap between South Asian film talent and mainstream audiences.
“I think that the rebranding to iSAFF reflects how far we have come since the beginning and where we are headed,” festival producer Mannu Sandhu said in a news release.
“I hope with the new brand we are able to take the festival to a new level internationally by showcasing more talent and creating opportunities to connect, learn and grow.”
Last November, two venues in Surrey (city hall’s Centre Stage, SFU Surrey) hosted the 2022 edition of the four-day festival with screenings of 80 feature films, shorts and documentaries, along with panels and workshops.
The festival rebranding will include a new logo and website to be launched soon. Look for updates on visaff.ca.
Promotional partners include Surrey Board of Trade, which “hopes to ensure that iSAFF puts Surrey on the map for the global film industry as a go-to international film festival,” according to Anita Huberman, CEO and president. “iSAFF will instigate economic opportunities and business partnerships.”
Meantime, the June 22 luncheon also heard news of a partnership between SBOT and Yoruba Social and Cultural Association of B.C. that includes a co-working office space, access to business support resources and support to grow the Black Business Expo in Surrey.
The association is described as “a Black-led organization established in 1998 to cater for the needs of the minority ethnic group of Yoruba origin, living in B.C. They provide, promote and foster positive social and cultural relationships.”
• READ MORE, from October 2022: Black Business Expo in Surrey to showcase products, services and more.
tom.zillich@surreynowleader.com
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