On March 1^st at the Ritz-Carlton, Toronto, the Toronto South Asian International Film Festival was officially launched.

When you hear the words South Asian cinema, overly simplified stereotypes of Bollywood can quickly come to mind. TSAIFF will be at the forefront of breaking down these false ideas of what South Asian cinema is.

At the launch, co-founder Caroline Jeba spoke of how TSAIFF will complement other film festivals in Toronto by creating a platform to showcase and celebrate South Asian cinema and independent South Asian film talent. Countries to be featured will include, but not be restricted to, Canada, Sri Lanka, India, Bangladesh, Pakistan, South Africa, Trinidad, Guyana, USA and the United Kingdom

World renowned filmmaker Deepa Mehta was the first to be honoured by TSAIFF for “Outstanding Contribution to International and Local Cinema”. According to Jeba, “It was a unanimous choice” recognizing Deepa’s thought provoking exploration “of bold subject matter”.

On hand to present the honour was award winning actress, model, host, and activist, Lisa Ray. Ray shared that when she was based in Bombay in the 90s she “was an actress looking for a hero” in an industry where there weren’t many female role models who “had the courage to stand behind their convictions, who had a deep and enduring sense of humanity, and a deep and wicked sense of humour.” Ray said that she found all of these traits in Deepa.

By creating opportunities like this to recognize talent and significant contributions, TSAIFF organizers hope to expose as many people as possible, around the globe, to the depth and diversity of South Asian cinema. They are currently in talks to make some TSAIFF events broadcast via satellite to over 60 million globally. Organizers have big plans for this festival, and they’re just getting started.

So mark your calendars, because June 2013 TSAIFF—“the largest South Asian film festival in North America”—will change South Asian cinema as you know it.

Check out TC’s pictures from the launch!

—Nive Thambithurai, Editor (Entertainment, Spotlight)
—Feature image courtesy of TSAIFF