Sundar Prize Film Festival
The Sundar Prize Film Festival, a project of Sher Vancouver, stands as a beacon of social justice and cinematic excellence.
Rooted in the Sanskrit word “Sundar”, meaning beautiful, the festival embodies the beauty of impactful storytelling and its potential to drive positive change. As an integral part of Sher Vancouver, a registered charity in Canada with a legacy of 16 years, the festival is deeply committed to its mission of promoting empathy, understanding, and social justice through the medium of film.
At Sundar Prize, we believe in the transformative power of cinema. Our mission is to recognize and showcase films that tackle critical social causes and issues, inspiring action and raising awareness. We celebrate filmmakers dedicated to creating positive social impact, amplifying the voices of marginalized communities, and shedding light on pressing global challenges. Our values of inclusivity, empathy, and advocacy underscore every aspect of the festival.
In its inaugural year, Sundar Prize presents a captivating lineup of nine films from Canada, the US, and the UK. These films, carefully selected for their impactful storytelling, will be screened on June 15th and 16th, 2024, at Centre Stage, Surrey City Hall. Alongside the screenings, attendees can engage in informative panel discussions and networking receptions, fostering dialogue and collaboration within the filmmaking community.
As a testament to our commitment to supporting local talent, Sundar Prize features three exclusive Canadian categories. These include the Best BC Film, the Rogers Group of Funds Best Canadian Documentary, and the Best Emerging Filmmaker Residency prize, supported by KDocsFF. These categories not only recognize excellence in Canadian filmmaking but also provide a platform for emerging voices to shine.
The festival is spearheaded by esteemed local filmmakers Alex Sangha and Vinay Giridhar, renowned for their award-winning debut feature documentary, Emergence: Out of the Shadows. Joining them is Sidartha Murjani, the Executive Director and Senior Programmer, whose prolific career in filmmaking includes numerous accolades and whose films were selected at Canadian Screen Award qualifying festivals. Their collective expertise and passion for social justice make Sundar Prize a festival like no other.
In collaboration with Sher Vancouver, the Sundar Prize Film Festival emerges as a vital platform for meaningful storytelling and social change. With a dedication to amplifying diverse voices and addressing pressing societal issues, the festival embodies the intersection of cinema and activism. As we embark on this inaugural journey, we invite filmmakers and audiences alike to join us in our pursuit of a more just and compassionate world.
The Sundar Prize: Where cinema meets social change!
