Where Cinema Meets Social Change
Join us in celebrating filmmakers creating positive social impact.
Now Accepting Submissions for
the 4th Annual Sundar Prize Film Festival
April 22-25, 2027
Why submit your film to Sundar Prize Film Festival?
The selected films will be screened in Surrey, British Columbia at Landmark Cinemas Guildford, and Delta, British Columbia at the North Delta Centre for the Arts.
The Sundar Prize Film Festival seeks to recognize films that uplift our world through impactful and informative storytelling about social causes and social issues that have social impact. Sundar means “beautiful” in Sanskrit which is an ancient language of South Asia.
Films with any theme are welcome but we encourage filmmakers who showcase the following communities and causes:
• Human Rights
• Health and Wellness
• Immigrants and Refugees
• Social Justice Issues
• Indigenous Peoples
• People of Colour
• Gender Equity
• 2SLGBTQ+ Community
• Vulnerable and Marginalized Peoples
• Environment and Climate Change
• Educational Films
BC Youth Storyteller's Contest
Calling BC Storytellers 16+
Submit your film treatment and bring a social justice concept to life for a shot at mentorship and cash prizes.
Info Session: October 4, 2026 (BC Culture Days)
Submission Deadline: October 18, 2026
Winners Announced: December 2026
SAVE THE DATE!
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The 4th Annual Sundar Prize Film Festival is April 22-25, 2027
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Creating Social Change Through Film
We Connect Filmmakers and Audiences for a Transformative Cinematic Experience.
Three years of inspired action:
1244
Films Submitted
125
Films Screened
34
Countries Represented
(by Film Submissions)
66%
Filmmakers in Attendance
3.85M+
Live & Digital Reach
37
Awards Presented
Get Involved
Programs
From first-time storytellers to established filmmakers, Sundar Prize is where emergent voices find their footing. Year-round mentorship, local and international programming, and industry connections give you the tools, and the agency, to shape your own path in filmmaking.
Mentorship Program
Luminaries Program
KDocsFF Emerging Filmmaker Residency
Student Film Showcase
Youth Jury Program
BC Culture Days
ABOUT THE FESTIVAL
Creating social change through film.
This is our 4th year, and the impact speaks for itself:
- 126 films screened
- $50,000 cash + film industry prizes and services awarded to filmmakers
- 3,000+ community members brought together over stories that matter.
WHAT MAKES SUNDAR PRIZE Film Festival UNIQUE?
Cash Prizes and Awards
Affordable Tickets
Community Access Passes
Founded by Filmmakers
IMDb Qualifying Festival
Luminaries Student and Youth Film Program
Filmmaker Mentorship Program
Accessibility, Diversity, & Inclusion at the Forefront
FESTIVAL HIGHLIGHTS
2026 Sundar Prize Film Festival
This year’s theme, Home Is Complicated. So Are We, brought together 62 films (selected from 823 submissions) exploring what it means to belong – to a place, a memory, or each other.
SPONSOR THE FESTIVAL
Sponsoring the Sundar Prize Film Festival means putting your name behind storytelling that moves people to act.
Your support directly funds cash prizes for filmmakers, living wages for our jury, and free community access passes while placing your brand alongside a festival recognized by IMDb and celebrated for centering social impact. It’s visibility with purpose.
Why Partner with Sundar Prize?
Reach an engaged, values-driven audience
Connect with filmmakers, industry, and community members who show up for causes, not just cinema.
Stand for something
Align your brand with an IMDb-qualifying festival built on empathy, social justice, and authentic storytelling.
Visibility that lasts beyond the festival
Your logo and name featured across the website, program guide, and event materials year-round.
Direct impact
Your partnership funds cash prizes, living wages for jury and volunteers, and free community access passes.
FAQ
How do I submit my film?
All submissions are made through FilmFreeway, with multiple deadlines, categories, and entry fees.
Full details and requirements are on our Rules page.
When are submissions due?
Sundar Prize runs on rolling deadlines (Earlybird, Regular, Late, and Extended), so entry fees increase the closer you get to the final date.
Submit your film early to save.
How do I sponsor a screening?
Sponsorship packages range from Presenting to Bronze level with benefits like logo placement, VIP passes, and press mentions.
Learn more on our Sponsorship page.
How do I volunteer?
Volunteers support everything from guest services to event logistics and receive an honorarium for their time. Learn more here.
Accessibility
All non-English films include English subtitles, our venues are centrally located and transit-accessible, and accommodations can be arranged in advance by emailing info@sherpride.ca
Founding Festival Partners
