2025 Festival Programme
With over 50 films being screened across two locations during the second annual Sundar Prize Film Festival, browse through our 2025 Festival Programming.
Thursday, April 10th, 2025
Opening Night Screenings
Dreams & Petals: A Night of Enchantment Join us for a mesmerizing Opening Night as we celebrate cinematic excellence with two outstanding films.
Have I Swallowed Your Dreams (G) – A poetic animated conversation between a daughter and her mother about sacrifice and dreams. An official selection at five Oscar-qualifying festivals, this breathtaking short sets the stage for an unforgettable evening.
Paper Flowers (G) – A deeply moving feature about Shah, a recent USC graduate and Peace Corps volunteer who receives a terminal cancer diagnosis. Determined to embrace life fully, Shah’s journey resonates through his viral HuffPost article, Thank You, Cancer. Winner of the Social Impact & Vision award at the Ojai Film Festival and Best of Fest at Palm Springs International Film Festival, an Academy Award-qualifying festival.
The evening begins at 5:30 PM with a red carpet welcome, followed by opening remarks at 6:00 PM and the screenings at 6:30 PM.
The night concludes with a catered reception from 9:00 PM to 11:30 PM — an opportunity to connect, celebrate, and be inspired.
- April 10th, 2025
- SFU Surrey
- Section starts at 5:30pm PST
Friday, April 11th, 2025
Reclaiming Futures: A Call to Protect and Preserve
Through three powerful films, this screening block explores the urgent need to protect our environment, culture, and future.
Throwaway Living (G) (Canadian Premiere) – A satirical short exposing society’s wastefulness through the lens of a 1950s housewife trapped in an advertising nightmare.
HA NII TOKXW: OUR FOOD TABLE (G) – Featuring David Suzuki, this film follows the Gitanyow people as they fight to preserve their traditional lands and food sovereignty amid climate change and industrialization in Northern British Columbia.
The Stand (PG) – A compelling National Film Board of Canada documentary chronicling the 1985 Haida blockade on Lyell Island, a pivotal moment in Indigenous activism. Winner of the Audience Award, Northern Lights Program at VIFF 2024.
This section is followed by a panel discussion featuring filmmakers that made the films and voices from the community.G
- April 11th, 2025
- Landmark Cinemas Surrey, Guildford
- Section starts at 12:00pm PST
Shorts Program 1: Courage Unscripted: Moments of Fearless Authenticity
This compelling shorts program celebrates stories of resilience, defiance, and self-discovery.
Each film highlights the power of courage—whether it’s standing up for oneself, embracing identity, or confronting life’s toughest challenges.
Films in this block include: Different Kind of Sick (G), Lupe Q and the Galactic Corn Cake (G), Mannequin (PG), Female and Furious Lifers (PG), Warmest Regards (G), E, Beyond the Reins (G), Kids Are Only Kids Once (G), Bubblegum Ice Cream (G), Eulogy (PG), The F-Bomb, Jia (PG).
- April 11th, 2025
- Landmark Cinemas Surrey, Guildford
- Section starts at 3:15pm PST
Spirit and Resilience: A Vaisakhi Celebration
This special Vaisakhi screening celebrates the strength, perseverance, and cultural pride of the South Asian community through the power of storytelling. The evening begins with Lullaby for Guli (G), a heartfelt dance piece created by composer and musician Mohamed Assani and directed by Dallas Sauer in loving memory of his mother and in honor of all mothers.
Following this, we present Mareya Shot Keetha Goal (Make the Shot) (PG), a spirited documentary from acclaimed local co-directors Baljit Sangra (Because We Are Girls) and Nilesh Patel. The film follows four junior hockey players of South Asian descent throughout the 2021-2022 season as they strive to be drafted into the NHL. Arjun Bawa and Kayden Sadhra-Kang skate in the footsteps of their father Robin Bawa, who made history in 1989 as the first South Asian to play in the NHL. Meanwhile, seasoned defenseman Arvin Atwal seeks to shed his fighter reputation by transferring to Slovakia. In an uplifting turn, the film captures the journey of Surrey’s own Arshdeep Bains, who ultimately signs and is currently with the Vancouver Canucks. The screening will be followed by a panel discussion featuring voices from the South Asian and hockey communities.
- April 11th, 2025
- Landmark Cinemas Surrey, Guildford
- Section starts at 6:00pm PST
Shorts Programme 2: The Human Mosaic: Dreams, Loss, and New Beginnings
A stunning shorts program weaving together stories of transformation, nostalgia, and personal discovery.
Films in this block include; A Summer’s End Poem (G), New Blood (PG), Jumpstart (14A), Stand-In (PG), Out Beyond (G), The Pringle Mingle (PG), Close Shave (14A), Mirthless (14A), Choose The Correct Answer (PG), HATCH (PG).
- April 11th, 2025
- Landmark Cinemas Surrey, Guildford
- Section starts at 8:30pm PST
Saturday, April 12th, 2025
Redefining Her Story
This screening block highlights powerful stories of resilience, self-discovery, and empowerment, showcasing women who dare to take control of their lives.
Velvet Secrets (G) – Asha’s world shifts when she finds a striking red velvet dress in her daughter’s room. Curiosity leads her to try it on, igniting a journey of self-exploration and newfound empathy. The first Tamil-language film produced for MAMM19, Velvet Secrets won Best First-Time Director, marking a remarkable debut for its 19-year-old filmmaker.
Teresa’s Choice (G) – When the pandemic disrupts her world, Teresa, a woman in her forties, must confront her fears and decide whether to become a single mother through artificial insemination. A deeply personal story about choice, agency, and courage.
Designed by Preeti (PG) – Canadian Premiere – Preeti Kumar, a resilient woman in her 50s, leaves an oppressive marriage to pursue her lifelong dream of becoming a fashion designer. Despite facing judgment and challenges, she finds strength in unexpected friendships. Featuring Bollywood music from Udit Narayan and Mahalakshmi Iyer, with Ranjita Chakravarty (Never Have I Ever) as Biji. Created by an all-women team, including domestic violence survivor Tanya Momi, whose artwork is showcased in the film.
- April 12th, 2025
- Landmark Cinemas Surrey, Guildford
- Section starts at 12:00pm PST
Rewriting Queer Representation
Representation matters, and media has the power to shape how we see ourselves and each other. This screening block explores the evolving landscape of queer storytelling, highlighting the significance of authentic and nuanced LGBTQ+ representation in film and television.
Bulletproof (PG) – A Lesbian’s Guide to Surviving the Plot – Filmmaker Regan Latimer takes an insightful, immersive, and deeply personal look at queer representation in television and the media’s influence on identity. Witty, fast-paced, and filled with pop culture references, the film follows Regan on a journey across North America and beyond, speaking with television insiders, LGBTQ+ advocates, and devoted TV fans. Through original animation, personal anecdotes, and compelling interviews, the documentary unpacks the forces that shape on-screen narratives and underscores the power of storytelling done right.
My Roommate Ahriman (PG) – A young Iranian-Canadian man navigates the complexities of his sexuality while confronting cultural disconnection—unaware that he is cohabitating with an ancient Persian Spirit of Chaos. A unique, darkly comedic exploration of identity, heritage, and the struggle to embrace one’s truth.
This screening will be followed by a panel discussion with filmmakers and LGBTQ+ community advocates on the importance of authentic queer representation in media.
- April 12th, 2025
- Landmark Cinemas Surrey, Guildford
- Section starts at 3:15pm PST
Shorts Program 3: Threads of Memory
Memories shape who we are—whether through loss, longing, or the pursuit of new beginnings. This shorts program weaves together deeply personal and thought-provoking stories that explore identity, transformation, and the lingering impact of the past.
Films in this block include: Mirage (PG), Bardo (PG), Desync (G), LOOK (G), A Simple Ask (G), Conviction (14A), Whispers of Colors (G), Flight 182 (G)
- April 12th, 2025
- Landmark Cinemas Surrey, Guildford
- Section starts at 6:30pm PST
Sunday, April 13th, 2025
Harvesting Hope: Food as Healing and Activism
Food is more than sustenance—it carries history, culture, and resilience. This powerful screening block explores the deep connection between food, identity, and activism, highlighting those who fight to preserve culinary traditions and reclaim food sovereignty in the face of industrialization, climate change, and colonization.
A Nation’s Table (G) – What is Canadian food? Through the lens of farmers, fishers, chefs, and home cooks, this documentary celebrates the late Anita Stewart’s tireless work in shaping Canada’s culinary identity and advocating for local food traditions.
Tea Creek (PG) – Set against the backdrop of Northern British Columbia, Indigenous entrepreneur Jacob Beaton transforms his family farm into a center for food sovereignty, resilience, and healing. As climate change and industrialization threaten traditional food systems, this inspiring documentary showcases the power of Indigenous leadership in restoring sustainable farming practices. Winner of Best Documentary at Saskatchewan International Film Festival and the Mark Haslam Award at Planet in Focus Film Festival.
These stories remind us that food is a source of healing, a tool for activism, and a connection to our past and future. The screening will be followed by a panel discussion featuring food justice advocates and Indigenous leaders working toward sustainable food systems.
- April 13th, 2025
- Landmark Cinemas Surrey, Guildford
- Section starts at 12:00pm PST
Unseen Palestine
Through personal narratives, artistic expression, and community-driven stories, Unseen Palestine presents a deeply humanistic perspective on Palestinian life, history, and culture. This screening block highlights the resilience of a people often reduced to headlines, offering a window into their everyday struggles, hopes, and resistance.
Mawtini (My Home) (PG) – A young Palestinian woman and an Indigenous Canadian elder unite to start a guerrilla garden, fighting against bureaucratic barriers to reclaim land and nurture community resilience.
The Poem We Sang (G) – An intimate and lyrical exploration of love and longing, this experimental documentary weaves archival recordings, poetry, and personal memories to reflect on forced migration, loss of home, and the healing power of storytelling.
This Is Who We Are (PG) – Skateboarding is a universal language of freedom. This documentary sheds light on the growing skateboarding community in Palestine, where young skaters carve out spaces of joy and resistance amidst ongoing occupation, challenging stereotypes through their passion and resilience. This powerful collection of films offers a rarely seen perspective on Palestinian identity, reclaiming stories often overlooked by mainstream narratives.
The screening will be followed by a panel discussion featuring filmmakers and activists sharing insights on representation, displacement, and cultural survival.
- April 13th, 2025
- Landmark Cinemas Surrey, Guildford
- Section starts at 2:15pm PST
Life in Full Color: Celebrating Queer Triumphs
This screening block is a vibrant celebration of queer joy, resilience, and identity. Through deeply personal narratives and uplifting stories, these films explore the triumphs and challenges of LGBTQ+ individuals as they navigate love, self-discovery, and the power of community.
Body Varial (PG) – A transmasculine skateboarder attempts to reintegrate into daily life after top surgery, navigating the physical and emotional complexities of their new reality. Winner of Best Student Short at Whistler Film Festival 2024.
Canyon Chorus (PG) – Set against the stunning landscape of Desolation Canyon, this film follows world-record traveler and LGBTQ+ advocate Mikah Meyer as he reflects on the transformative power of mentorship within the queer community. BC Premiere at the Sundar Prize Film Festival.
Leilani’s Fortune (PG) – An intimate documentary following the journey of queer Ethiopian-Eritrean artist Witch Prophet as she fights for recognition in the music industry while embracing her identity and creative vision. Selected for multiple Canadian Screen Award and Oscar-qualifying festivals, including Slamdance, Victoria Film Festival, Cinéfest, and Inside Out. Witch Prophet’s second album, DNA Activation, was shortlisted for the 2020 Polaris Music Prize. This inspiring collection of films showcases the resilience, artistry, and strength of the LGBTQ+ community.
Join us for a powerful conversation after the screening, where filmmakers and advocates will discuss the importance
- April 13th, 2025
- Landmark Cinemas Surrey, Guildford
- Section starts at 4:30pm PST
Closing Night: The Fragility of Forever
Love, loss, and destiny converge in this deeply moving screening block, where two films explore the impermanence of human connections and the profound impact of time. Through poetic storytelling and evocative visuals, these films remind us that even in moments of separation and change, the echoes of love remain.
Holy Heaveness (G) – A visually stunning animation that poetically captures the unbearable lightness of losing loved ones. It explores grief, transformation, and the inevitability of rebirth, illustrating how some wounds never fade but instead reshape us.
Firma Aqui (Sign Here) (PG) – In a near-future world where romantic relationships are determined by an algorithm and limited to four years, Fran and Roque dare to defy the system for love. This beautifully crafted drama challenges the boundaries of connection in an age of convenience, asking: Is love truly timeless? The film was selected at CANNES FILM FESTIVAL – Marche Du Film, Fantastic Pavilion Awards Ceremony
Following this emotional and thought-provoking screening, we will conclude the Sundar Prize Film Festival 2025 with our Awards Ceremony. Join us as we celebrate the outstanding filmmakers and their contributions to thought-provoking, diverse, and impactful storytelling.
- April 13th, 2025
- Landmark Cinemas Surrey, Guildford
- Section starts at 7:30pm PST
