Indigenous Acknowledgement

We respectfully acknowledge that Sher Vancouver and the Sundar Prize Film Festival are held on the unceded traditional territories of the Semiahmoo, Musqueam, Katzie, Kwikwetlem, Kwantlen, Qayqayt, and Tsawwassen First Nations. We honor and recognize these lands as the ancestral and ongoing home of Indigenous peoples who have stewarded them for generations. We express our gratitude for the opportunity to live, work, and gather on these lands and commit to supporting Indigenous sovereignty, rights, and cultural heritage.

Mission

Our mission is to recognize and showcase films that use impactful and informative storytelling to raise awareness and inspire action on critical social causes and issues. We aim to celebrate filmmakers who are committed to creating positive social impact and promoting empathy, understanding, and social justice. 

 

We Connect Filmmakers and Audiences for a Transformative Cinematic Experience.

 

Films with any theme are welcome but we encourage filmmakers who showcase the following communities and causes:

 

      • Human Rights
      • Immigrants and Refugees
      • Social Justice Issues
      • Indigenous Peoples
      • People of Colour
      • LGBTQ+ Community
      • Vulnerable and Marginalized Peoples
      • Environment and Climate Change
      • Educational Films

Vision

Our vision is a world where film is a powerful tool for social change, where diverse communities and causes are represented and celebrated, and where impactful storytelling inspires action towards a more just and equitable society.


Values

      • Inclusivity: We believe in creating a space that is welcoming and safe for all filmmakers and audiences, regardless of race, gender, sexuality, religion, or ability.
      • Empathy: We value films that promote understanding, compassion, and empathy towards marginalized communities and social issues.
      • Authenticity: We value films that accurately and respectfully represent the experiences and perspectives of the communities and causes they portray.
      • Impact: We believe in the power of film to inspire action and create positive change in the world.
      • Creativity: We celebrate the artistry and innovation of filmmakers who use their craft to tell compelling stories and shed light on important social issues.

What makes the Sundar Prize unique

      • Living wages for the jury
      • Youth and student jury opportunities
      • Honorariums for the volunteers, panelists, and moderators
      • Travel support for visiting filmmakers whenever possible
      • Cash prizes for the winning filmmakers
      • Screening fees
      • Affordable tickets
      • Free community access passes for people in need
      • Eco-friendly and sustainable trophies made out of bamboo that are crafted and designed in BC
      • A Social Justice Advisor as a key member of our team
      • A festival founded by filmmakers
      • Affordable film submission fees
      • A platform to showcase underrepresented voices
      • Opportunities for practicum students
      • Open Mic during networking receptions to allow filmmakers to pitch their projects to the audience
      • High school film programme
      • KDocsFF Emerging Filmmaker Residency at Kwantlen Polytechnic University
      • Filmmaker mentorship programme
      • Exclusive BC student film showcase competition

The Sundar Prize Film Festival is an IMDb qualifying Festival.

 

The Sundar Prize Film Festival is a proud member of the Film Festival Alliance which aims to create a collaborative global community for mission-driven film festivals.

Follow us

Instagram Linkedin Youtube Facebook Link