The International Film Festival of South Asia (IFFSA) Toronto 2024 is set to honour one of Indian cinema’s most revered icons, Shabana Azmi, as part of its grand celebration of South Asian cinema.
Running from October 10 to 20, 2024, the 13th edition of the festival promises an unforgettable experience with a stellar lineup of premieres and special events featuring some of the biggest names in the film industry, including guests of honour Imtiaz Ali, Deepa Mehta, Boman Irani, and Anup Singh.
IFFSA will spotlight Azmi’s remarkable 50-year career with a tribute program that includes a special screening of Shyam Benegal’s classic Mandi, showcasing Azmi’s monumental contribution to cinema. Additionally, the festival will host an exclusive masterclass and a musical celebration, “Shab-e-Sur,” paying homage to Azmi’s illustrious cinematic journey, along with a special dinner in her honour by Turkish Airlines.
Boman Irani’s much-anticipated film The Mehta Boys, co-written by Oscar winner Alexander Dinelaris Jr. (Birdman, The Revenant), will have its Canadian premiere as the opening film of the festival.
Imtiaz Ali will also take center stage with a special theatrical screening of his blockbuster film Amar Singh Chamkila, followed by an insightful masterclass and a special “Chamkila Night” — a musical celebration honouring the legendary artist who inspired the film.
Other highly anticipated films premiering at IFFSA Toronto 2024 include Payal Kapadia’s Cannes Grand Prix winner All We Imagine as Light, and Madhumita’s Kaalidhar Laapata, featuring Abhishek Bachchan and Nimrat Kaur. The lineup also includes Srijit Mukherji’s Padatik, Leesa Gazi’s A House Named Shahana, and Kaushal Oza’s Little Thomas. Canadian cinema will be highlighted with Durga Chew-Bose’s Bonjour Tristesse and Shadab Khan’s I Am No Queen. In addition, the festival will showcase powerful documentary features, including Gurvinder Singh’s “Trolley Times” and Defiance: Fighting the Far Right, a stirring film supported by Riz Ahmed. Kishor P. Belekar’s Gandhi Talks, starring Vijay Sethupathi and Aditi Rao Hydari, will serve as the festival’s closing film.
The festival’s star-studded opening gala on October 11 will honour both international and Canadian talent. Beyond film screenings, IFFSA Toronto 2024 will offer a range of masterclasses and workshops, including one on acting, The Open Gesture, with festival ambassador and renowned filmmaker Anup Singh, and the launch of the IFFSA Talent Fund 2024/25, providing exciting opportunities for emerging filmmakers.
“This year’s celebration will be a vibrant tribute to the rich legacy of South Asian cinema, marked by unforgettable moments, insightful dialogues, and a profound homage to the icons who have shaped our cinematic world,” said Sunny Gill, Festival Director of IFFSA Toronto. “We invite everyone to join us for an inspiring and transformative experience.”
Presented by TD Ready Commitment, with major support from Turkish Airlines, Telefilm, Ontario Creates, Toronto Star, CBC Toronto, Canon, Peter&Pauls, the City of Mississauga, Experience Brampton, and other esteemed partners, IFFSA Toronto 2024 promises a truly unforgettable cinematic journey. Passes are now available at iffsatoronto.com.
ABOUT IFFSA
IFFSA Toronto is the largest South Asian film festival in North America, and a pioneering initiative dedicated to the development, promotion, and celebration of South Asian cinematic arts in Canada. It plays a vital role in shaping the narrative of the South Asian Canadian experience through the medium of film, supported by its year-round activities.
IFFSA Toronto showcases a diverse and language-independent selection of the finest films from around the world, on themes of South Asian cultures and identities. Additionally, the festival hosts grand gala celebrations, red carpet premieres, musical performances, interactive audience sessions, forums, panel discussions, workshops, masterclasses, and various networking opportunities.
Both established luminaries and emerging talents, including film stars and industry professionals, attend the festival. The highly festive and interactive atmosphere of the festival brings artists and audiences together in a very engaging way. The festival programming creates a balance of tone and form, and aims to create an entertaining buzz while simultaneously starting a conversation with the audience.
IFFSA Toronto 2024 will be a 11-day long cinematic extravaganza taking place at multiple pristine and prestigious venues across the Greater Toronto Area from Oct 10 to 20, 2024.
