ANNOUNCEMENTS

📣 Arts East-West’s First Look at BIFF: Canadian Spotlight 📣

4 Canadian films in the 31st BIFF’s official selection. 

Bringing Canadian and Asian-Canadian voices to an international platform. 

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The selection includes a film by a Sri-Lankan–Canadian director, an Indian-Canadian director, as well as a Quebecois director and a co-production between Canada and the UK. These films are among the many works we’re excited to discover at BIFF: 

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• DHARA (2026), Canada / Sri Lanka, dir. Anuruddha Jayasingha 

Set during the Sri Lankan civil war, a wounded young rebel seeks sanctuary in a remote forest temple. 

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• SALT ELECTRIC (2026), Canada / India / Estonia / France, dir. Paromita Dhar

In 1990s Goa, a curious 18-year-old uncovers her brother's hidden VHS stash, leading to an awakening of her own desires.

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• L’AUTRE (2026), Canada, dir. Alexandre Franchi 

A bedridden cancer patient’s recovery begins to falter when his young roommate starts to rekindle his deepest fears.

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• A LONG WINTER (2026), Canada / United Kingdom / dir. Andrew Haigh 

In the high mountains, fall comes to an end and a family prepares for the long winter ahead.

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As an organisation dedicated to bridging Asian and Canadian arts, the MAiFF team is excited to see Canadian filmmakers being represented at Asia’s largest international film festival. 

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These films are a few out of the many wonderful works being spotlighted at BIFF – if you are a Canadian artist participating in or attending BIFF, we would love to learn more about your work and projects. Please reach out to us at coordinator@artseastwest.ca.  

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We look forward to discovering more unique works at BIFF and celebrating the filmmakers bringing unique perspectives to an international stage! 🎥

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