The South Asian Canadian Film Federation (SACFF) has appointed its inaugural board of directors.

SACFF is a new not-for-profit organization established to create a vibrant and inclusive platform for professionals in the South Asian film and television community in Canada. It aims to foster connections, collaborations and help create thriving careers, with a focus on promoting diversity and inclusivity in the industry.

The newly appointed board members include new president Virinderpaul Singh, co-president Asis Sethi, chair Shailesh Merai, VP Carroll Chiramel, treasurer Priyanka Shailendra and secretary Jaskaran Singh.

“In just one year, SACFF has become a hub for creative minds in the South Asian film and television industry,” said president Singh in a statement. “Our board is ready to lead SACFF to even greater heights, and we are excited about the impact we can make together.”

SACFF has also begun partnering with other organizations, including leading a panel at the Reel Asian Film Festival on Monday (May 13).

According to Statistics Canada, more than seven million people in Canada reported having Asian origins – 19.3% of the population. South Asian (7.1%) and Chinese (4.7%) people together represented over one-tenth of Canada’s total population, while Filipino (2.6%), Southeast Asian (1.1%), West Asian (1.0%), Korean (0.6%) and Japanese (0.3%) people together represented 5.6% of the country’s total population. The statistics are from Canada’s 2021 census.

Pictured (L-R): (Top) Virinderpaul Singh, Asis Sethi, Shailesh Merai; (Bottom) Carroll Chiramel, Priyanka Shailendra and Jaskaran Singh