My 2023 summer internship with the South Asian Film Festival of Montr茅al or SAFFM, an annual initiative of the Kabir Centre for Arts and Culture, provided me with invaluable experiences in film curation, communication, and cross-cultural collaboration. SAFFM is a renowned cultural event that celebrates the cinematic art emerging from South Asia, or based on South Asian themes, while promoting cultural diversity and awareness in Canada. As part of the SAFFM team, I had the privilege of contributing to the organization and curation of the 2024 edition of the festival. As a student of theatre and performance studies鈥攚ith a demonstrated commitment to equity, diversity, and inclusion鈥攖his experience helped me in gaining practical and professional knowledge which will be an excellent complement to my academic journey.
One of my primary responsibilities was to scout for potential films to be featured in the 2024 SAFFM edition. This involved researching and reaching out to filmmakers, production companies, and representatives to source South Asian films. Upon identifying potential candidates, I would pre-screen and rate them based on predefined criteria on the Freeway website for film festival submission. This process allowed me to gain insights into the diversity of narratives, themes, and genres present in South Asian cinema.
Effectively communicating with artists, film producers, directors, and representatives was crucial for acquiring the necessary materials for the festival. I was responsible for managing email correspondence, addressing inquiries, and collecting film submission materials. I maintained an organized online database containing relevant information such as contact details, film themes, and summaries. This database streamlined the process of accessing and evaluating films during the selection phase.
The SAFFM team conducted bi-weekly meetings to collectively decide on the next steps for organizing the festival. These meetings provided a platform for team members to share their progress, exchange ideas, and make informed decisions. As an intern, I gained first-hand experience of how collaborative decision-making enhances the efficiency and coherence of the festival's planning process.
A unique aspect of my internship was assisting in the organization of a monthly film club that aimed to increase South Asian visibility in Canada and promote cultural awareness and harmony. This initiative was a collaboration between Kabir Centre and the Montr茅al film conservatory, . These events showcased selected films from previous SAFFM editions, encouraging engagement with the local community.
My internship experience at SAFFM was transformative in multiple ways. It deepened my appreciation for the intricate world of film curation and the power of cinema to convey stories and emotions transcending geographical boundaries. The opportunity to connect with filmmakers and industry professionals allowed me to expand my network and gain insights into the inner workings of the film industry. Working with a diverse team and collaborating on impactful decisions further honed my teamwork and communication skills.
Through my contributions to SAFFM, I not only enriched my own skill set but also played a role in promoting South Asian cinema that enriched the socio-cultural fabric of Canada. This experience will undoubtedly influence my future endeavours and continue to inspire my passion for multicultural exchange and the world of movies. I am thankful to the Faculty of Arts Internship Office, Kabir Centre, as well as the Dean of Arts Development fund for making this possible.
