As the Sundar Prize Film Festival enters its third year, it continues to carve a unique place in the world of cinema. More than just a showcase for films, Sundar celebrates storytelling that inspires change, uplifts communities, and shines a light on pressing social issues.
From human rights to environmental awareness, the festival champions filmmakers who use their art to make a tangible impact.
With screenings in Surrey and Delta, British Columbia, and an impressive lineup of cash and industry prizes, the 2026 festival promises to be a celebration of both creativity and social consciousness.
Festival Overview
The Sundar Prize Film Festival is more than just a screening event; it’s an IMDb-qualifying festival and a proud member of the Film Festival Alliance. In 2026, the festival will take place from April 23 to 26 across two venues in British Columbia: Landmark Cinemas Guildford in Surrey and the North Delta Centre for the Arts in Delta.
Guided by its mission to highlight impactful storytelling, Sundar celebrates films that raise awareness, spark empathy, and inspire action on critical social issues. Its vision is clear: a world where cinema is a catalyst for social change, amplifying diverse voices and shining a light on stories that matter.
The festival’s name, Sundar, comes from Sanskrit, meaning “beautiful,” a reflection of its commitment to showcasing films that are both artistically compelling and socially meaningful.
Festival Focus and Themes
At its core, the Sundar Prize Film Festival is dedicated to films that make a difference. While submissions of any theme are welcome, the festival especially encourages stories that shine a light on communities and causes that often go unheard.
Key focus areas include:
- Human Rights – championing justice and equality worldwide
- Immigrants and Refugees – sharing stories of resilience and hope
- Social Justice Issues – exploring systemic challenges and change
- Indigenous Peoples – celebrating culture, heritage, and voices
- People of Color – amplifying diverse experiences
- 2SLGBTQ+ Community – highlighting identity, struggle, and triumph
- Vulnerable and Marginalized Peoples – bringing awareness to overlooked groups
- Environment and Climate Change – advocating for a sustainable future
- Educational Films – inspiring learning and reflection
Awards & Prizes
The Sundar Prize Film Festival offers filmmakers more than recognition; it provides tangible support for their work. In 2026, the festival is awarding over $18,000 CAD in cash prizes and $25,000 CAD in film industry prizes, alongside official laurels, digital certificates, and eco-friendly trophies.
Major Awards Include:
- Best Feature Film (Narrative Live Action) – $2000
- Best Short Film (Narrative Live Action) – $1000
- Best Feature Documentary – $2000
- Best Short Documentary – $1000
- Best Short Animation – $1000
- Best Environmental Film – $1000 (100% of net ticket sales donated to a local tree-planting charity)
- Best 2SLGBTQ+ Film – $2000
- Best Youth Film (19 and under) – $500
- Best Student Film – $500
- Best British Columbia Feature Film – $2000
- Best British Columbia Short Film – $1000
BC Student Film Showcase:
- Top three films receive $1000, $750, and $500
- Highlights the best work by students across British Columbia, in any discipline
Emerging Filmmaker Residency Prize (Metro Vancouver):
- $1000 cash prize
- Four-month residency at KDocsFF Social Justice Lab
- Access to editing equipment, faculty mentorship, and consulting producer expertise
Emerging Filmmaker Opportunities
The Sundar Prize Film Festival is deeply committed to supporting the next generation of filmmakers, especially those from underrepresented communities.
Through mentorship and residency programs, emerging talent gains access to guidance, resources, and real-world experience.
BC Filmmaker Mentorship Program:
- Open to any emerging filmmaker in British Columbia, with or without a completed film
- Mentors are paid $100 CAD per hour per session
- Offers guidance, industry insight, and networking opportunities
- Ideal for filmmakers looking to develop skills and bring their projects to life
Emerging Filmmaker Residency Prize:
- Awarded in partnership with KDocsFF at the Social Justice Lab, Kwantlen Polytechnic University, Surrey, BC
- Four-month residency includes:
- Dedicated workspace and editing equipment
- Access to faculty and students as test audiences
- Consultation with a producer who has worked on an Academy Award–nominated film
- $1000 CAD cash prize included
- Eligibility: less than five professional credits, must reside in Metro Vancouver, and be a Canadian citizen or permanent resident
Diversity Encouraged: Submissions from BIPOC, 2SLGBTQ+, Indigenous, and marginalized communities are strongly encouraged, reflecting the festival’s mission to amplify diverse voices and impactful stories.
Judging and Official Selection
Every film submitted to the Sundar Prize Film Festival receives a careful, thorough review. Each entry is watched 1 to 3 times by experienced jurors, ensuring every story is evaluated thoughtfully.
Judging Process:
- Jurors are qualified industry professionals, some also active in social causes
- Each juror is compensated with a living wage, reflecting the festival’s respect for their expertise
- Films are approached from multiple perspectives, ensuring fair and comprehensive evaluations
- Filmmakers whose films are not selected can request detailed feedback
Official Selection:
- Films chosen to screen are designated as Official Selections
- Selections are promoted in advance of the festival, giving filmmakers exposure and recognition
- Award winners for each category are announced at the closing ceremony, celebrating excellence in storytelling and social impact
Community and Partnerships
The Sundar Prize Film Festival thrives on collaboration, connecting with organizations that share its mission of impactful storytelling and social change.
The festival is an initiative of Sher Pride, a registered Canadian charity, and benefits from strong relationships with founding festival partners and community supporters.
Founding Film Festival Partners:
- Vancouver International Film Festival – Canadian Screen Award qualifying
- Vancouver Asian Film Festival – Canadian Screen Award qualifying
- International South Asian Film Festival Canada – Canadian Screen Award qualifying
- KDocsFF – Metro Vancouver’s premiere social justice documentary festival
- Vancouver Queer Film Festival – Canadian Screen Award qualifying
- Vancouver Latin American Film Festival – established since 2003
- DOXA Documentary Film Festival – Canadian Screen Award qualifying
- Crazy8s – short film festival since 1999
- GEMS (Gender Equity in Media Society Vancouver) – Canadian Screen Award qualifying
- Vancouver Island Short Film Festival
These partnerships amplify Sundar’s reach, providing filmmakers with mentorship, exposure, and networking opportunities while reinforcing the festival’s commitment to social impact and diversity.
By working with like-minded organizations, Sundar ensures its screenings, awards, and initiatives uplift communities, spotlight marginalized voices, and strengthen the global conversation around social change through film.
Why Attend or Submit a Film
The Sundar Prize Film Festival is more than a showcase; it’s an opportunity to be part of a movement where cinema meets social change.
For Filmmakers:
- Screen your work in top BC venues and reach engaged audiences
- Compete for cash prizes and industry recognition
- Gain mentorship and residency opportunities to grow your craft
- Join a network of activists, filmmakers, and community leaders
For Audiences:
- Experience films that highlight critical social issues and diverse voices
- Support stories that inspire empathy and action
- Attend panels, discussions, and events that connect film with real-world impact
Whether you’re a filmmaker or a film lover, Sundar offers a chance to engage with storytelling that matters, celebrate creativity, and contribute to positive social change.
Wrapping Up
By celebrating diverse voices, highlighting pressing social issues, and offering opportunities for emerging filmmakers, Sundar transforms storytelling into a force for change.
From cash prizes to mentorship programs and community partnerships, the festival nurtures talent while promoting empathy, understanding, and action.
Whether you’re attending, submitting a film, or simply following its journey, the 2026 festival promises to be a celebration of creativity, purpose, and the power of cinema to make the world a more just and beautiful place.