Sayani Gupta Honoured with iSAFF Leadership in Film Award Canada 2026; Secures Excellence in Short Film Making Honourable Mention for Aasmani
#SayaniGupta Honoured With Leadership in Film Award and Excellence in Short Film Making Honourable Mention at iSAFF Canada (International South Asian Film Festival)
Sayani Gupta Wins Big at iSAFF, Canada adding another feather to her cap She Is Awarded The iSAFF Leadership in Film Honour & Excellence in Short Film Making Honourable Mention for Aasmani
Sayani Gupta’s impressive streak on the global film festival circuit has achieved yet another major landmark. The actor-director was conferred with the iSAFF Leadership in Film Award 2026 at the International South Asian Film Festival in Canada—a prestigious distinction celebrating her expanding creative presence both on screen and behind the lens. This accolades further solidifies what is already turning out to be a standout year in her career.
The statement from the festival reads, “We’re thrilled to be in our 16th year of the International South Asian Film Festival of Canada. At iSAFF, we celebrate the most exciting voices from South Asia and the worldwide diaspora, and it is our pleasure to have Sayani Gupta be part of the festival as both a festival jury member and the recipient of this year’s Leadership Award at our 2026 iSAFF Honors Night. Her talent in front of and behind the camera are undeniable and reason enough to receive this award, but it’s also her work as an outspoken advocate for causes stretching far beyond the the film and television industry that sets her apart as a leader and role model for future generations of South Asian artists.”
What only added to Sayani’s celebration was Aasmani receiving the Excellence in Short Film Making Honourable Mention at iSAFF.
The recognition was formally presented at the iSAFF Honours Night & Red Carpet, that took place on September 23, 2026, in Vancouver.
In addition to the Harvard University SAA ‘South Asian Person of the Year’ that was awarded to her earlier this year, this leadership in Eccellence in Films award is an acknowledgment of Sayani’s growing international imprint as a creative force putting India and Indian storytelling on the global stage.
She also served as a Jury for the for EXCELLENCE IN FEATURE FILMMAKING catagory. And Aasmani, Sayani’s short film had it’s Canada Premiere at played at the festival on the 26th September, 2026 as part of the shorts block, I am who I am that opened to a houseful audience and roaring audience response.
Her next Canada screening is at IFFSA, Toronto where Sayani is the Guest of Honour.
By Keerti Kadam