Malaysian filmmaker Sanadtkumar wins Best International Short in Canada
Sanadtkumar's short film, 'Late Night Mini-Mart', was selected from a pool of exceptional international entries and recognised for its outstanding storytelling, direction, editing, and overall production quality. The award category, which covers both scripted and documentary films, honours the best work produced by international students enrolled in Toronto Film School.
In a statement today, Ascendance, an international youth organisation, said that 'Late Night Mini-Mart' stood out not only for its technical merit but for its heartfelt message about pushing beyond limitations and the film explores how individuals are often defined by what holds them back, whether internal fears or external pressures and invites viewers to question those boundaries.
'The Best International Short is presented for both scripted and documentary films by international students, based on the overall merit of the production – from writing and directing to editing and execution,' said the TFS FEST representative, quoted in the statement.
Meanwhile, Sanadtkumar dedicated the award to his family, team and mentors at Toronto Film School.
'This film came from the idea that we are so much more than the things that stop us – our limiting beliefs, our comfort zones. I wanted this film to remind people: you are so much more than what you think you are.
'Thank you to all the instructors who were part of my journey, Steven Hoffner, Amy Wong, Blain Watters and to my parents back home in Malaysia. Let's continue to live and breathe movies,' he said.
TFS FEST is regarded as one of Canada's most respected platforms for emerging filmmakers. The Pinnacle Awards, judged by a panel of industry professionals, represent the festival's highest honour and celebrate bold, original voices in cinema.
'Late Night Mini-Mart' has since garnered praise for its intimate portrayal of everyday life, weaving in elements of Malaysian culture while highlighting universally relatable themes.
Sanadtkumar is a Malaysian writer-director, award-winning documentary filmmaker and co-founder of Ascendance, one of the largest Southeast Asia's youth organisations.
His acclaimed documentary series, 'Wanted: Shades of Life', celebrates inspiring everyday Malaysians such as local chess master Genkeswaran Muniyan and has earned international awards including Best Inspirational Film at the Los Angeles Film Awards.
He has received multiple accolades including the Diana Award for Social Change (2019) and a spot in the Prestige 40 Under 40 list in 2024. — BERNAMA
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