Access Threshold at Sundar Prize Film Festival

About the Sundar Prize Film Festival

The Sundar Prize social justice film festival exists to recognize and showcase films that use impactful and informative storytelling to raise awareness and inspire action on critical social causes and issues. It celebrates filmmakers committed to creating positive social impact and promoting empathy, understanding, and social justice.

Connecting filmmakers and audiences for a transformative cinematic experience, the Sundar Prize welcomes films with any theme but especially encourages filmmakers who showcase the following communities and causes:

• Human Rights
• Immigrants and Refugees
• Social Justice Issues
• Indigenous Peoples
• People of Colour
• LGBTQ+ Community
• Vulnerable and Marginalized Peoples
• Environment and Climate Change
• Educational Films

Vision

A world where film is a powerful tool for social change, where diverse communities and causes are represented and celebrated, and where impactful storytelling inspires action towards a more just and equitable society.

Values

• Inclusivity: A space that is welcoming and safe for all filmmakers and audiences, regardless of race, gender, sexuality, religion, or ability.
• Empathy: Films that promote understanding, compassion, and empathy towards marginalized communities and social issues.
• Authenticity: Films that accurately and respectfully represent the experiences and perspectives of the communities and causes they portray.
• Impact: The power of film to inspire action and create positive change in the world.
• Creativity: Celebrating the artistry and innovation of filmmakers who use their craft to tell compelling stories and shed light on important social issues.

What Makes the Sundar Prize Unique

• Living wages for the jury
• Youth and student jury opportunities
• Honorariums for volunteers, panellists, and moderators
• Cash prizes for winning filmmakers
• Affordable tickets
• Free community access passes for people in need
• Eco-friendly and sustainable bamboo trophies crafted and designed in BC
• A Social Justice Advisor as a key team member
• A festival founded by filmmakers
• Affordable film submission fees
• A platform to showcase underrepresented voices
• Opportunities for practicum students
• Open Mic during networking receptions for filmmakers to pitch to the audience
• High school film programme (in development)
• KDocsFF Emerging Filmmaker Residency at Kwantlen Polytechnic University
• Filmmaker mentorship programme
• Exclusive BC student film showcase competition

Access Threshold at the Sundar Prize 2025

Access Threshold attended the Sundar Prize social justice film festival in 2025 – an experience that deeply aligned with our mission of increasing access for PoGMI creatives in arts and entertainment. Being in a space dedicated to authentic storytelling, social impact, and underrepresented voices was both affirming and inspiring.

Access Threshold was proud to be part of the Sundar Prize social justice film festival in 2025. Access Threshold co-founder Carolyn Mauricette moderated the panel “Rewriting Queer Representation” on Saturday, April 13, at Landmark Cinemas Surrey, Guildford, from 5:15 – 6:15 pm, bringing together a powerful lineup of voices:

• Nessa Aref – Director
• Greg Chan – Panelist
• Alysson Hall – Panelist

The conversation explored the evolving landscape of queer representation in film and how authentic storytelling can challenge, shift, and redefine narratives for LGBTQ+ communities on screen.