BOMAN IRANI, GLOBAL CINEMA ICON

Boman Irani is a storyteller in the truest sense—an actor who transcends roles, a performer who redefines characters, and a visionary who understands the pulse of cinema. From the eccentric brilliance of 3 Idiots to the warmth of Munna Bhai M.B.B.S. and the intensity of Don, his performances have left an indelible mark on Indian cinema. With each role, he has pushed the boundaries of character-driven storytelling, bringing depth, humor, and humanity to the screen. Beyond his own performances, Irani is deeply invested in the future of cinema. A mentor and advocate for emerging talent, he understands the power of a well-crafted story and the dedication it takes to bring it to life. His journey—from a photographer and theater artist to one of the industry’s most versatile actors and now a director with Mehta Boys—reflects his relentless pursuit of excellence. As a jury member for the IFFSA Talent Fund, he brings not just experience, but an astute understanding of cinematic language, performance, and storytelling. With his keen eye for talent and passion for nurturing new voices, he is set to help shape the next generation of filmmakers, ensuring that bold, original, and compelling stories continue to thrive.

SUGITH VARUGHESE, SOUTH ASIAN CANADIAN SCREEN PIONEER 

Sugith Varughese is a pioneering South Asian Canadian writer, director, and actor with over 100 screen credits. He is best known for his recurring roles in the hit series Kim’s Convenience (CBC/Netflix) and Transplant (CTV/NBC). A Writers’ Guild of Canada award-winning screenwriter and Gemini-nominated TV writer, he was the first visible minority accepted into the prestigious Canadian Film Centre as a writer-director.

His stage performances include Little Pretty and The Exceptional (Factory Theatre), Indian Ink (CanStage/National Arts Centre), Animal Farm (Soulpepper), and The Wrong Bashir (Crow’s Theatre). His films and children’s TV dramas have screened at festivals worldwide, earning numerous awards. Sugith co-wrote The Postman, an acclaimed outdoor play with music that premiered at the 2015 Pan Am Games. His original play Entitlement debuted at SummerWorks Theatre Festival. Recognized for his contributions to Canadian arts, he is listed in Who’s Who in Canada.

AVI GREWAL, FILM AND ENTERTAINMENT PROFESSIONAL

Avi is an accomplished leader in the intersection of business, arts, and film, currently working within the Media and Entertainment realm at the Royal Bank of Canada. As an executive with Canada’s largest bank, she navigates the intricate landscape of film and television production financing, collaborating with studios, animation houses, and publishing firms. Notably, Avi champions emerging producers through RBC’s BIPOC Emerging Producer Program, facilitating access to bank funding.

Her ardor for cinema and the arts is evident as Director of Films & Programming at IFFSA Toronto, the largest South Asian Film Festival in North America. Avi’s impact extends to education and innovation as a Board member at Sheridan College, a prominent Canadian institution renowned for screen industries. She also sits on the Board of Ontario Cultural Attractions Fund. Holding an MBA from Ivey Business School and a Bachelors of Science from the University of Wisconsin, Avi embodies multifaceted excellence.