It’s that time of year again, when Mississauga is abundant with contemporary Indian cinema lovers and megastars alike. The Mosaic International South Asian Film Festival (MISAFF16) returns for its fifth annual festival, this year focusing on diversity with films such as ALIGARH, which takes on the issue of LGBT visibility, and GIRL IN A RIVER, the Oscar-winning HBO doc on women’s issues and honour killings. But the festival isn’t all serious – it’s a star-studded event with previous guests including Deepa Mehta, Ali Kamzi and Supinder Wraich – so who knows who you’ll be rubbing elbows with this year!

1. Rajkumar Rao on the red carpet for ALIGARH

The breakout star of ALIGARH and perhaps Delhi’s hottest export, Rajkumar Rao will be walking the red carpet of the film's Canadian Premiere on Thursday, Aug 4th at 6PM at Cineplex Mississauga. Are you going to get a selfie with him? Opening night tickets here. 

2. After party at STIR

An opening night wouldn’t be an opening night without a few drinks and a wicked party. Following the red carpet, the screening of ALIGARH and a Q and A with the films director Hansal Mehta and star Rajkumar Rao, the A-list guest list will head over to STIR.

3. World premiere of ON AGAIN OFF AGAIN

MISAFF16 is bringing the Toronto-based production some much needed love and attention. ON AGAIN OFF AGAIN, by Toronto-based writer, director, producer and actor Arsalan Shirazi, is getting its World Premiere on Friday August 5th at 10 pm. 

4. Special presentation of Oscar-winning HBO Doc: GIRL IN A RIVER

This critically important film investigates honour killings. Directed by Sharmeen Obaid-Chinoy, the film follows an 18 year-old girl who survives an attempted honour killing by her father and uncle. The film's return to the big screen is an event you don’t want to miss – get your tickets here.

5. Q & A with Anu Menon, director of WAITING

The well respected Anu Menon makes a triumphant return with WAITING – a beautiful film about despair and heartbreak mixed with hope. We can’t wait to hear what she has to say about her latest project. 

6. ‘How To Be Indie’ star Varun Saranga receiving a MISAFF Star Award

This Scarborough native is a promising up and comer. MISAFF has its finger on the pulse of the industry in naming Varun Saranga, who has a role in the upcoming season of the CBC hit Schitt’s Creek, their MISAFF Star of 2016. Congrats Varun! Get your closing ceremony tickets here.