TORONTO, CANADA, [22] June 2025 — Malaysian filmmaker Sanadtkumar Ganesan has achieved a new milestone in his career, making the nation proud by winning Best International Short at the TFS FEST 2025 Pinnacle Awards Gala, held at the renowned TIFF Lightbox – Cinema 1 in Toronto, Canada.
Sanadtkumar’s short film, ‘Late Night Mini-Mart’, was selected from a pool of outstanding international entries and awarded for its exceptional storytelling, direction, editing, and overall production execution. The award category, which covers both scripted and documentary films, honours the best work from international students enrolled in Toronto Film School.
“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,” shared the TFS FEST representative during the ceremony.
Sanadtkumar Ganesan delivers a heartfelt acceptance speech on stage as he receives the Best International Short award for his film 'Late Night Mini-Mart'.
The festival, organized by the Toronto Film School, is known for celebrating innovation, resilience, and creative excellence in filmmaking. ‘Late Night Mini-Mart’ stood out not just for its technical merit, but for its heartfelt message about pushing beyond limitations. The film explores how people are often defined by what holds them back, whether internal fears or external pressures and invites viewers to question those boundaries.
“I flew halfway across the world from Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, to be here today. 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,” said Sanadtkumar Ganesan, director of the short film ‘Late Night Mini-Mart’, as he received his award on stage.
“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,” added Sanadtkumar, as he dedicated the award to his family, his team, and his mentors at Toronto Film School.
The Best International Short award from TFS Fest 2025.
“This group of students had to do everything in an asynchronous remote environment, without the direct connection of a classroom. And yet, the result was astounding — a testament to their resilience and creativity,” said the TFS FEST representative.
TFS FEST is regarded as one of the most respected platforms for emerging filmmakers in Canada. The Pinnacle Awards, judged by a panel of industry professionals, serve as the highest honour at the festival and celebrate bold, original voices in cinema.
‘Late Night Mini-Mart’ has since garnered praise for its intimate exploration of everyday life, reflecting Malaysian culture and the universality of its themes. As Sanadtkumar continues to build his presence on the international circuit, this win reaffirms Malaysia’s growing impact in global storytelling.
About Sanadtkumar Ganesan
Sanadtkumar Ganesan is a Malaysian writer-director, award-winning documentary filmmaker, and co-founder of Ascendance, one of the largest Southeast Asia’s youth organizations that has impacted over 55,000 students across 26 countries and 900+ communities. A 2023 graduate of Toronto Film School, he is best known for deeply personal storytelling that explores identity and emotional growth.
His 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.
About TFS FEST
Hosted annually by the Toronto Film School, TFS FEST showcases the best of short films, documentaries, and digital content from students and emerging filmmakers worldwide. The Pinnacle Awards are the festival’s top honours, spotlighting cinematic excellence and innovation.