Latest news with #TFSFEST2025PinnacleAwardsGala
New Straits Times
7 days ago
- Entertainment
- New Straits Times
#SHOWBIZ: Mini-mart meltdown turns cinematic gold
IT'S 2am. Fluorescent lights buzz overhead. Someone's voice echoes through the empty convenience store, caught in between the aisles. Sounds of conflict begin to escalate, piercing the silence of the serene hour. The cashier watches, probably wondering if this is what they signed up for during the night shift. These viral mini-mart meltdown videos scroll past most of our feeds as fleeting Internet entertainment. But for 25-year-old Sanadtkumar Ganesan, they were pure inspiration. "I kept seeing these videos of people having heated arguments in mini marts," he says in a recent interview. "I found myself drawn to the tension beneath the surface." He found himself wondering about the stories behind those moments of public breakdown. "What drives someone to vent at 2am in public? What are they going through?" That curiosity became 'Late Night Mini-Mart', a short film about four strangers whose lives collide in an unexpected emotional crossroad. Between shelves of snacks and under harsh lighting, vulnerability meets frustration meets genuine human connection. COLLABORATIVE EFFORT Sanadtkumar assembled four non-actors for his cast, including Malaysian stand-up comedian Asuraajan. "None of them had acting experience," he says. Two weeks of rehearsals focused on character understanding and building authentic chemistry between the performers. Sanadtkumar's keen observation has resonated with viewers and made an impact. The short film featuring a Selayang mini mart just won Best International Short at the TFS FEST 2025 Pinnacle Awards Gala in Toronto. The film beat international entries, chosen by Toronto Film School students who recognised its storytelling, direction, editing and production quality. During his acceptance speech at TIFF Lightbox Cinema 1, Sanadtkumar said: "This film came from a place of wanting to push past self-doubt and fear. We're more than our limits, and I hope this film reminds people of that." The production was a masterclass in efficiency, shot over two nights from 10pm to 3am. The team transformed an actual mini mart in Selayang into their film set. "Everything had to be well planned," Sanadtkumar recalls. The tight schedule meant every decision mattered, every shot counted. Behind the camera, the small production team wore multiple hats. Sanadtkumar co-directed, coordinated and managed the crew while fielding constant questions from every department. "Directing is really about answering questions," he explains. "Why this makeup? Why this costume? Why this timing? You're constantly making decisions and offering clarity." The collaborative energy kept him motivated. "Eventually, you're surrounded by people who ask thoughtful questions, and you get to collaborate by finding the right answers together." CREATING MEANINGFUL WORK This international recognition caps a creative journey that began early. At 14, Sanadtkumar met longtime collaborator Rammya, who invited him to edit a music video. "I was just a kid who loved movies and edited videos of my own, but she gave me a real chance." That moment of belief laid the groundwork for ET Boost Productions, their company handling film production, photography, publicity and digital campaigns. His drive for impact showed up young. At 15, he co-founded Ascendance, a youth initiative now reaching more than 55,000 students across 26 countries. "It started with three close friends. We were the kind of kids who brainstormed social impact projects together." His teacher parents influenced his path. Watching them help students beyond the classroom shaped his desire to create meaningful work. His filmmaking heroes reflect this sensibility: Christopher Nolan, Kamal Haasan, and especially the late Yasmin Ahmad, whose 'Talentime' remains his all-time favourite. "It changed my life," he says, crediting her for showing how Malaysian stories can resonate globally. Currently in Canada, Sanadtkumar meets with industry figures like Andrew Mayer, executive producer of 'Schitt's Creek', while developing his next project. The details remain under wraps, but his mission stays clear: "Keep growing, keep learning. "When you lean into your strengths, you'll start to understand how you can impact the world." From viral video inspiration to international awards, Sanadtkumar has turned late-night mini-mart chaos into cinematic gold. Watch 'Late Night Mini-Mart" on the ET Boost YouTube channel.
Sinar Daily
23-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Sinar Daily
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. 23 Jun 2025 11:36am Sanadtkumar is a Malaysian writer-director, award-winning documentary filmmaker and co-founder of Ascendance, one of the largest Southeast Asia's youth organisations. - Photo via Bernama Lifestyle KUALA LUMPUR - 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 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. - Photo via Bernama Lifestyle 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, 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
Malaysian Reserve
22-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Malaysian Reserve
Malaysian filmmaker Sanadtkumar wins Best International Short in Canada
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 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
