Why This Moment Matters
At this 20-year milestone, the South Asian Bar Association stands at a rare point of reflection, transition, and institutional maturity.
From Margins to Institutions
Over two decades, South Asian lawyers have moved from underrepresentation to leadership roles across the judiciary, government, and major firms, a transformation that mirrors broader shifts in Canadian society.
A Rare Institutional Moment
SABA Toronto’s 20th anniversary marks a unique point in its evolution, mature enough to reflect honestly on its origins, growth, and impact, yet close enough to its early history to preserve firsthand memory.
A Generational Transition
As leadership passes to a new generation, this film captures the voices of founders and early advocates while they are still here to tell their story in their own words, before lived experience gives way to abstraction.
An Archival Record for the Future
This documentary is not only a celebration. It is a permanent historical record designed to educate, contextualize, and inspire future generations of lawyers, advocates, and community leaders.
The Honourable Gary Anandasangaree, Minister of Public Safety of Canada; former Minister of Justice, Attorney General, human rights lawyer and Member of Parliament
The Honourable Renu Mandhane, Judge of the Superior Court of Justice of Ontario, Former Chief Commissioner, Ontario Human Rights Commission; Professor of Law
Ena Chadha, Vice-Chair, Ontario Human Rights Tribunal; former Commissioner, Ontario Human Rights Commission
Judiciary & Public Office
SABA 20th Anniversary Documentary
Featured Voices
Voices from the judiciary, public office, and legal community whose experiences reflect the evolution, impact, and future of South Asian representation in Canada.
Russell Juriansz, First South Asian judge on the Ontario Superior Court of Justice and first racialized judge on the Ontario Court of Appeal
Ranjan Agarwal, Judge of the Superior Court of Justice of Ontario and former Ontario
Bar Association Equality Committee leader
Raj Anand, Adjudicator and former Chief Commissioner of the Ontario Human Rights Commission; founding Chair of the Ontario Human Rights Legal Support Centre
Institutional & Professional Voices
Shalini Konanur, Executive Director, South Asian Legal Clinic of Ontario
Neha Chugh, Family law lawyer; represented SABA as intervenor before the Supreme Court of Canada on domestic violence and family law cases
Jennifer Asnani Jobanputra, Founder, Women in Law Leadership; lawyer and equity advocate
Legal Advocates & Community Leaders
When we launched SABA Toronto, it wasn’t just about forming an association. It was about carving out a place where South Asian legal professionals could belong, contribute and transform the Canadian justice system together.
Ron Choudhury, Miller Thomson LLP, Founding Member, SABA Toronto
The Documentary
Raising the Bar is a 40-minute documentary exploring the evolution, contributions, and lived experiences of South Asian lawyers in Canada. Through intimate interviews and personal stories, the film uncovers the resilience, culture, and community that shaped a generation of trailblazers.
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Identity
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Representation
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Leadership
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Advocacy
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Resilience
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The future of Canadian law
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Award-winning filmmaker Jordan Walker has spent more than two decades bringing deeply human stories to life through feature films, documentaries, and cinematic branded work. His films have screened at major festivals including TIFF, Cannes, and Slamdance, and have been released in more than 35 countries. His most recent feature, James vs. His Future Self, earned Two Thumbs Up from The New York Times and holds a 100 percent Fresh rating on Rotten Tomatoes.
For Jordan, Raising the Bar is more than a film. It is a chance to honour the communities that shaped Canada’s legal landscape and to spotlight the resilience, identity, and courage of South Asian lawyers whose stories are too often overlooked. From SABA Toronto’s unlikely emergence in the aftermath of 9/11 to its leadership on defining issues like Quebec’s Bill 21, this film represents a journey of advocacy, belonging, and collective strength.
This documentary traces the journey of South Asian lawyers who shaped Canada’s legal landscape. From early trailblazers breaking barriers to today’s leaders challenging legislation like Bill 21, the film explores identity, belonging, resilience, and the pursuit of justice. It is a story of how a community rose to meet the moment and continues to shape the future.
In an era shaped by debates around equity, identity, and access to justice, the voices of South Asian lawyers offer vital insight. Their lived experiences illuminate both the challenges and the possibilities within Canada’s legal system. This documentary captures a moment in history when representation, inclusion, and constitutional rights are at the forefront of national conversation.
The documentary is crafted for law students, educators, policymakers, community leaders, corporate partners, and Canadians who care about justice and representation. It is both a celebration of 20 years of leadership and a resource for the next generation.
SABA’s mission has always been to uplift South Asian legal professionals, and we will continue to do so through our various initiatives including advocacy, community outreach, continuing professional development, gender diversity initiatives, and mentorship and networking opportunities.
- Annie Tayyab, SABA Toronto President
Raising the Bar is a 40-minute feature documentary created to commemorate the 20th Anniversary of the South Asian Bar Association of Toronto. What began as a short celebratory film quickly evolved into a larger, more powerful story, driven by the depth and urgency of the interviews captured so far. The documentary examines the evolution, impact, and continuing relevance of SABA through the lived experiences of its members, culminating in its leadership role in the Supreme Court challenge to Quebec’s Bill 21.
This project offers sponsors a meaningful opportunity to support a historic cultural work that highlights representation, justice, and leadership within the Canadian legal profession. The film will premiere at a gala screening attended by leaders across law, business, government, and media, offering unparalleled visibility and brand alignment with an influential national audience.
The Case for Sponsorship
Your brand will appear in a project that speaks to tens of thousands of lawyers, students, judges, and community members across Canada. The film will screen at SABA events, partner organizations, and online platforms.
VISIBILITY & REACH
COMMUNITY IMPACT
By supporting this documentary, you help strengthen representation in the legal profession and contribute to a project that inspires the next generation of leaders.
This film becomes part of SABA’s 20-year legacy. Sponsorship demonstrates a commitment to diversity, access to justice, and the advancement of South Asian representation in Canada.
LEGACY & ALIGNMENT
Why This Story Must Be Told
The South Asian community is now one of the most influential and fastest-growing demographics in Canada. Yet the stories of its legal trailblazers, its battles, and its progress remain largely untold.
This documentary captures a pivotal moment in Canadian history. Over the last twenty years, SABA members have shaped major cases, advanced representation at all levels, and strengthened access to justice for countless communities.
This film preserves that legacy, celebrates the leaders behind it, and shares a powerful message about inclusion, mentorship, and the future of the profession.
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About SABA Toronto
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WHO ARE WE?
SABA Toronto is one of the largest South Asian bar associations in North America, representing lawyers, law students, and legal professionals committed to justice, equity, and community advancement. For 20 years, SABA has championed diversity in the legal profession and advocated for meaningful representation.
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WHAT WE DO
Our work includes mentorship programs, legal advocacy, public education initiatives, and community outreach. We support South Asian legal professionals at every stage of their careers and work to strengthen the presence of South Asian voices in Canadian law.
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WHY IT MATTERS
Our work includes mentorship programs, legal advocacy, public education initiatives, and community outreach. We support South Asian legal professionals at every stage of their careers and work to strengthen the presence of South Asian voices in Canadian law.
Sponsorship Opportunities
Title Sponsor – $25,000 (Exclusive)
1 available
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“Presented by” credit in opening titles and all promotional materials
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Co-branding in all trailers, promotional materials, and digital releases
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Top logo placement on the documentary poster, website, and gala step-and-repeat
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Speaking opportunity or video message during the gala premiere
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Optional co-branded featurette or Behind-the-Scenes story, distributed across SABA channels and available for use by the sponsor on their own platforms and social media
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First right of renewal for future SABA productions
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Logo featured in all press releases, interviews, and media coverage
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Private screening event for sponsor and guests (up to 100 attendees)
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12 VIP tickets to the gala premiere
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Recognition as the exclusive presenting partner of the SABA 20th Anniversary Film
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The Filmmaking Team will create a collaborative social media video showcasing their support of the project
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Logo featured at the beginning of the trailer
Founding Partner – $10,000
2 available
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“In association with” credit in main title sequence or Executive Producer credit if individual.
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Prominent logo placement across documentary marketing and online materials
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Dedicated thank-you slide during the premiere screening
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Mention in select press releases and social media campaigns
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Private screening opportunity for sponsor and guests (up to 75 attendees)
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10 VIP tickets to the gala premiere
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Inclusion in post-release “Supporter Spotlight” video and LinkedIn campaign
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The Filmmaking Team will create a collaborative social media video showcasing their support of the project
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Logo featured at the beginning of the trailer
Platinum Sponsor – $7,500
Limited Quantities available
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Prominent logo placement in end credits and documentary poster
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Mention in select press releases and SABA social media campaigns
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Private screening opportunity for up to 50 guests
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6 VIP tickets to the gala premiere
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Recognition during gala presentation
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Logo featured in Trailer
Gold Sponsor – $5,000
Limited Quantities available
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Logo in end credits or Associate Producer credit if individual
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Logo placement on website and select promotional materials
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Social media thank-you post and tag
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4 VIP tickets to the gala premiere
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Name displayed on gala signage
Silver Sponsor – $2,500
Limited Quantities available
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Logo in end credits
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Logo placement on website
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2 VIP tickets to the gala premiere
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Acknowledgment in event program and social media roundup
Bronze Sponsor – $1,000
Limited Quantities available
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Name listed in end credits under “Supporters”
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2 tickets to the gala premiere
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Recognition on the SABA website
Community Contributor – $500
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Name listed under “Community Supporters” in end credits
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1 ticket to the gala premiere
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Recognition on SABA’s website
Building the Next Generation
Mentorship has always been at the heart of SABA Toronto’s mission.
For twenty years, leaders within the South Asian legal community have created pathways for students and early-career lawyers, offering guidance, opportunity, and a sense of belonging in a profession where representation was once rare.
This documentary captures that legacy in motion, not just through past achievements, but through the relationships shaping the future.
CONTACT US
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