BetterHalf Films is a Canadian independent film production company founded by filmmaker and producer Gursimran Datla. The company develops and produces films and series exploring contemporary social realities, diasporic identities, and stories with global relevance.
BetterHalf Films projects have been presented and recognized at film festivals and cultural platforms including the International Film Festival of South Asia Toronto, Emerging Lens Cultural Film Festival, Nuit Blanche Toronto, and MOSAIC International South Asian Film Festival.
The company combines creative development with a strong producing and international market focus. Its work is informed by professional development through the National Screen Institute’s EAVE Producers Program and the Reykjavik International Film Festival Talent Lab.
In 2025, the series project Departure was selected as a pitch finalist at Content Canada during the Toronto International Film Festival, while the feature project Reception was selected among the final two pitches at the Forest City Film Festival.
BetterHalf Films continues to develop Canadian and international projects for film and television, building partnerships across markets and territories. The company most recently participated in the Asia Film and TV Market as part of an official Canadian delegation.
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Gursimran Datla, while directing series - "Masala Love".
BTS Photo of Cast and Crew members while shooting "Masala Love."
Initiatives by BetterHalf Films
BetterHalf Films is an independent Canadian production company committed to telling stories from underserved and underrepresented communities. Beyond developing films and series, we aim to create practical opportunities for emerging filmmakers to gain experience, build industry connections, and develop their creative voices.
Mentorship & Emerging Filmmaker Support
BetterHalf Films is working to create mentorship and work-placement opportunities for emerging filmmakers, with a particular focus on equity-deserving and historically underrepresented talent.
Through partnerships with colleges, arts organizations, and industry programs, we aim to provide hands-on exposure to different areas of independent film production, including development, producing, production, and post-production.
Community College Internships
Founder Gursimran Datla is a graduate of Centennial College’s Advanced Filmmaking program and understands the importance of practical, on-set experience when entering the film industry.
BetterHalf Films aims to collaborate with community colleges and film programs to offer short-term, 4–6 week internship and placement opportunities for recent graduates. These placements are intended to provide meaningful production experience in an inclusive environment while helping emerging filmmakers better understand the realities of independent filmmaking in Canada.
Our long-term goal is simple: to help more filmmakers from diverse backgrounds gain access to the experience, mentorship, and professional networks needed to build sustainable careers in the screen industry.