The ongoing political tension between Canada and India affected Anushuman Jha’s plan of attending the Canadian première of his directorial debut, Lord Curzon Ki Haveli, at the International South Asian Film Festival (ISAFF) of Vancouver on September 29.

The Rasika Dugal and Arjun Mathur-starrer had its world première at the Indian Film Festival of Melbourne (IFFM), followed by a North American première where it received a standing ovation. The team was hoping to repeat the experience in Vancouver. However, tourist-related travel problems have become a prominent issue in the wake of India’s announcement to temporarily halt visa processing for Canadian nationals due to concerns for their staff’s safety.

Jha, who had booked his tickets to Vancouver from Chicago, has returned to Mumbai now. Talking to mid-day, he says, “It’s unfortunate that none of us are in Canada for ISAFF. I wish art and politics were kept apart, but this is the world we live in. We are excited that our film is the opening night film at ISAFF. I hope the audience enjoys our film about Asians in the West, and the spirit of Alfred Hitchcock sits at the screening.”