uri Parmar, like many emerging screenwriters, discovered the CSSC while searching for reputable screenplay competitions. What drew her to the CSSC was its strong reputation for producing winning scripts. “I think I found it through MovieBytes,” she recalls. “I used that site to gauge if a competition was worth submitting to, and the CSSC had strong feedback. It seemed like a solid bet.” Little did she know how transformative that wager would be.

Reflecting on her win, Suri recalls,

“I never dreamed about winning anything, I was just writing at the time. When I found out I won, I couldn’t believe it. And then to see it produced so quickly — from pre-production to airing on Bravo channel — it was a really, really short amount of time.”

For many writers, early projects are often self-funded and shot in makeshift settings with friends and family filling in as actors. But for Suri, Minus Lara was produced with a full bells and whistles crew, union actors, and a professional set. “It was mind-blowing,” she says. “My dad and I actually traveled to Saskatchewan to watch the filming. I learned a lot from that experience.”

Winning the CSSC opened doors for Suri that she hadn’t anticipated. Following her win, she was accepted into the Screenwriter’s Lab at Norman Jewsion’s Canadian Film Centre, an opportunity that further honed her skills and expanded her industry network. “I initially thought I’d need ten years of writing experience before making films,” she admits. After placing in the CSSC, she thought,

“If this script had legs, maybe my other work does too.”

From there, Suri pursued an MFA in creative writing in the United States, where she found a collaborative artistic community that further shaped her storytelling approach. The combination of formal training and real-world production experience positioned her to work as a university professor; teaching screenwriting, film production, and creative writing at institutions like Toronto Metropolitan University and the University of Southern Maine. Beyond writing, Suri has also transitioned into directing, though it came with its own set of challenges.

“Directing was incredibly stressful at first,” she admits. “I didn’t have the budget, the crew, or the resources to do it properly. But over time, I learned the importance of having the right team. Now, I know I need to invest in the right people to bring my vision to life.”

Suri’s work has continued to gain recognition, with her most recent film, You’re Smart, screening at major festivals like the Reykjavík International Film Festival. “That was a big moment for me.” she says. “I had been sick for a long time and didn’t think I’d ever make films again. But screening internationally reminded me why I do this.”

Currently, Suri is working on a deeply personal documentary short about her cancer experience, blending live action and animation. “It’s been a deeply personal and cathartic process,” she reveals. While much of her work has explored trauma, Suri is now looking to shift gears. “I want my next project to be fun. Maybe another dance piece.” Something like her CSSC submission Minus Lara.

Minus Lara, Suri’s CSSC-winning short screenplay turned film, is a love letter to music, dance and her passion for filmmaking. The story follows a young woman who is transported back to the 1900s by the elegance of an antique store synthesizer. “I was inspired by the movie Doctor Zhivago,” Suri explains. “I had the idea of someone just entering a fantasy world and getting lost in it.” Suri often finds herself reminiscing with the fiction genre. “Fiction writing is incredibly hard for me, but it’s also incredible.” For aspiring screenwriters, she emphasizes the importance of writing for yourself, not others.

“Early in my career, I was pigeonholed as ‘the horror girl,’ which was frustrating because I’m not even a girl,” she says. “Now, I just write what I want to write. Whether it’s fantasy, drama, or comedy, it’s all about finding my own voice.”

This rings even more true in an encounter she shared during one of her many writing programs and residencies; an agent once told her:

“Aaron Sorkin can write everything, you need to pick a lane and stick with it.”

Suri wholeheartedly disagrees,

“Write what you want, when you want, whenever you feel like it. If you can’t enjoy yourself doing it, then what’s the point?”

She also stresses the importance of craft over commercial appeal. “Too often, writers are told to create something sellable,” she says. “But first, you need to learn how to write. Focus on developing your storytelling skills before worrying about marketability.”

She also highlights the importance of finding a creative community.

“Going to graduate school in the U.S. was a huge jump for me. I found my tribe — people who understood me artistically. It’s important to surround yourself with others who challenge and inspire you.”

As for writer’s block? Suri’s advice is simple:

“Plan, plan, plan,” she preaches. “Break your story down — Logline to Synopsis to Treatment — You go from a logline to a paragraph, you perfect that. You go from a paragraph to a page or two page synopsis, you perfect that. You go from that to a proper five to ten page treatment. And then from there, you go to the screenplay. You’re filling in blanks rather than starting from scratch.”

For those considering submitting to the CSSC, Parmar emphasizes the competition’s ability to create real opportunities.

“I just never expected it to happen. The opportunity that they gave to me, I was a young, feminine presenting writer of colour, with no experience or power or anything like that. For them to give me this opportunity is a huge deal, for which I’m very grateful. A lot of screenwriting competitions as well — They don’t really further your career. I figured out pretty early on that winning an award will look good on your resume but don’t expect to become rich and famous from it. The CSSC is an anomaly among screenplay competitions — they actually produce tangible results. You’re not just going to have a pretty credit for your resume, they’re actually going to give you something tangible.”

In an industry that tends to prioritize commercial success and marketability, Suri’s journey reminds us of the profound importance of writing for yourself. Whether it’s a personal story, a fantastical escape, or a deeply emotional exploration, the act of writing is, at its core, an expression of who you are. Suri’s success — from Minus Lara to You’re Smart — stems not from chasing trends, but from staying true to their own voice and passions. As she puts it, “If you can’t enjoy yourself doing it, then what’s the point?”

So, as you sit down to write, remember: the most powerful stories come from a place of authenticity. Write what moves you, what excites you, and what feels true to your heart. Because when you write for yourself, you create something that resonates far beyond the page.