UniAction Founder Spotlighted in Forbes for Launching Social Impact Film & Art Festival

Montreal, November 9, 2020 — In a feature published by Forbes, Thi Be Nguyen, founder of UniAction, was recognized for her visionary role in launching the Social Impact Film and Art Festival (SIFA Festival)—a creative platform where storytelling becomes a powerful vehicle for cultural diplomacy and social transformation. The festival brings together global creators whose works raise awareness, foster empathy, and catalyze real-world change.

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Co-founded with Sean St. John, the festival officially launched in 2020, during the COVID-19 pandemic—a moment Nguyen viewed as an opportunity to act. The SIFA Festival showcases film, photography, theatre, music, and visual arts from around the world, amplifying voices often left unheard and using art as a tool of cultural connection and global dialogue.

Nguyen, who has roots as a refugee and documentary filmmaker, knows firsthand the emotional and historical complexity of displacement. Her first film recounted her parents’ perilous escape by boat from Laos to Thailand after the Laos silent war. Her later film, Coming Home: Beyond A Moonless Night, explores colonialism’s lasting impact on Vietnam and its desire for independence (which will be premiered in 2021). These deeply personal stories helped shape her belief that cultural narratives can transcend borders and unite diverse communities.

“We are proud to recognize filmmakers, organizations, and businesses whose work creates real social impact—those who use their creativity, platforms, and resources not just to tell stories, but to transform lives and build a more just, compassionate world,” Nguyen told Forbes. “Film plays its part in creating awareness and influencing change. Art more broadly … can all do that too.”

As an initiative grounded in cultural diplomacy, SIFA is more than a film festival—it’s a platform for international understanding. Through screenings, exhibitions, and post-event dialogues, the festival creates meaningful exchanges between cultures, challenging stereotypes and inspiring collaborative action.

Awards are given in 11 categories, including film, music, photography, and art. Submissions are judged not only on creativity, but also on social impact—from raising funds for causes to mobilizing communities.

Despite the challenges of a global pandemic, the first red carpet gala is planned for 2021, with hybrid events ensuring international accessibility. Nguyen remains committed to making the festival a global symbol of how culture, art, and diplomacy can shape a more compassionate world.

Through SIFA and UniAction, Nguyen continues to demonstrate how cultural diplomacy—expressed through film and art—can bridge divides, open dialogue, and build peace across continents.