UK Asian Film Festival – the world’s longest-running South Asian film festival – has unveiled its programme for its 25th-anniversary edition. Running at venues across London, Leicester and Glasgow from Thursday 4th – Sunday 14th May, UK Asian Film Festival is presented by Tongues on Fire and is supported by the BFI and Arts Council England, both awarding funds from the National Lottery, as well as support from the Department for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport (DCMS). #HereforCulture.
The ‘Celebrating Our Stories’ theme of the festival’s silver jubilee year will present a curation of film stories centring on the British Asian experience – redefining and reimagining one’s roots and dreams in a foreign land – and will celebrate the individuality and uniqueness of trans generational, South Asian migrant stories.
The Opening Gala will present the UK Premiere of Sanaa (India, 2022; Dir: Sudhanshu Saria; Language: Hindi with English subtitles) on Thursday 4th May, BFI Southbank.
The London Premiere of Kamli (Pakistan, 2022; Dir: Sarmad Khoosat; Language: Urdu with English subtitles) takes place on Saturday 6th March, Rich Mix, Shoreditch.
As part of the festival’s LGBTQ strand, the UK Premiere of Trans Kashmir (India, 2022; Dirs: S.A. Hanan, Surbhi Dewan; Language: English and Kashmiri Urdu with English subtitles) takes place on Sunday 7th May, Rich Mix, Shoreditch.
The World Premiere of Whispers Of A Storm (India, 2023; Dir: Amartya Bhattacharyya; Language: Odia with English subtitles) takes place on Thursday 9th May, Stratford East Picturehouse.
The World Premiere of Footprints On Water (India/ UK, 2022; Dir: Nathalia Syam; Language: English, Tamil, Malayalam, Polish with English subtitles) takes place on Saturday 13th May, Kiln Theatre, London.
The Closing Film on Saturday 13th May, Kiln Theatre, London is the World Premiere of Bhagwan Bharose (India, 2023; Dir: Shiladitya Bora; Language: Hindi with English subtitles).
UK Asian Film Festival annually hosts an eclectic mix of films; a thought-provoking lecture series; audience workshops; live performances; visual arts exhibitions; masterclasses; and the annual Short Film Competition. It celebrates the very best in films with a link to South Asia and the myriad dimensions of South Asian arts and culture.
The 25th Anniversary Celebration of Goodness Gracious Me will take place on Monday 8th May, Beck Theatre, Hayes.
Talking Life on Friday 12th May, The British Library will present Padma Bhushan recipient, screenwriter, lyricist and poet, Javed Akhtar; and television producer and writer, Nasreen Munni Kabir, bringing their conversational book to life in a freewheeling discussion that will provide insights into the life and mind of a creative genius whose work continues to touch millions and the memories and anecdotes he has gathered along the way. They will be joined by Akhtar’s wife, award-winning actor Shabana Azmi.
UK Asian Film Festival Founder and Director, Dr Pushpinder Chowdhry MBE said, “When we set up Tongues on Fire, we wanted to create a platform for thought-provoking stories that stimulate meaningful conversations, unpack uncomfortable truths and challenge patriarchy. It fills us with great pride and joy to open our silver jubilee edition at NFT 1 BFI Southbank with a powerful screening of Sanaa. This unique film has a compelling story that celebrates the journey so far for women’s independence. South Asian women are finally taking control to make their own decisions, be it their careers, their bodies or their lives in a slow-changing man’s world. Sanaa carries a beautiful message of solidarity and sisterhood to challenge generations of gender conditioning and the subtleties of modern misogyny.”
UK Asian Film Festival Creative Director, Samir Bhamra said, “I’m ecstatic! What an honour to have been part of the Tongues on Fire UK Asian Film Festival journey! I started as a volunteer for the festival in 2002 and was moved by the astonishing drive and ambition of the founders, Dr Pushpinder Chowdhry and Harvinder Nath. They spearheaded an incredible film festival against all the odds to screen powerful South Asian stories to transform our communities. Our beloved festival strives to highlight new perspectives and shines the spotlight on acclaimed filmmakers. Our silver jubilee celebrations are rolling out the red carpet to welcome you back with an incredible line up of rich experiences. Join us for new discoveries and fan favourites at a cinema or theatre in London, Leicester or Scotland!”
