‘Minimum’, a poignant film set in Belgium within the context of an Indian family and marking American-Belgian-Indian actor Rumana Molla’s directorial debut, will open the 2024 edition of the annual UK Asian Film Festival (UKAFF) in London on May 2.
‘Minimum’ centres around the trials and tribulations of a newlywed Indian woman Fauzia, who travels to Belgium following an arranged marriage over the phone, only to find herself trapped in a web of lies and misgivings. As new friendships are formed and secrets are revealed, Fauzia embarks on a journey of self-discovery and learns to demand more than bare minimum from life. The film stars Molla in a key role along with actors Naseeruddin Shah, Namit Das, Saba Azad and Geetanjali Kulkarni.
This year’s theme is “Climate of Change”, chosen to reflect a sense that the air is shifting to move on from the lived experiences of the recent past. To navigate this journey through film, the UKAFF programme brings inspiration, joy and moments of delight.
UKAFF Founder and Director Dr Pushpinder Chowdhry said: “The UK Asian Film Festival this year celebrates feminism, diversity and empowering emerging British Asian talents.
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“Our 'Creative Minds of Tomorrow' initiative at the BFI Southbank offers exclusive, behind-the-scenes insights and skills workshops led by industry experts, empowering aspiring filmmakers to craft diverse narratives. Through unique cinematic experiences, we aim to shape their identities, boost self-confidence and encourage learning from diverse perspectives.”
The UKAFF team describes cinema as a tool for change as it brings people closer together; it sparks conversations; amplifies voices; and builds empathy. Stories guide us to confront the complexities of our world with bravery, compassion and action.
UKAFF Creative Director Samir Bhamra said: “We are at a critical juncture of political and economic uncertainty, and something has to shift globally. Our festival provides a vital platform to see amazing films, amplify voices, ignite conversations and make new connections with empathy.
“Now more than ever, cinema is a conduit for change. I hope our programme inspires all communities to embrace the complexities of our world with courage, love and action to bridge divides.”
The festival’s Closing Gala at the Kiln Theatre in London will see playback singer Kavita Krishnamurthy and actress Karisma Kapoor felicitated with awards for their contributions to the artistic scene and to Hindi cinema. Aligned to this year’s festival theme, fashion sustainability will be celebrated with maverick Indian designer, Rina Dhaka, as she discusses her environmentally friendly collections and career trajectory alongside a runway show of her most iconic pieces over the years.
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A special ‘Magical Melodies: Celebrating Mohammed Rafi’ tribute event will celebrate the 100-year musical journey of the legendary Indian singer known for his soulful playback singing in some of the most iconic Hindi films over the years. The ‘Celebrating The Golden Girl: Shabana Azmi’ event in Oxford will celebrate 50 industry years of the veteran Indian actress and her work across Indian and international films and theatre, helping to raise funds to support scholarships at the Oxford India Centre for Sustainable Development.
The closing film of the 2024 festival will mark the UK premiere of acclaimed actor Anshuman Jha’s directorial debut, ‘Lord Curzon Ki Haveli’, a dark comedy thriller that tells the story of four South Asians abroad in the UK.
*Info: UK Asian Film Festival