At a time of global unrest and displacement, the curation of this year's UK Asian Film Festival (UKAFF) is inspired by the theme Ray Of Hope. This year's line-up highlights stories of resilience and bravery, celebrating those who take a stand against oppression and injustice. The festival content will feature characters, stories and storytellers that strive for a better world through films that highlight inclusivity, kindness and, above all, empathy.
UKAFF, presented by Tongues on Fire, historically showcases South Asian feminist films and the work of pioneering female artists and auteurs. The festival, now in its 23rd edition, will run from May 26 to June 6 at venues across London, Manchester, Leicester, Coventry, Glasgow and Stockton.
The opening film will mark the UK premiere of ‘Raahgir’ (The Wayfarers – pictured), directed by Goutam Ghose, at BFI Southbank in London.
Featuring Adil Hussain, Tillotama Shome, Neeraj Kabi, this epic and elemental journey through relentless monsoon and breath-taking nature tells the story of a man and woman driven by hunger to search for work in the nearest town. Nathuni leaves behind a paralytic husband and two children, while Lakhua is a permanent wonderer who lives on the fringes of society. In sharing their difficult journey, they exchange life stories and find themselves drawn into a life and death struggle.
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The closing film will mark the world premiere of ‘The Beatles And India’, directed by Ajoy Bhose and Peter Comption. The fascinating documentary explores the life and times of The Beatles’ love affair with India, its religions and its culture and, in turn, the impact of their music and style on a young generation in India. Drawing on a rich seam of archive and interviews, the film features leading figures from both sides including musical genius and film composer, Pandit Ravi Shankar, in this nostalgic celebration of Anglo-Indian collaboration.
UKAFF Founder-Director Dr Pushpinder Chowdhry MBE said: “We are thrilled to bring the magic of the cinema back again! After a year of virtual living, we are proud to be working with our partners to create safe spaces for our audiences to enjoy films in person.
“We have shifted our dates during this exceptional time to adhere to government regulations and to take into account religious festivities to make sure we continue to serve all South Asian communities. We have also curated a selection of online premieres to make sure we reach new, UK-wide audiences.”
UKAFF Creative Director Samir Bhamra added: “Cinema has been a ray of hope for all of us during this pandemic. Its power to entertain, provide escapism and boost our wellbeing has held us all together during this pandemic. And just as characters in films go on a journey of growth, UKAFF has expanded to Coventry this year.
“Working in partnership with Belgrade Theatre, we are delighted to be one of the key headline events during the UK City of Culture to celebrate the best of South Asian culture, positivity and creativity.”
UKAFF is supported by the BFI and Arts Council England, backed by funds from the National Lottery and the Department for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport (DCMS).
