Festival opens with World Premiere of Minimum on 2nd May, BFI IMAX, London
Closing Film to welcome actress, Rasika Dugal, at UK Premiere of
Lord Curzon Ki Haveli, on 11th May, Regent Street Cinema
Veteran actress, Karisma Kapoor, among luminaries attending Closing Gala
On 12th May, Kiln Theatre
Legendary actress, Supriya Pathak Kapur, to attend World Premiere of Baby Crasto
On 8th May, Harrow Arts Centre
50 industry years marked at Celebrating The Golden Girl: Shabana Azmi
On Tuesday 7th May, Somerville College, Oxford
Festival runs 2nd -12th May in venues across London, Leicester, and Oxford
“Climate of Change” themed programme of films and events exploring
Societal transformation in today’s world
UK Asian Film Festival – the world’s longest running South Asian film festival – has unveiled the full programme for its 26th edition. Running at venues across London, Leicester and Oxford from Thursday 2nd – Sunday 12th May, UK Asian Film Festival is presented by Tongues on Fire and is supported by the BFI, awarding funds from the BFI Audience Projects Fund. UK Asian Film Festival is powered by broadcast partners, SONY TV and Lyca Radio. TV Partner for UKAFF Short Film Competition is Shorts TV.
UK Asian Film Festival has historically championed South Asian female-centric cinema and women in film – both behind and in front of the camera. Its programmes have annually sought to disrupt the patriarchal status quo and initiate challenging conversations in its mission to advocate and promote gender equality in cinema.
This year’s Climate of Change theme reflects the sense that the air is shifting in our society; that we are ready to move on from the experiences of the recent past. To navigate this journey through film, the UKAFF programme brings inspiration, joy and moments of delight. Cinema is 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.”
UK Asian Film Festival Founder and Director, Dr Pushpinder Chowdhry MBE says, “Join us at the UK Asian Film Festival, where we celebrate feminism, diversity and empower emerging British Asian talents. Our ‘Creative Minds of Tomorrow’ initiative at 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. Under the theme, ‘Climate of Change,’ we aspire to instil in young filmmakers a profound sense of self-respect and self-worth, fostering personal growth and contributing to societal progress.”
UK Asian Film Festival Creative Director, Samir Bhamra says, “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.”
Miyrah Mistry, Head of Marketing for Sony Pictures Networks Europe says, “SONY TV is excited to continue their partnership with UK Asian Film Festival. The festival has opened doors to thousands by providing a platform to showcase and promote South Asian talent globally. This year UKAFF will showcase the best films and give you the opportunity to mingle with well-known actors, directors and music artists. We look forward to seeing you there!”
Raj Baddhan, CEO of Lyca Media says, “We’re thrilled to be selected as the exclusive radio partner of the biggest Asian film festival in the UK. We’ll be enhancing the coverage of UKAFF 2024 across the Lyca Radio Network and bringing our listeners all the updates with film guides, celebrity interviews and live shows from the Opening and Closing ceremony. At Lyca Radio, we believe in connecting with our audiences with things that matter in their community and, with UKAFF 2024, we are doing precisely that.”
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