A Festival of Stories That Bind Us
The 28th edition of the UK Asian Film Festival returns for ten days of daring storytelling under the banner “Stories That Bind Us.” Running from 1 to 10 May, the programme tours four UK cities—London, Leicester, Warwick and Cumbernauld—bringing together political insight, cultural nuance and pure entertainment. Each screening is designed to widen perspectives, deepen appreciation for Asian film and television, and spark conversation among diverse audiences.
Opening Night: Ghost School Makes Its UK Debut
The festival kicks off at BFI Southbank with the UK premiere of Ghost School, directed by Seemab Gul. Presented in Urdu with English subtitles, the magical‑realist drama follows ten‑year‑old Rabia as she probes the sudden shutdown of her village school in rural Pakistan. Through her eyes, the narrative peels back layers of corruption, superstition and systemic inequality, while championing the transformative power of education.
A post‑screening Q&A with Gul offers insight into the film’s social urgency. Gul explains, “Showing Ghost School at UKAFF gives urgent, under‑represented stories a platform. The reality of ‘ghost schools’ in Pakistan illustrates a broken system, yet the film holds onto the belief that even a single voice can challenge it.”
Closing Night: Shadowbox Highlights Domestic Resilience
The festival’s finale features the UK premiere of Shadowbox, the striking directorial debut of Tanushree Das and Saumyananda Sahi. This Bengali‑language drama provides an intimate portrait of a working‑class Indian household coping with a husband’s PTSD and a surrounding murder investigation. The layered script explores mental health, familial resilience and the quiet tensions that shape everyday life.
Following the screening, lead actress Tillotama Shome joins a Q&A, discussing her character’s journey and the film’s relevance amid global conflicts. Das and Sahi note, “Although Shadowbox is rooted in Barrackpore, audiences worldwide have responded personally to Maya and Sundar’s story. In an era marked by war and genocide, our film reflects the lingering residues of violence and a family’s quest for healing.”
Spotlight Premiere: Mera Lyari – A Football Dream
On May 2, Mera Lyari, directed by Abu Aleeha, takes the stage. The film follows two teenage girls in Pakistan who defy social expectations to chase professional football careers. Their determination offers a fresh, gender‑forward perspective on South‑Asian sport culture and adds a vibrant, youthful pulse to the festival lineup.
Restored Classic: Umrao Jaan in 4K
A special highlight arrives on May 4 at BFI IMAX: the newly restored 4K version of Umrao Jaan (1981), directed by Muzaffar Ali. Starring Rekha in her award‑winning role as a 19th‑century Lucknow courtesan, the film explores love, loss and artistic expression within a richly period‑crafted world. The National Film Archive of India oversaw the digital restoration, delivering unprecedented visual and sound clarity. A Q&A with Ali follows, granting audiences rare access to one of Indian cinema’s most revered auteurs.
Beyond the Screen: Workshops, Masterclasses & Short Film Competition
UKAFF’s impact extends past screenings. The festival hosts lectures, live performances, visual‑arts exhibitions and masterclasses that foster dialogue among creators and enthusiasts. Its annual Short Film Competition shines a spotlight on emerging South‑Asian talent, celebrating the region’s artistic diversity and encouraging fresh voices to enter the global conversation.
Founder’s Vision: Connecting Through Cinema
Festival founder and director Pushpinder Chowdhry reflects on the event’s purpose: “In these uncertain, often divided times, cinema reminds us that storytelling is our shared language of connection and hope. ‘Stories That Bind Us’ showcases the creativity, resilience and courage of the South‑Asian diaspora, offering safe yet challenging spaces where audiences confront displacement, injustice and, ultimately, solidarity.”
