The curtain has closed on another brilliant London Indian Film Festival! Running over two weeks and four cities – London, Birmingham, Manchester, and Leeds – The Blue Orchid Hotels London Indian Film Festival (Liff) delivered another outstanding slate of films, Q&a sessions, and special in-conversations and panels with actors, directors, and more. It was a record year with huge audiences, and many of the films had sold-out screenings.
Festival Director Cary Rajinder Sawhney MBE says: “We are delighted that the festival’s drive to return fully to cinemas in London, Birmingham, and Manchester has been responded to by record audiences. Certain cinemas, such as the BFI Southbank, described the festival as their best seller over the period. There is clearly an appetite to return to the big screen, especially with a festival cocktail of high-quality premieres with frequent guest appearances. What is notable this year is that comedies such as A Fishy Trip,...
Festival Director Cary Rajinder Sawhney MBE says: “We are delighted that the festival’s drive to return fully to cinemas in London, Birmingham, and Manchester has been responded to by record audiences. Certain cinemas, such as the BFI Southbank, described the festival as their best seller over the period. There is clearly an appetite to return to the big screen, especially with a festival cocktail of high-quality premieres with frequent guest appearances. What is notable this year is that comedies such as A Fishy Trip,...
- 7/16/2022
- by Stacey Yount
- Bollyspice
Pan Nalin’s ode to cinema “Last Film Show” (aka “Chhello Show”) earned the audience award at The Blue Orchid Hotels London Indian Film Festival, which took place in London, but also traveled to Birmingham, Manchester and Leeds between June 23 and July 8, 2022.
Nalin has previously enjoyed success at the festival with his other award-winning films including “Samsara,” “Valley of the Flowers” and “Angry Indian Goddess.”
In the Satayjit Ray short film category “Jaagran,” co-directed by Ritviq Joshi and Hardik Sadhwani, won the Liff Jury Prize. Jury judges awarded the film for its “engaging, relatable and witty exploration of a serious issue everyone can identify with.” They also said they found it, “socially and politically astute, brilliantly acted and hilariously funny.”
“ ‘Jaagran’ was an over-ambitious 20 page dream that we saw together,” said Joshi and Sadhwani. “Miraculously, we put together an experienced team who believed in the script, helped us learn and turn our dream into reality.
Nalin has previously enjoyed success at the festival with his other award-winning films including “Samsara,” “Valley of the Flowers” and “Angry Indian Goddess.”
In the Satayjit Ray short film category “Jaagran,” co-directed by Ritviq Joshi and Hardik Sadhwani, won the Liff Jury Prize. Jury judges awarded the film for its “engaging, relatable and witty exploration of a serious issue everyone can identify with.” They also said they found it, “socially and politically astute, brilliantly acted and hilariously funny.”
“ ‘Jaagran’ was an over-ambitious 20 page dream that we saw together,” said Joshi and Sadhwani. “Miraculously, we put together an experienced team who believed in the script, helped us learn and turn our dream into reality.
- 7/12/2022
- by Patrick Frater
- Variety Film + TV
The London Indian Film Festival (Liff), is back for its 13th year and we have a sneak peek into the exciting films that will be showcased at the prestigious festival! This year’s Liff spans 14 days from 23rd June – 6th July, screening in various cinemas across London as well as regionally in Manchester, Birmingham, and Leeds. Plus the BFI Player will host a selection of short films. Plus there will be films available at LoveLIFFatHome.com but more to come on that later.
As with every year, the festival strives to bring thought-provoking, unique viewpoints and outstanding independent films to audiences with the selection of films Liff brings to the screen. Not only featuring world premieres, and special screenings, Liff also features masterclasses and incredible Q&a events after the screenings. Liff brings an in-depth look into cinema.
Festival Director Cary Rajinder Sawhney MBE says, “We are delighted at the...
As with every year, the festival strives to bring thought-provoking, unique viewpoints and outstanding independent films to audiences with the selection of films Liff brings to the screen. Not only featuring world premieres, and special screenings, Liff also features masterclasses and incredible Q&a events after the screenings. Liff brings an in-depth look into cinema.
Festival Director Cary Rajinder Sawhney MBE says, “We are delighted at the...
- 5/12/2022
- by Stacey Yount
- Bollyspice
Get ready! The prestigious London Indian Film Festival is back presenting an outstanding and diverse line-up of films this June! Liff, which is the UK & Europe’s largest South Asian film festival, showcases thought-provoking independent films that tell unique stories that are beyond Bollywood. This year’s festival will run from 23rd June – to 5th July 2022, with premieres, special screenings, masterclasses, and Q&As across London. Plus, Liff continues to bring a selection of films regionally with screenings in Manchester, Birmingham, and Leeds.
This year, The London Indian Film Festival (Liff) is proud to have Blue Orchid Hotels as its title sponsor when it returns to UK cinemas this summer. A private collection of luxury independent hotels located in the heart of London, Blue Orchid Hotels is supporting the festival in its celebration of South Asian independent cinema.
“We are delighted to announce Blue Orchid Hotels as our title sponsor for our 2022 festival,...
This year, The London Indian Film Festival (Liff) is proud to have Blue Orchid Hotels as its title sponsor when it returns to UK cinemas this summer. A private collection of luxury independent hotels located in the heart of London, Blue Orchid Hotels is supporting the festival in its celebration of South Asian independent cinema.
“We are delighted to announce Blue Orchid Hotels as our title sponsor for our 2022 festival,...
- 4/25/2022
- by Stacey Yount
- Bollyspice
The esteemed London Indian Film Festival is ready to entertain, inspire and make people think with their special line-up of films, and guests this June. Titled To India With Love, this year the festival will be presented in a special hybrid format!
In a challenging year for India and South Asia, the Bagri Foundation London Indian Film Festival and its sister festivals in Birmingham and Manchester will be a love letter to the homelands, continuing to premiere the very best of new indie films from the Indian subcontinent and diaspora, from 17th June to 4th July 2021. As always it goes Beyond Bollywood!
Festival Director Cary Rajinder Sawhney MBE says: “Last year we grew our audiences quite substantially by going online and UK-wide. With the UK scene improving, we are delighted to not only offer a strong high definition online experience on LoveLIFFatHome.com, but to also welcome our audiences back...
In a challenging year for India and South Asia, the Bagri Foundation London Indian Film Festival and its sister festivals in Birmingham and Manchester will be a love letter to the homelands, continuing to premiere the very best of new indie films from the Indian subcontinent and diaspora, from 17th June to 4th July 2021. As always it goes Beyond Bollywood!
Festival Director Cary Rajinder Sawhney MBE says: “Last year we grew our audiences quite substantially by going online and UK-wide. With the UK scene improving, we are delighted to not only offer a strong high definition online experience on LoveLIFFatHome.com, but to also welcome our audiences back...
- 5/20/2021
- by Stacey Yount
- Bollyspice
The London Indian Film Festival is back in cinemas this summer after an all-virtual effort in 2020.
In a challenging year for India and South Asia, the Bagri Foundation-run London festival and sister events in Birmingham and Manchester will premiere new indie films from the Indian subcontinent and diaspora, running from June 17-July 4. The fest will also have a virtual component via LoveLIFFatHome.com.
The festival is supported by the British Film Institute (BFI) using funds from the National Lottery.
The festival’s opening night U.K. gala premiere is feature documentary “W.O.M.B. (Women of My Billion),” which tells the story of one woman, Shrishti Bakshi, who walks the entire length of India over 240 days to explore the experiences of other women in its one billion-plus population.
Another highlight of the festival is a special focus on British Asian filmmakers and their continued contribution to British cinema, which...
In a challenging year for India and South Asia, the Bagri Foundation-run London festival and sister events in Birmingham and Manchester will premiere new indie films from the Indian subcontinent and diaspora, running from June 17-July 4. The fest will also have a virtual component via LoveLIFFatHome.com.
The festival is supported by the British Film Institute (BFI) using funds from the National Lottery.
The festival’s opening night U.K. gala premiere is feature documentary “W.O.M.B. (Women of My Billion),” which tells the story of one woman, Shrishti Bakshi, who walks the entire length of India over 240 days to explore the experiences of other women in its one billion-plus population.
Another highlight of the festival is a special focus on British Asian filmmakers and their continued contribution to British cinema, which...
- 5/13/2021
- by Manori Ravindran
- Variety Film + TV
The Bagri Foundation London Indian Film Festival and Birmingham Indian Film Festival, UK & Europe’s largest South Asian film event, are back this year with a very special “in-cinema” festival.
From 17th to 20th September at BFI Southbank London, Ciné Lumière London, and Millennium Point (Birmingham), the incredible festival will bring you even more outstanding films. What’s so special is that the entire line-up features films directed by women. Yes, the Bagri Foundation London Indian Film Festival is back with a slice of Liff premieres that you won’t want to miss including drama, comedy, sci-fi, and music movies.
Cary Rajinder Sawhney MBE, Executive & Programming Director of Liff, says, “It’s been an adventure this year to transform Europe’s largest South Asian film festival into both a digital version that continues to attract good audiences and an actual physical film festival and we are delighted to be dipping...
From 17th to 20th September at BFI Southbank London, Ciné Lumière London, and Millennium Point (Birmingham), the incredible festival will bring you even more outstanding films. What’s so special is that the entire line-up features films directed by women. Yes, the Bagri Foundation London Indian Film Festival is back with a slice of Liff premieres that you won’t want to miss including drama, comedy, sci-fi, and music movies.
Cary Rajinder Sawhney MBE, Executive & Programming Director of Liff, says, “It’s been an adventure this year to transform Europe’s largest South Asian film festival into both a digital version that continues to attract good audiences and an actual physical film festival and we are delighted to be dipping...
- 9/14/2020
- by Stacey Yount
- Bollyspice
The Bagri Foundation London Indian Film Festival and Birmingham Indian Film Festival have joined forces to offer a spectacular showcase of films and “In Conversation” interviews by leading South Asian talent from 25th June to the 5th July.
This includes the UK Premieres of much awaited films including Bollywood Director Prakash Jha’s upward mobility schooling drama Pareeksha, the searing gangster feature Moothon and the ‘American Pie’ style comedy The MisEducation of Bindu, among others.
After being challenged by the global pandemic, the festival has morphed into an online offering with www.LoveLIFFAtHome.com as the UK and Europe’s largest showcase of Indian Subcontinental cinema, showcasing the UK’s lockdown audiences a free programme, filled to the brim with great movies including rarely seen classics such as Kerala stalwart, Adoor Gopalakrishnan’s BFI Sutherland Trophy winner Elippathayam (Rat-Trap), Bengali master, Buddhadeb Das Gupta’s epic award-winning tale Uttara (The...
This includes the UK Premieres of much awaited films including Bollywood Director Prakash Jha’s upward mobility schooling drama Pareeksha, the searing gangster feature Moothon and the ‘American Pie’ style comedy The MisEducation of Bindu, among others.
After being challenged by the global pandemic, the festival has morphed into an online offering with www.LoveLIFFAtHome.com as the UK and Europe’s largest showcase of Indian Subcontinental cinema, showcasing the UK’s lockdown audiences a free programme, filled to the brim with great movies including rarely seen classics such as Kerala stalwart, Adoor Gopalakrishnan’s BFI Sutherland Trophy winner Elippathayam (Rat-Trap), Bengali master, Buddhadeb Das Gupta’s epic award-winning tale Uttara (The...
- 6/24/2020
- by Stacey Yount
- Bollyspice
The London Indian Film Festival is to go online, launching its own streaming platform with a selection of winners from the Satyajit Ray Short Film Competition.
Due to be held in June this year, Liff has gone digital because of coronavirus restrictions and will show movies online in a range of South Asian languages.
Working with New Zealand’s Shift 72, which launched Cph:Dox online in March, the new U.K. geo-blocked platform launches with the award winners of the last nine years of the Satyajit Ray Short Film Competition.
The ‘London Indian Film Festival at Home’ platform is viewable at loveliffathome.com.
The showcased short films have been programmed together for the first time and include early works by Neeraj Ghaywan, the director of Cannes Fipresci and Prix de l’Avenir winner “Masaan,” and Shubashish Bhutiani, the director of “Hotel Salvation” whose short film “Kush” (pictured above) won in 2014.
The...
Due to be held in June this year, Liff has gone digital because of coronavirus restrictions and will show movies online in a range of South Asian languages.
Working with New Zealand’s Shift 72, which launched Cph:Dox online in March, the new U.K. geo-blocked platform launches with the award winners of the last nine years of the Satyajit Ray Short Film Competition.
The ‘London Indian Film Festival at Home’ platform is viewable at loveliffathome.com.
The showcased short films have been programmed together for the first time and include early works by Neeraj Ghaywan, the director of Cannes Fipresci and Prix de l’Avenir winner “Masaan,” and Shubashish Bhutiani, the director of “Hotel Salvation” whose short film “Kush” (pictured above) won in 2014.
The...
- 5/13/2020
- by Tim Dams
- Variety Film + TV
The 5th anniversary of Birmingham Indian Film Festival opened with Director Anubhav Sinha walking the red carpet at Cineworld, Broad Street for his hard-hitting thriller Article 15 (out now on global general release) and ended this week with a sold-out screening of Ritesh Batra’s Photograph at Mac Birmingham. The Festival was part of the Bagri London Indian Film Festival which together is the UK and Europe’s largest South Asian Film Festival.
Eleven days of 16 screenings and events took place in five venues across Birmingham and showcased a number of high profile and emerging women film-makers films, Q&a’s with Directors as well as a rarely seen documentary and special screenings of Lgbtq+ shorts attended by a diverse audience. The Festival’s first Screen Talk took place at The Mockingbird Cinema with India’s leading cult director Anurag Kashyap who took home a Liff Icon award.
Other guests at...
Eleven days of 16 screenings and events took place in five venues across Birmingham and showcased a number of high profile and emerging women film-makers films, Q&a’s with Directors as well as a rarely seen documentary and special screenings of Lgbtq+ shorts attended by a diverse audience. The Festival’s first Screen Talk took place at The Mockingbird Cinema with India’s leading cult director Anurag Kashyap who took home a Liff Icon award.
Other guests at...
- 7/4/2019
- by Stacey Yount
- Bollyspice
The 10th anniversary of the UK and Europe’s largest South Asian film festival, was once again a huge success. The prestigious festival featuring the biggest line-up to date, with 100 events across 5 cities in the UK brought audiences into the world of these incredible films with special screenings that included Q and A conversations and as well as fascinating talks and master classes on filmmaking!
Cary Rajinder Sawhney MBE, Executive & Programming Director of Liff, says, “On our 10th Birthday year I’m delighted that we have not only expanded to 5 cities with 100 screenings, but also showcased our strongest film selection ever, helmed by the world premiere of politically daring film Article 15. Continuing to push the boundaries of diversity, I’m very pleased that our women protagonist led and Lgbtq+ themed films have seen audiences flocking to them, redefining images of Indian and South Asian culture in the media.”
Liff...
Cary Rajinder Sawhney MBE, Executive & Programming Director of Liff, says, “On our 10th Birthday year I’m delighted that we have not only expanded to 5 cities with 100 screenings, but also showcased our strongest film selection ever, helmed by the world premiere of politically daring film Article 15. Continuing to push the boundaries of diversity, I’m very pleased that our women protagonist led and Lgbtq+ themed films have seen audiences flocking to them, redefining images of Indian and South Asian culture in the media.”
Liff...
- 7/1/2019
- by Stacey Yount
- Bollyspice
“Article 15” has scooped the audience award at the London Indian Film Festival. Anubhav Sinha’s movie stars Ayushmann Khurrana and also opened the tenth edition of Liff, which is Europe’s largest South Asian film festival.
Khurrana stars as a police officer from a privileged background in “Article 15,” which Zee Studios International is distributing. He is posted to rural north India and tasked with investigating the disappearance of three girls. The movie takes its name from the part of the Indian constitution prohibiting discrimination and draws inspiration from several real-life assault and murder cases that highlighted social injustice.
“I am so happy that the film actually connected with Indians abroad and with non-Indians alike, who are not facing this version of inequality on a daily basis,” Sinha said.
Liff ran across five cities in the U.K. and, in addition to the screenings, the latest edition saw stars talking about...
Khurrana stars as a police officer from a privileged background in “Article 15,” which Zee Studios International is distributing. He is posted to rural north India and tasked with investigating the disappearance of three girls. The movie takes its name from the part of the Indian constitution prohibiting discrimination and draws inspiration from several real-life assault and murder cases that highlighted social injustice.
“I am so happy that the film actually connected with Indians abroad and with non-Indians alike, who are not facing this version of inequality on a daily basis,” Sinha said.
Liff ran across five cities in the U.K. and, in addition to the screenings, the latest edition saw stars talking about...
- 7/1/2019
- by Stewart Clarke
- Variety Film + TV
Andy Harries, Nicola Shindler, Tim Angel and Olivia Colman receive titles.
Left Bank’s Andy Harries, Studiocanal UK CEO Nicola Shindler, Angels Costumes chairman Tim Angel and Oscar-winning actress Olivia Colman were among screen industry professionals awarded titles in the Queen’s 2019 Birthday Honours List.
Nicola Shindler, who founded Red Production company before joining Studiocanal last year, was awarded an OBE.
As was Andy Harries, chief executive and co-founder of The Crown producer Left Bank Pictures, who was recognised for services to film and television.
Tim Angel, chairman of the world-famous costumes supplier and also former chairman of Bafta and governor of the BFI,...
Left Bank’s Andy Harries, Studiocanal UK CEO Nicola Shindler, Angels Costumes chairman Tim Angel and Oscar-winning actress Olivia Colman were among screen industry professionals awarded titles in the Queen’s 2019 Birthday Honours List.
Nicola Shindler, who founded Red Production company before joining Studiocanal last year, was awarded an OBE.
As was Andy Harries, chief executive and co-founder of The Crown producer Left Bank Pictures, who was recognised for services to film and television.
Tim Angel, chairman of the world-famous costumes supplier and also former chairman of Bafta and governor of the BFI,...
- 6/10/2019
- by Orlando Parfitt
- ScreenDaily
British comedy “Eaten By Lions” has won the top prize at the 9th Bagri Foundation London Indian Film Festival in London, Birmingham and Manchester, the UK and Europe’s largest platform of independent cinema from the Indian subcontinent. The festival is title sponsored by the Bagri Foundation who share our passion for Asian arts and culture, with major support from Grange Hotels, Integrity International Trust and Sun Mark Ltd, and is funded by grant support from the BFI’s National Lottery Audience Fund.
LIFFs annual Audience Award for Best Film went to British comedy “Eaten By Lion”. The director Jason Wingard says: “We’re delighted to win this fantastic award. “Eaten By Lions” is a modern relevant comedy dealing with contemporary issues such as diversity and disability, but ultimately captures that life is about relationships and people, and we’re so pleased audiences are connecting with it. It was fantastic...
LIFFs annual Audience Award for Best Film went to British comedy “Eaten By Lion”. The director Jason Wingard says: “We’re delighted to win this fantastic award. “Eaten By Lions” is a modern relevant comedy dealing with contemporary issues such as diversity and disability, but ultimately captures that life is about relationships and people, and we’re so pleased audiences are connecting with it. It was fantastic...
- 6/30/2018
- by Adriana Rosati
- AsianMoviePulse
Parting is such sweet sorrow and none more so than to see the end of the 2017 London Indian Film Festival. After a rollercoaster week’s worth of films, we saw the closing of the London portion of the festival at the BFI Southbank with the English premiere of Sexy Durga.
The night began with a star-studded red carpet event. BollySpice was on hand to mix with the movers and shakers of the Festival. In particular, we caught up with executive and programming director Cary Rajinder Sawhney who had promised at the beginning of the run that this year would be the best ever. We asked him whether he stood by that comment. “In terms of the films? Yes, this has been the best ever. We had such a good selection of films, many from other festivals where they have won awards.”
There were many famous names from the Festival line-up who graced the red carpet.
The night began with a star-studded red carpet event. BollySpice was on hand to mix with the movers and shakers of the Festival. In particular, we caught up with executive and programming director Cary Rajinder Sawhney who had promised at the beginning of the run that this year would be the best ever. We asked him whether he stood by that comment. “In terms of the films? Yes, this has been the best ever. We had such a good selection of films, many from other festivals where they have won awards.”
There were many famous names from the Festival line-up who graced the red carpet.
- 7/2/2017
- by Jonathan Howell
- Bollyspice
The fabulous Bagri Foundation London Indian Film Festival in London and Birmingham, is UK and Europe’s largest platform of independent cinema from the Indian subcontinent. The brilliant London festival has closed but the amazing movies continue in Birmingham until July 2nd.
The festival has grown significantly in stature and reputation, with pan-Indian and Indian sub continental cinema in several languages, all subtitled in English, Bsl (British Sign Language) incorporated in some talks, and this year attracted major award winning films including Newton, Hotel Salvation and The Cinema Travellers, as well as world premieres like the Tamil comedy, Ticket – The Movie.
Festival executive and programming director Cary Rajinder Sawhney said: “It is wonderful that the festival continues to lead the debate and not simply reflect the changing shape of Indian cinema; from this year’s Indian virtual reality showcases to bringing carefully curated important new talent to the world stage...
The festival has grown significantly in stature and reputation, with pan-Indian and Indian sub continental cinema in several languages, all subtitled in English, Bsl (British Sign Language) incorporated in some talks, and this year attracted major award winning films including Newton, Hotel Salvation and The Cinema Travellers, as well as world premieres like the Tamil comedy, Ticket – The Movie.
Festival executive and programming director Cary Rajinder Sawhney said: “It is wonderful that the festival continues to lead the debate and not simply reflect the changing shape of Indian cinema; from this year’s Indian virtual reality showcases to bringing carefully curated important new talent to the world stage...
- 7/1/2017
- by Stacey Yount
- Bollyspice
Europe’s Largest Indian Film Festival returns to Birmingham again this year for the third year in the row. Sister to the Bagri Foundation London Indian Film Festival, (Liff), Birmingham Indian Film Festival will run from Friday 23 June until Sunday 2 July 2017. This year’s festival promises to be one of the best showcasing 11 Independent Films, 2 Music Documentaries and a host of talent over 10 days in 3 cinemas!
Cary Rajinder Sawhney, Liff & Biff Director, says: “We are delighted to bring Birmingham audiences a carefully curated selection of the very best new Indian and South Asian independent cinema; all films are English subtitled, offering a rare window into over a billion South Asian lives. This year’s selection includes premieres of new comedies, gripping thrillers, shocking horror and insightful true-life documentaries as well as bringing together UK previews of major award-winning films from the world’s greatest film festivals.”
The festival opens on Friday 23 June at Cineworld Birmingham,...
Cary Rajinder Sawhney, Liff & Biff Director, says: “We are delighted to bring Birmingham audiences a carefully curated selection of the very best new Indian and South Asian independent cinema; all films are English subtitled, offering a rare window into over a billion South Asian lives. This year’s selection includes premieres of new comedies, gripping thrillers, shocking horror and insightful true-life documentaries as well as bringing together UK previews of major award-winning films from the world’s greatest film festivals.”
The festival opens on Friday 23 June at Cineworld Birmingham,...
- 6/15/2017
- by Stacey Yount
- Bollyspice
Fresh from impressing audiences with the debut of its trailer at Cannes Film Festival, the award-winning historical biopic, The Black Prince, will be opening the 8th edition of The Bagri Foundation London Indian Film Festival, at the BFI London Southbank on 22nd June 2017 and 3rd edition of The Bagri Foundation Birmingham Indian Film Festival at Cineworld Birmingham on 23rd June 2017, Europe’s largest Indian film festival.
Releasing worldwide in cinemas on 21st July 2017, The Black Prince tells the little known, yet powerful story of the Last King of Punjab, Maharajah Duleep Singh. The film cornerstones his relationship with Queen Victoria and the long and often difficult battle he faced to regain his identity, faith and the Kingdom taken from his grasp as a child.
Sponsored by the Bagri Foundation with support from Grange Hotels, Sun Mark Ltd, and funded by the BFI’s National Lottery Film Festivals Fund, The Bagri...
Releasing worldwide in cinemas on 21st July 2017, The Black Prince tells the little known, yet powerful story of the Last King of Punjab, Maharajah Duleep Singh. The film cornerstones his relationship with Queen Victoria and the long and often difficult battle he faced to regain his identity, faith and the Kingdom taken from his grasp as a child.
Sponsored by the Bagri Foundation with support from Grange Hotels, Sun Mark Ltd, and funded by the BFI’s National Lottery Film Festivals Fund, The Bagri...
- 6/14/2017
- by Stacey Yount
- Bollyspice
London is getting ready to host one of the best Indian film festivals in the world. London Indian Film Festival goes beyond Bollywood and focuses the lens on indie films from all over India and more. Taking place at 11 cinemas across London including BFI Southbank from 22-29 June, this year boasts an exciting selection of fabulous cutting-edge films and proves once again why it is the considered the ‘punk-rock of Indian cinema’.
Cary Rajinder Sawhney, Liff Director, says: “We are delighted to bring London audiences a carefully curated selection of the very best new Indian and South Asian independent cinema; all films are English subtitled, offering a rare window into over a billion South Asian lives. This year’s selection includes premieres of new comedies, gripping thrillers, shocking horror and insightful true life documentaries as well as bringing together UK previews of major award-winning films from the world’s greatest film festivals.
Cary Rajinder Sawhney, Liff Director, says: “We are delighted to bring London audiences a carefully curated selection of the very best new Indian and South Asian independent cinema; all films are English subtitled, offering a rare window into over a billion South Asian lives. This year’s selection includes premieres of new comedies, gripping thrillers, shocking horror and insightful true life documentaries as well as bringing together UK previews of major award-winning films from the world’s greatest film festivals.
- 6/12/2017
- by Stacey Yount
- Bollyspice
The British Film Institute (BFI) is showcasing and celebrating the diversity of Indian filmmaking and films about India from Bollywood to Tollywood throughout 2017. This special programme titled ‘India on Film’ will include film screenings, discussions on music and movies and many other special events.
One of those special events is a panel discussion on April 3rd, titled ‘What is Bollywood 2.0? Current Trends and New Directions’. Featuring noted film experts, this talk will take a look at current trends in Indian cinema as well as discuss what may be coming in the future. Not only that they will address how issues of race, class, gender, sexuality and politics are being portrayed and how they will be shown in the movies of ‘Bollywood 2.0’.
The panel includes host Ashanti Omkar, of the BBC Asian Network show that showcases the latest music, arts and entertainment from South Indian and Sri Lankan communities, Cary Rajinder Sawhney...
One of those special events is a panel discussion on April 3rd, titled ‘What is Bollywood 2.0? Current Trends and New Directions’. Featuring noted film experts, this talk will take a look at current trends in Indian cinema as well as discuss what may be coming in the future. Not only that they will address how issues of race, class, gender, sexuality and politics are being portrayed and how they will be shown in the movies of ‘Bollywood 2.0’.
The panel includes host Ashanti Omkar, of the BBC Asian Network show that showcases the latest music, arts and entertainment from South Indian and Sri Lankan communities, Cary Rajinder Sawhney...
- 4/1/2017
- by Stacey Yount
- Bollyspice
by Jonathan Howell
The 14th of July could well go down in history, not only as the opening night of the 2016 London Indian Film Festival (Liff), but also as the day that a film festival began to change the world. It may sound like a bold claim but it’s backed up by the festival’s diverse and pioneering programme which brought a wide variety of brand new features, documentaries, and short films which challenge the firmly held stereotypes of India and South Asia.
The festival kicked off with the powerful and deeply moving Parched, directed by Leena Yadav who is another of the steadily expanding group of famous female Indian directors who are gaining recognition on the world stage.
Before the movie, the director, producer Ajay Devgn, and the stars of the film Tannishtha Chatterjee, Chandan Anand, and Lehar Khan had the full red-carpet experience. This gave the assembled...
The 14th of July could well go down in history, not only as the opening night of the 2016 London Indian Film Festival (Liff), but also as the day that a film festival began to change the world. It may sound like a bold claim but it’s backed up by the festival’s diverse and pioneering programme which brought a wide variety of brand new features, documentaries, and short films which challenge the firmly held stereotypes of India and South Asia.
The festival kicked off with the powerful and deeply moving Parched, directed by Leena Yadav who is another of the steadily expanding group of famous female Indian directors who are gaining recognition on the world stage.
Before the movie, the director, producer Ajay Devgn, and the stars of the film Tannishtha Chatterjee, Chandan Anand, and Lehar Khan had the full red-carpet experience. This gave the assembled...
- 7/28/2016
- by BollySpice Editors
- Bollyspice
Challenging stereotypes of India and South Asia, and wrestling with some very hard issues the 7th Bagri Foundation London Indian Film Festival returns this Summer.
The Director of the Bagri Foundation London Indian Film Festival, Cary Rajinder Sawhney states,”We aim to showcase films that entertain but challenge and make one think about the many social issues happening in India today, and that includes many positive changes including the fact that so many emerging Indian women filmmakers who are producing world-class films that are giving their male counterparts a serious run for their money.”
The diverse programme of brand new features, documentaries and shorts includes seven films directed by power-packed women filmmakers that give the Bechdel Test a run for its money, including the Thelma and Louise-esque opening night buddy movie, Parched, set in the desert villages of India’s Gujarat (female director Leena Yadav and Producer and Bollywood star Ajay Devgn, is expected). Double Oscar® winner Sharmeen Obaid-Chinoy, introduces her punch in the guts, documentary, A Girl In The River – The Price of Forgiveness.
With a strong Lgbtq+ following, the festival proudly hosts its first Transgender movie based on an empowering true story – I am Not He…She, at BFI Southbank, supported by Mac Cosmetics and Sun Mark Ltd, amongst others. Bangalore Director Bs Lingadevaru, is expected.
Reflecting the linguistic diversity of UK’s South Asian communities, the carefully curated programme will include 15 major languages, including films from Bangladesh, Pakistan, Nepal and Sri Lanka. All films are English subtitled.
This celebration of Indian regional diversity includes a very rare on-stage Q&A at BFI Southbank with one of South India’s greatest ever superstars – Kamal Haasan, who moved from child actor to Tamil cinema star, to produce, write and direct some of India’s most acclaimed features, including many Bollywood hits. He is adored by millions of fans, worldwide.
The closing night gala, is the world premiere of the incredibly moving and intense Toba Tek Singh, which focuses on patients locked in a Punjabi mental health hospital during the Partition (legendary director Ketan Mehta, is expected).
Sri Lankan breakout filmmakers Kalpana & Vindana Ariyawansa explore the taboo subject of obsessive compulsive disorder (Ocd) in a very personal family drama Dirty, Yellow, Darkness, while at the Ica, Director Jayaraj from Kerala, presents the Berlinale Crystal-Bear winner, Ottaal (The Trap), a heart-wrenching drama, based on the roots of child slave labour.
On a lighter note the festival also celebrates two icons of cinema with on-stage interviews with Satyajit Ray’s favourite actress Sharmila Tagore from Kolkata and the only Indian filmmaker to truly cross from Bollywood to Hollywood – Shekhar Kapur, who will discuss his plans for Elizabeth 3. Let’s hope that Cate Blanchett continues her reign in this expected sequel.
Also in the line-up is a special screening of the risque film Brahman Naman, directed by India’s leading indie director Q, the hilarious coming-of-age comedy is exclusive to Netflix. The Mumbai music industry focused Jugni, shows that love and a damn-good Punjabi song, can conquer even the toughest hearts (female director, Shefali Bhushan, is expected).
As well as synchronous screenings in London and Birmingham from 14-24 July, the Bagri Foundation London Indian Film Festival goes live on digital, with the festival showing a selection of films on BFI Player into the Autumn.
Festival Patron Tony Matharu, who is also our founding sponsor, from Grange Hotels, continues to support with full fervour, and the festival welcomes back supporters including title sponsor, the Bagri Foundation, who share our passion for South Asian arts and culture. The British Film Institute and Cineworld Cinemas have supported Liff since year one. The festival enjoys on-going essential support from major sponsor, Sun Mark Ltd.
Title Sponsor Alka Bagri of the Bagri Foundation says, “We are delighted to support such an incredible festival which reveals the richness of South Asian culture and offers a wonderful platform for emerging talent. This year’s programme epitomises the diversity and dynamism of South Asian cinema, and through films, debates and panel discussions, we will explore topical issues such as gender, identity, mental health and equality. We look forward to being joined by two acclaimed figures of Indian cinema: Kamal Haasan and Shekhar Kapur who will take us on their cinematic journey”.
Liff presents the prestigious annual Satyajit Ray Short Film Competition, in association with the Bagri Foundation, with a prize of £1,000 to the winning film. The short film programme screens at the Ica on Wednesday 20th July and the winning short will be announced at the closing night gala, on 21st July, at BFI Southbank. The festival continues in Birmingham, until 24th July.
Participating cinemas’ in London are: Cineworld (Haymarket, O2, Wandsworth, Wembley), BFI Southbank, Ica, Picture House Central, Crouch End Picturehouse, East London’s rustic Boleyn Cinema, with Cineworld Broad Street and Midland Arts Centre (Mac), in Birmingham.
Opening Night | Dual English Premiere: Parched
– Hindi with English subtitles | 117 min | India 2015 | Dir: Leena Yadav | with: Radhika Apte, Tannishtha Chatterjee, Surveen Chawla, Lehar Khan.
Director Leena Yadav tells a wonderfully joyous and inspiring tale of female comradery.
– Q&A with Director Leena Yadav and other special guests.
14 July | 18:00 | Cineworld Haymarket, London
15 July | 19:00 | Cineworld Broad Street, Birmingham
16 July | 17.30 | Cineworld Wembley, London
20 July | 20.40 | BFI Southbank, London
Closing Night | World Premiere: Toba Tek Singh
– Hindi / Punjabi with English subtitles | 75 min | India 2016 | Dir: Ketan Mehta | with: Pankaj Kapur, Vinay Pathak.
Acclaimed director Ketan Mehta delivers this unforgettably moving and at times joyous version of Manto’s legendary story, produced by the Zeal for Unity project.
– Q&A with Director Ketan Mehta and other special guests.
21 July | 18:00 | BFI Southbank, London
24 July | 18:00 | Cineworld Broad Street, Birmingham
– Icons from India, polymath Kamal Haasan (whose films have the highest number of Academy Award submissions from India), and director of the exquisite BAFTA & Oscar® winning Elizabeth & The Golden Age films, Shekhar Kapur, will give masterclasses at BFI Southbank, with the famous female scion of the Tagore family, who married into Indian royalty, Sharmila Tagore, speaking at the historic art deco cinema, Cineworld Haymarket.
– A 2016 highlight, is a rare opportunity to hear female filmmakers like Pakistan’s double Oscar®-winning Sharmeen Obaid-Chinoy, Mumbai’s multi-award winning Leena Yadav, documentary filmmaker Rinku Kalsy and other special guests, talking about their unique careers and exploring commonalities of experience, with women filmmakers around the world.
– The UK premiere of the restored verison of the 1948 film Kalpana (Imagination), by the legandary dancer, Padma Vibhushan Uday Shankar (brother of the late Sitar stalwart Ravi Shankar), starring the legendary dancer and actress Padmini (Mera Naam Joker/Thillana Mohanambal), in her cinematic debut, gets a one off special screening in Birmingham.
– Winner of the best directing debut at the Venice Film Festival, the Hindi language film directed by Ruchika Oberoi, Island City, tells three stories, of a drone employee at a soulless corporation wins an office competition entitling him to a whole day of fun at the mall; a domineering head of a family who suffers a stroke and is on life support, and a woman who is leading a mechanical existence blossoms, when she gets a series of anonymous love letters.
– Actor, Leader, Hero, God. For his fans, the superstar Rajinikanth is all of these. Men from various generations alter their lives, sell their belongings, and place fandom above their families in devotion to the iconic actor, a man who has inspired a fanatic cult following across the world ranging from India to Japan. This is explored in the riveting documentary, For The Love Of A Man.
– Made under the Zeal for Unity India-Pakistan filmmaking initiative, Khaema mein matt jhankain (Don’t Peek Into The Tent) and Jeewan Hathi (Elephant In The Room) explore different facets of life in Pakistan. Tamil Naidu’s hottest young filmmaker M Manikandan returns to the festival, after last year’s hit Kaaka Muttai (Crow’s Egg), with the stylish, twisted plot thriller, with Kutrame Thandanai.
– The new tale by Kaushik Ganguly, one of West Bengal’s most accomplished directors, depicts a love-torn nostalgia for the passing age of film called Cinemawala, while Liff’s first Nepali screening is directed by new hot-property director Min Bahadur Bham, who has been delighting audiences around Europe with his film Kalo Pothi (The Black Hen).
– For more information on the festival please visit:
http://www.londonindianfilmfestival.co.uk
– The full festival programme for London and Birmingham:
http://londonindianfilmfestival.co.uk/programme.htm
The post The London Indian Film Festival brings cinematic diversity to London and Birmingham: 14-24 July appeared first on BollySpice.com.
The Director of the Bagri Foundation London Indian Film Festival, Cary Rajinder Sawhney states,”We aim to showcase films that entertain but challenge and make one think about the many social issues happening in India today, and that includes many positive changes including the fact that so many emerging Indian women filmmakers who are producing world-class films that are giving their male counterparts a serious run for their money.”
The diverse programme of brand new features, documentaries and shorts includes seven films directed by power-packed women filmmakers that give the Bechdel Test a run for its money, including the Thelma and Louise-esque opening night buddy movie, Parched, set in the desert villages of India’s Gujarat (female director Leena Yadav and Producer and Bollywood star Ajay Devgn, is expected). Double Oscar® winner Sharmeen Obaid-Chinoy, introduces her punch in the guts, documentary, A Girl In The River – The Price of Forgiveness.
With a strong Lgbtq+ following, the festival proudly hosts its first Transgender movie based on an empowering true story – I am Not He…She, at BFI Southbank, supported by Mac Cosmetics and Sun Mark Ltd, amongst others. Bangalore Director Bs Lingadevaru, is expected.
Reflecting the linguistic diversity of UK’s South Asian communities, the carefully curated programme will include 15 major languages, including films from Bangladesh, Pakistan, Nepal and Sri Lanka. All films are English subtitled.
This celebration of Indian regional diversity includes a very rare on-stage Q&A at BFI Southbank with one of South India’s greatest ever superstars – Kamal Haasan, who moved from child actor to Tamil cinema star, to produce, write and direct some of India’s most acclaimed features, including many Bollywood hits. He is adored by millions of fans, worldwide.
The closing night gala, is the world premiere of the incredibly moving and intense Toba Tek Singh, which focuses on patients locked in a Punjabi mental health hospital during the Partition (legendary director Ketan Mehta, is expected).
Sri Lankan breakout filmmakers Kalpana & Vindana Ariyawansa explore the taboo subject of obsessive compulsive disorder (Ocd) in a very personal family drama Dirty, Yellow, Darkness, while at the Ica, Director Jayaraj from Kerala, presents the Berlinale Crystal-Bear winner, Ottaal (The Trap), a heart-wrenching drama, based on the roots of child slave labour.
On a lighter note the festival also celebrates two icons of cinema with on-stage interviews with Satyajit Ray’s favourite actress Sharmila Tagore from Kolkata and the only Indian filmmaker to truly cross from Bollywood to Hollywood – Shekhar Kapur, who will discuss his plans for Elizabeth 3. Let’s hope that Cate Blanchett continues her reign in this expected sequel.
Also in the line-up is a special screening of the risque film Brahman Naman, directed by India’s leading indie director Q, the hilarious coming-of-age comedy is exclusive to Netflix. The Mumbai music industry focused Jugni, shows that love and a damn-good Punjabi song, can conquer even the toughest hearts (female director, Shefali Bhushan, is expected).
As well as synchronous screenings in London and Birmingham from 14-24 July, the Bagri Foundation London Indian Film Festival goes live on digital, with the festival showing a selection of films on BFI Player into the Autumn.
Festival Patron Tony Matharu, who is also our founding sponsor, from Grange Hotels, continues to support with full fervour, and the festival welcomes back supporters including title sponsor, the Bagri Foundation, who share our passion for South Asian arts and culture. The British Film Institute and Cineworld Cinemas have supported Liff since year one. The festival enjoys on-going essential support from major sponsor, Sun Mark Ltd.
Title Sponsor Alka Bagri of the Bagri Foundation says, “We are delighted to support such an incredible festival which reveals the richness of South Asian culture and offers a wonderful platform for emerging talent. This year’s programme epitomises the diversity and dynamism of South Asian cinema, and through films, debates and panel discussions, we will explore topical issues such as gender, identity, mental health and equality. We look forward to being joined by two acclaimed figures of Indian cinema: Kamal Haasan and Shekhar Kapur who will take us on their cinematic journey”.
Liff presents the prestigious annual Satyajit Ray Short Film Competition, in association with the Bagri Foundation, with a prize of £1,000 to the winning film. The short film programme screens at the Ica on Wednesday 20th July and the winning short will be announced at the closing night gala, on 21st July, at BFI Southbank. The festival continues in Birmingham, until 24th July.
Participating cinemas’ in London are: Cineworld (Haymarket, O2, Wandsworth, Wembley), BFI Southbank, Ica, Picture House Central, Crouch End Picturehouse, East London’s rustic Boleyn Cinema, with Cineworld Broad Street and Midland Arts Centre (Mac), in Birmingham.
Opening Night | Dual English Premiere: Parched
– Hindi with English subtitles | 117 min | India 2015 | Dir: Leena Yadav | with: Radhika Apte, Tannishtha Chatterjee, Surveen Chawla, Lehar Khan.
Director Leena Yadav tells a wonderfully joyous and inspiring tale of female comradery.
– Q&A with Director Leena Yadav and other special guests.
14 July | 18:00 | Cineworld Haymarket, London
15 July | 19:00 | Cineworld Broad Street, Birmingham
16 July | 17.30 | Cineworld Wembley, London
20 July | 20.40 | BFI Southbank, London
Closing Night | World Premiere: Toba Tek Singh
– Hindi / Punjabi with English subtitles | 75 min | India 2016 | Dir: Ketan Mehta | with: Pankaj Kapur, Vinay Pathak.
Acclaimed director Ketan Mehta delivers this unforgettably moving and at times joyous version of Manto’s legendary story, produced by the Zeal for Unity project.
– Q&A with Director Ketan Mehta and other special guests.
21 July | 18:00 | BFI Southbank, London
24 July | 18:00 | Cineworld Broad Street, Birmingham
– Icons from India, polymath Kamal Haasan (whose films have the highest number of Academy Award submissions from India), and director of the exquisite BAFTA & Oscar® winning Elizabeth & The Golden Age films, Shekhar Kapur, will give masterclasses at BFI Southbank, with the famous female scion of the Tagore family, who married into Indian royalty, Sharmila Tagore, speaking at the historic art deco cinema, Cineworld Haymarket.
– A 2016 highlight, is a rare opportunity to hear female filmmakers like Pakistan’s double Oscar®-winning Sharmeen Obaid-Chinoy, Mumbai’s multi-award winning Leena Yadav, documentary filmmaker Rinku Kalsy and other special guests, talking about their unique careers and exploring commonalities of experience, with women filmmakers around the world.
– The UK premiere of the restored verison of the 1948 film Kalpana (Imagination), by the legandary dancer, Padma Vibhushan Uday Shankar (brother of the late Sitar stalwart Ravi Shankar), starring the legendary dancer and actress Padmini (Mera Naam Joker/Thillana Mohanambal), in her cinematic debut, gets a one off special screening in Birmingham.
– Winner of the best directing debut at the Venice Film Festival, the Hindi language film directed by Ruchika Oberoi, Island City, tells three stories, of a drone employee at a soulless corporation wins an office competition entitling him to a whole day of fun at the mall; a domineering head of a family who suffers a stroke and is on life support, and a woman who is leading a mechanical existence blossoms, when she gets a series of anonymous love letters.
– Actor, Leader, Hero, God. For his fans, the superstar Rajinikanth is all of these. Men from various generations alter their lives, sell their belongings, and place fandom above their families in devotion to the iconic actor, a man who has inspired a fanatic cult following across the world ranging from India to Japan. This is explored in the riveting documentary, For The Love Of A Man.
– Made under the Zeal for Unity India-Pakistan filmmaking initiative, Khaema mein matt jhankain (Don’t Peek Into The Tent) and Jeewan Hathi (Elephant In The Room) explore different facets of life in Pakistan. Tamil Naidu’s hottest young filmmaker M Manikandan returns to the festival, after last year’s hit Kaaka Muttai (Crow’s Egg), with the stylish, twisted plot thriller, with Kutrame Thandanai.
– The new tale by Kaushik Ganguly, one of West Bengal’s most accomplished directors, depicts a love-torn nostalgia for the passing age of film called Cinemawala, while Liff’s first Nepali screening is directed by new hot-property director Min Bahadur Bham, who has been delighting audiences around Europe with his film Kalo Pothi (The Black Hen).
– For more information on the festival please visit:
http://www.londonindianfilmfestival.co.uk
– The full festival programme for London and Birmingham:
http://londonindianfilmfestival.co.uk/programme.htm
The post The London Indian Film Festival brings cinematic diversity to London and Birmingham: 14-24 July appeared first on BollySpice.com.
- 6/14/2016
- by Stacey Yount
- Bollyspice
Europe’s Largest South Asian Film Event, the Bagri Foundation London Indian Film Festival, now into year seven, returns to London, from 14 – 24 July and we can’t wait! We have a sneak peek into what will be playing at BFI Southbank.
The full line up of the festival, which will be announced in June promises a schedule of some of the most prestigious and audacious new independent films from South Asia, and if the BFI Southbank schedule is anything to go by, this year, the Bagri Foundation London Indian Film Festival will certainly live up to its reputation of showcasing the most cutting edge films from across the Indian subcontinent.
The meticulously curated sessions with BFI Southbank include some spectacular talks by top talent including South Indian and Bollywood superstar Kamal Haasan, who gives a rare Screen Talk, and Director Shekhar Kapur, most famous for his multiple top tier award winning “Elizabeth” films,...
The full line up of the festival, which will be announced in June promises a schedule of some of the most prestigious and audacious new independent films from South Asia, and if the BFI Southbank schedule is anything to go by, this year, the Bagri Foundation London Indian Film Festival will certainly live up to its reputation of showcasing the most cutting edge films from across the Indian subcontinent.
The meticulously curated sessions with BFI Southbank include some spectacular talks by top talent including South Indian and Bollywood superstar Kamal Haasan, who gives a rare Screen Talk, and Director Shekhar Kapur, most famous for his multiple top tier award winning “Elizabeth” films,...
- 5/24/2016
- by Stacey Yount
- Bollyspice
The always amazing London Indian Film Festival, which begins this Thursday July 16th and runs through July 26th, is set to thrill, entertain and move audiences with it’s brilliant line up of films! Talking about the festival, Liff’s Executive & Programming Director Cary Rajinder Sawhney said, “This year’s Festival is bigger and better than ever and showcases World-class Indian films and talent. In all, this richly diverse festival will screen 20 features in a gamut of languages including Marathi, Tamil, Hindi, English, Bengali, Punjabi, Urdu and Konkani.”
Not only does the festival showcase amazing independent films from India (more about that in a bit), this year, once again, the festival boasts an incredible master class! This epic event will feature a rare on-stage interview with one of India’s most acclaimed and best loved commercial directors, widely attributed for revolutionising Tamil cinema, and inspiring Bollywood. Mani Ratnam talks about...
Not only does the festival showcase amazing independent films from India (more about that in a bit), this year, once again, the festival boasts an incredible master class! This epic event will feature a rare on-stage interview with one of India’s most acclaimed and best loved commercial directors, widely attributed for revolutionising Tamil cinema, and inspiring Bollywood. Mani Ratnam talks about...
- 7/13/2015
- by Stacey Yount
- Bollyspice
Get ready the London Indian Film Festival is back to bring you the best of South Asian cinema that goes beyond Bollywood running from July 16th to the 23rd.
This year The Bagri Foundation London Indian Film Festival kicks off with Sundance winner Umrika with the hard-hitting cricket documentary Death of a Gentleman to close festival.
Prashant Nair’s Umrika, winner of the Audience Award at the 2015 Sundance Film Festival, starring Suraj Sharma (Life of Pi) and Tony Revolori (The Grand Budapest Hotel), will be the opening night gala of The Bagri Foundation London Indian Film Festival (July 16-23). The festival is now in its 6th edition and firmly established as Europe’s largest showcase for South Asian cinema. Nair’s debut film Delhi in a Day was a great success at the festival’s 2012 edition. Prashant Nair, writer/director of Umrika, said: “I’m so excited to hear that...
This year The Bagri Foundation London Indian Film Festival kicks off with Sundance winner Umrika with the hard-hitting cricket documentary Death of a Gentleman to close festival.
Prashant Nair’s Umrika, winner of the Audience Award at the 2015 Sundance Film Festival, starring Suraj Sharma (Life of Pi) and Tony Revolori (The Grand Budapest Hotel), will be the opening night gala of The Bagri Foundation London Indian Film Festival (July 16-23). The festival is now in its 6th edition and firmly established as Europe’s largest showcase for South Asian cinema. Nair’s debut film Delhi in a Day was a great success at the festival’s 2012 edition. Prashant Nair, writer/director of Umrika, said: “I’m so excited to hear that...
- 6/17/2015
- by Stacey Yount
- Bollyspice
For the last five years, the London Indian Film Festival has showcased a unique selection of films from all over India. As they say, going way Beyond Bollywood, Liff brings cutting edge films from some of the world’s most innovative filmmakers. Led by festival director Mr Cary Rajinder Sawhney, Liff has grown to become Europe’s biggest Indian film festival. This year, once again, they are bringing the cool and eclectic along with hard hitting and moving films during the week long festival that runs July 10th through the 17th. We caught up with Mr Sawhney to get the scoop on what audiences will see when they experience Liff this year.
How would you describe the London Indian Film Festival?
London Indian Film Festival is dedicated to profiling the best of new independent films from India and its neighbours. I am glad to say we caught the wave early...
How would you describe the London Indian Film Festival?
London Indian Film Festival is dedicated to profiling the best of new independent films from India and its neighbours. I am glad to say we caught the wave early...
- 7/7/2014
- by Stacey Yount
- Bollyspice
Slumdog Millionaire's Madhur Mittal will take part in a Q&A at the UK premiere of Million Dollar Arm.
Best known for playing the role of Salim Malik in the Danny Boyle hit, Mittal plays a fast bowling cricket player in the Walt Disney project.
London Indian Film Festival Director Cary Rajinder Sawhney said: "We are delighted to have Disney's Million Dollar Arm at the heart of the festival. The film has loads of energy with a huge feelgood factor.
"[There are] some great performances by young men [like] Suraj Sharma and Madhur Mittal, and of course Jon Hamm is a definite attraction."
Mittal will be joined at the event by producer Mark Ciardi, whose credits include Invincible, Tooth Fairy, The Game Plan, and Fever Pitch.
Now in its fifth year, the London Indian Film Festival is the largest South Asian film festival in Europe.
Million Dollar Arm will have its UK...
Best known for playing the role of Salim Malik in the Danny Boyle hit, Mittal plays a fast bowling cricket player in the Walt Disney project.
London Indian Film Festival Director Cary Rajinder Sawhney said: "We are delighted to have Disney's Million Dollar Arm at the heart of the festival. The film has loads of energy with a huge feelgood factor.
"[There are] some great performances by young men [like] Suraj Sharma and Madhur Mittal, and of course Jon Hamm is a definite attraction."
Mittal will be joined at the event by producer Mark Ciardi, whose credits include Invincible, Tooth Fairy, The Game Plan, and Fever Pitch.
Now in its fifth year, the London Indian Film Festival is the largest South Asian film festival in Europe.
Million Dollar Arm will have its UK...
- 7/5/2014
- Digital Spy
The London Indian Film Festival (Liff, July 10-17) and The Walt Disney Company are delighted to announce that Madhur Mittal, the star of Million Dollar Arm, will participate in an exclusive Q&A alongside producer Mark Ciardi at the film’s UK Premiere at Cineworld Shaftesbury Avenue on July 14. Million Dollar Arm, which also stars Jon Hamm, Suraj Sharma, Lake Bell, Alan Arkin, Bill Paxton is the London Indian Film Festival’s Centrepiece Gala.
Madhur Mittal’s breakthrough role was in Danny Boyle’s multiple BAFTA, Golden Globe and Oscar winning Slumdog Millionaire and thereafter he made a mark in Treasure Island.
The multi-talented Mark Ciardi is a producer whose credits include Invincible, Tooth Fairy, The Game Plan and Secretariat, The Rookie, Me, Myself & Irene and Fever Pitch.
Now in its fifth year, the London Indian Film Festival is the largest South Asian film festival in Europe. The festival opens with Sold,...
Madhur Mittal’s breakthrough role was in Danny Boyle’s multiple BAFTA, Golden Globe and Oscar winning Slumdog Millionaire and thereafter he made a mark in Treasure Island.
The multi-talented Mark Ciardi is a producer whose credits include Invincible, Tooth Fairy, The Game Plan and Secretariat, The Rookie, Me, Myself & Irene and Fever Pitch.
Now in its fifth year, the London Indian Film Festival is the largest South Asian film festival in Europe. The festival opens with Sold,...
- 7/4/2014
- by Stacey Yount
- Bollyspice
Get ready London film fans! The fabulous London Indian Film Festival, running July 10th – 17th, will bring you an eclectic and cool mix of films! Now Europe’s largest platform for Indian cinema, the London Indian Film Festival returns to the Capital, in association with Pure Heaven, the British Film Institute, and official Hotel Partner Grange Hotels, celebrating the exploding movement of Indian Independent cinema and bringing to UK audiences a rare selection of cutting-edge films from some of the Indian subcontinent’s hottest independent talents. Going way beyond Bollywood, the festival presents a kaleidoscope of new films that challenge, shock, generate debate and present a more realistic view of India and the subcontinent today, in all its diversity.
The festival has many highlights and will showcase Emma Thompson’s Sold and Million Dollar Arm, which stars Jon Hamm and also boasts a bevy of Bollywood stars! The festival will stretch citywide,...
The festival has many highlights and will showcase Emma Thompson’s Sold and Million Dollar Arm, which stars Jon Hamm and also boasts a bevy of Bollywood stars! The festival will stretch citywide,...
- 6/12/2014
- by Stacey Yount
- Bollyspice
Fifth edition runs July 10-17 and will also feature the UK premiere of Million Dollar Arm.
Sold will receive its European premiere as the opening film of this year’s London Indian Film Festival.
Executive produced by Emma Thompson and starring Gillian Anderson, Jeffrey D. Brown’s film tells the story of a young Nepali girl who is trafficked to Kolkata, India.
Thompson commented: “It is wonderful to have our film premiered at London Indian Film Festival, to raise awareness of child-trafficking, which is an issue close to my heart and is shockingly on the increase world-wide. We hope that this film willmake people think and highlight the support for key charities such as The Helen Bamber Foundation and others working in this difficult area in India, Nepal and elsewhere.”
Other highlights of the festival include the UK premieres of Craig Gillespie’s Million Dollar Arm, starring Jon Hamm and Suraj Sharma, and [link=nm...
Sold will receive its European premiere as the opening film of this year’s London Indian Film Festival.
Executive produced by Emma Thompson and starring Gillian Anderson, Jeffrey D. Brown’s film tells the story of a young Nepali girl who is trafficked to Kolkata, India.
Thompson commented: “It is wonderful to have our film premiered at London Indian Film Festival, to raise awareness of child-trafficking, which is an issue close to my heart and is shockingly on the increase world-wide. We hope that this film willmake people think and highlight the support for key charities such as The Helen Bamber Foundation and others working in this difficult area in India, Nepal and elsewhere.”
Other highlights of the festival include the UK premieres of Craig Gillespie’s Million Dollar Arm, starring Jon Hamm and Suraj Sharma, and [link=nm...
- 6/11/2014
- by ian.sandwell@screendaily.com (Ian Sandwell)
- ScreenDaily
Hard-hitting feature Sold will have its red carpet European Premiere at the opening of the Fifth annual London Indian Film Festival (10 – 17 July). Based on the bestselling novel Sold by Patricia McCormick, the film is a powerful drama based on real life events, and tells of a young Nepali girl’s struggle for survival after being sold into prostitution in Kolkata, and an American photographer (Gillian Anderson), who, against the odds, attempts to rescue her and other young women. The X Files and The Fall star Gillian Anderson is expected to participate in a Q&A in London at the film’s opening night amongst other talent.
Director Jeffrey D. Brown, Executive Producer Emma Thompson and Producer Jane Charles have worked tirelessly to bring this film to the screen researching every aspect of the story in depth with charities which deal directly with child trafficking in India including: Apne Aap, New Light,...
Director Jeffrey D. Brown, Executive Producer Emma Thompson and Producer Jane Charles have worked tirelessly to bring this film to the screen researching every aspect of the story in depth with charities which deal directly with child trafficking in India including: Apne Aap, New Light,...
- 4/25/2014
- by Stacey Yount
- Bollyspice
After wowing festivals worldwide and winning hearts back home in India, The Lunchbox, Ritesh Batra’s charming debut film, continues its winning run garnering raves and awards at two amazing international film festivals. It has won the Church of Iceland award at the Reykjavik International film festival, and the Best Director and Best Actor awards at Saint Jean de luz Film Festival (a French Festival).
About the win in Paris, actor Irrfan Khan said in a recent interview, “The Lunchbox is a very special film with such a simple and heartwarming story and a universal appeal. The film has got a great response and has been hugely appreciated pan India and internationally. It feels great to receive an award in the global capital of romance — Paris, for our sweet love story.”
The Lunchbox has now been selected in the official competition section of the prestigious BFI London Film Festival. In...
About the win in Paris, actor Irrfan Khan said in a recent interview, “The Lunchbox is a very special film with such a simple and heartwarming story and a universal appeal. The film has got a great response and has been hugely appreciated pan India and internationally. It feels great to receive an award in the global capital of romance — Paris, for our sweet love story.”
The Lunchbox has now been selected in the official competition section of the prestigious BFI London Film Festival. In...
- 10/19/2013
- by Stacey Yount
- Bollyspice
Director Cary Rajinder Sawhney is getting ready to embark on his next short film. Starring Feryna Wazheir, A Secret of the Heart is a mystery romance set in East London. A young African-British guy meets the girl of his dreams, but as past and present collide her strange secret is uncovered.
A Secret of the Heart is written and directed by Cary. The shoot is planned for October and will be set to release in 2014. This mystery romance is aimed to be a ‘tear-jerker’.
Apparently, A Secret of The Heart is inspired by the great British classic ‘A Matter of Life & Death’ (aka Us title ‘A Stairway to Heaven’), by Powell and Pressburger, and also the serious illness of one of Cary’s family members.
A Secret of the Heart covers one human lifetime and a love that is timeless. The gentle love story also jumps the traditional boundaries of race and class,...
A Secret of the Heart is written and directed by Cary. The shoot is planned for October and will be set to release in 2014. This mystery romance is aimed to be a ‘tear-jerker’.
Apparently, A Secret of The Heart is inspired by the great British classic ‘A Matter of Life & Death’ (aka Us title ‘A Stairway to Heaven’), by Powell and Pressburger, and also the serious illness of one of Cary’s family members.
A Secret of the Heart covers one human lifetime and a love that is timeless. The gentle love story also jumps the traditional boundaries of race and class,...
- 9/13/2013
- by Stacey Yount
- Bollyspice
Artistic Advisor Elia Suleiman [pictured] speaks about importance of supporting emerging filmmakers at new March event.
The Doha Film Institute had added three new programme advisors to work on the inaugural edition of the Qumra Doha Film Festival, which runs March 19-26.
The festival focuses on emerging directors’ first or second features.
The Institute has appointed three programme advisors who will support Dfi’s staff programming team: Paolo Bertolin for the Asia Pacific region; Violeta Bava, for the Central American, South American, and Caribbean regions; and Cary Rajinder Sawhney, for the Indian subcontinent.
Bertolin has served as programme consultant for festivals including Venice, Nyon, Udine and Cannes Critics’ Week. Bava works with the Buenos Aires Intenrational Independent Film Festival and co-founded production company Ruda Cine. Sawhney was former head of diversity at the British Film Institute and has worked in programming for the London Film Festival.
Artistic Advisor to the festival, Paris-based Palestinian...
The Doha Film Institute had added three new programme advisors to work on the inaugural edition of the Qumra Doha Film Festival, which runs March 19-26.
The festival focuses on emerging directors’ first or second features.
The Institute has appointed three programme advisors who will support Dfi’s staff programming team: Paolo Bertolin for the Asia Pacific region; Violeta Bava, for the Central American, South American, and Caribbean regions; and Cary Rajinder Sawhney, for the Indian subcontinent.
Bertolin has served as programme consultant for festivals including Venice, Nyon, Udine and Cannes Critics’ Week. Bava works with the Buenos Aires Intenrational Independent Film Festival and co-founded production company Ruda Cine. Sawhney was former head of diversity at the British Film Institute and has worked in programming for the London Film Festival.
Artistic Advisor to the festival, Paris-based Palestinian...
- 9/8/2013
- by wendy.mitchell@screendaily.com (Wendy Mitchell)
- ScreenDaily
Lucia, Director Pawan Kumar’s Kannada-language film Lucia has won the coveted Audience Award at the 4th London Indian Film Festival (Liff, July 18-25). The inventive crowd-funded film, powered by UK-based online outfit Distrify, delighted sold out audiences across the city.
Pawan Kumar said: “To win this award in the face of such powerful competition is a dream come true for me. I thank the London Indian Film Festival for selecting the film for its world premiere and would also like to thank the London audience and the UK Kannada community for supporting the film.”
Anurag Goswami won the Satyajit Ray Foundation’s short film award, held in conjunction with Liff, for Kaun Kamleshwar? (Who’s Kamleshwar?). The jury, comprising Atif Ghani (producer – Ill Manors), Kim Longinotto (director – Salma), Sunny Grewal (BBC London), Meghna Gupta (shorts director, Unravel) and Satwant Gill (Liff), said: “The Satyajit Ray Foundation’s short film...
Pawan Kumar said: “To win this award in the face of such powerful competition is a dream come true for me. I thank the London Indian Film Festival for selecting the film for its world premiere and would also like to thank the London audience and the UK Kannada community for supporting the film.”
Anurag Goswami won the Satyajit Ray Foundation’s short film award, held in conjunction with Liff, for Kaun Kamleshwar? (Who’s Kamleshwar?). The jury, comprising Atif Ghani (producer – Ill Manors), Kim Longinotto (director – Salma), Sunny Grewal (BBC London), Meghna Gupta (shorts director, Unravel) and Satwant Gill (Liff), said: “The Satyajit Ray Foundation’s short film...
- 7/30/2013
- by Stacey Yount
- Bollyspice
Starting off with a star studded red carpet, followed by the film Monsoon Shootout,a Q and A with director Amit Kumar… and then topped off with an after-party at Leicester Square, the London Indian Film Festival began their spectacular 4th edition. Liff will be screening a huge variety of films in various languages including Hindi, Gujurati, Marathi, Punjabi and Spanish. Liff aims to showcase a diverse and vibrant selection of films. Festival director Cary Rajinder Sawhney recently told BollySpice: “We try and show a range of different cinema, not just Hindi films but a range of different languages. Something that reflects modern India in all its diversity and richness. Ultimately, the most important thing is that they are great stories.”
Held at Cineworld Haymarket in London, Amit Kumar’s Monsoon Shootout started off a week of exciting Independent Indian cinema. To set the scene of the opening night, we...
Held at Cineworld Haymarket in London, Amit Kumar’s Monsoon Shootout started off a week of exciting Independent Indian cinema. To set the scene of the opening night, we...
- 7/19/2013
- by Aashi Gahlot
- Bollyspice
Going on in the UK now and running through the 25th of July is the fabulous London Indian Film Festival. This festival showcases a world of Indian independent films that according to actress and brand ambassador Feryna Wazheir, ‘breaks new ground with its programme, giving young talent a real platform to showcase their work and for audiences to see another side of Indian cinema.‘ You have seen the British-Asian actress, who just signed a cool two-film deal with iRock in India, in the fabulous Sadiyaan – the Bollywood film on the India-Pakistan partition, that also starred Rishi Kapoor, Hema Malini and Rekha. In her second year, Feryna Wazheir says she is ‘delighted and honoured’ to be brand ambassador for Liff. See what else the lovely actress told us in this exclusive interview including her top 5 films she is most excited to see at Liff and more!
Is acting something you always wanted to do?...
Is acting something you always wanted to do?...
- 7/19/2013
- by Stacey Yount
- Bollyspice
Opening tomorrow night and running through July 25th, is the cool London Indian Film Festival. The festival looks Beyond Bollywood and introduces amazing independent Indian films to the UK and has a world of riches for the audience this year. Check out what the festival director Cary Rajinder Sawhney told us in this fabulous in-depth interview about the movies and more of the London Indian Film Festival.
All about London Indian Film Festival
I have been working on the BFI London Film Festival for the last 17 years and one thing that struck me every year was that our films, Indian films, just weren’t getting any media attention, distributors weren’t picking them up, nobody was talking about them. The UK vision seem to be if it was Bollywood, then the Bollywood distributors would take care of it and it was anything else they did not understand it. What we...
All about London Indian Film Festival
I have been working on the BFI London Film Festival for the last 17 years and one thing that struck me every year was that our films, Indian films, just weren’t getting any media attention, distributors weren’t picking them up, nobody was talking about them. The UK vision seem to be if it was Bollywood, then the Bollywood distributors would take care of it and it was anything else they did not understand it. What we...
- 7/17/2013
- by Stacey Yount
- Bollyspice
Get Ready because some of the coolest Indian films are coming to London! Yes, it is only one week until the opening of the London Indian Film Festival. BollySpice is always proud to be a media partner for the festival that brings you films way Beyond Bollywood – a rare selection of cutting-edge films from some of India’s hottest independent talents. Not only that the esteemed actor Irrfan Khan will give a masterclass and be ‘In conversation’ on Saturday 20th July at the BFI Southbank this is not to be missed!
Festival director Cary Rajinder Sawhney says, “This July London Indian Film Festival (Liff), returns to the capital for its fourth edition. Building on last year’s massive success, we are determined to bring you some of the hottest new Indian independent films at venues across London, so there will be screenings near you!
Our Programming team has been scouring...
Festival director Cary Rajinder Sawhney says, “This July London Indian Film Festival (Liff), returns to the capital for its fourth edition. Building on last year’s massive success, we are determined to bring you some of the hottest new Indian independent films at venues across London, so there will be screenings near you!
Our Programming team has been scouring...
- 7/11/2013
- by Stacey Yount
- Bollyspice
Amit Kumar’s Monsoon Shootout will have its UK premiere as the opening night film of the 4th annual London Indian Film Festival (July 18-25).
Closing the festival will be the UK premiere of Bombay Talkies, which comprises four stories by directors Karan Johar, Zoya Akhtar, Dibakar Banerjee and Anurag Kashyap. The film explores 100 years of Indian cinema and features independent and Bollywood stars.
Other UK premieres at Liff include Pune 25, BA Pass, Oonga, Mapa, Life is Good and The Bright Day, Shahid, Tasher Desh (The Land of Cards) and Josh (Against the Grain).
Gyan Correa’s The Good Road will receive its international premiere and Pawan Kumar’s Lucia – Kammada cinema’s first crowd-funding film - will have its world premiere at Liff.
For the first time, the festival will go on tour to Bradford and Glasgow.
The centrepiece ‘In conversation’ event will take place at London’s BFI Southabnk on July 20 with actor Irrfan Khan talking...
Closing the festival will be the UK premiere of Bombay Talkies, which comprises four stories by directors Karan Johar, Zoya Akhtar, Dibakar Banerjee and Anurag Kashyap. The film explores 100 years of Indian cinema and features independent and Bollywood stars.
Other UK premieres at Liff include Pune 25, BA Pass, Oonga, Mapa, Life is Good and The Bright Day, Shahid, Tasher Desh (The Land of Cards) and Josh (Against the Grain).
Gyan Correa’s The Good Road will receive its international premiere and Pawan Kumar’s Lucia – Kammada cinema’s first crowd-funding film - will have its world premiere at Liff.
For the first time, the festival will go on tour to Bradford and Glasgow.
The centrepiece ‘In conversation’ event will take place at London’s BFI Southabnk on July 20 with actor Irrfan Khan talking...
- 7/3/2013
- by michael.rosser@screendaily.com (Michael Rosser)
- ScreenDaily
Amit Kumar's trigger happy Monsoon Shootout will be the red carpet UK Premiere opening night film of the Fourth annual London Indian Film Festival (July 18-25), Together with O2. This film is a version of Sliding Doors meets a hyper-real cop thriller, which will have you on the edge of your seats. Closing the festival will be a special UK premiere of favourite Bombay Talkies with four magical stories by acclaimed directors Karan Johar, Zoya Akhtar, Dibakar Banerjee and Anurag Kashyap exploring 100 years of Indian cinema, studded with top independent and Bollywood stars. Both films had a triumphant reception at the recent Cannes Film Festival and special guests are expected to both screenings.
Now Europe's largest platform for Indian cinema, the London Indian Film Festival returns to the Capital, celebrating the exploding movement of Indian Independent cinema and bringing to UK audiences a rare selection of cutting-edge films from...
Now Europe's largest platform for Indian cinema, the London Indian Film Festival returns to the Capital, celebrating the exploding movement of Indian Independent cinema and bringing to UK audiences a rare selection of cutting-edge films from...
- 6/27/2013
- by Bollywood Hungama News Network
- BollywoodHungama
We are proud to announce that once again we will be partners for the fabulous London Indian Film Festival, the festival that celebrates Indian films in all its forms. Now Europe’s largest platform for Indian cinema, the London Indian Film Festival returns to the Capital, celebrating the exploding movement of Indian Independent cinema and bringing to UK audiences a rare selection of cutting-edge films from some of India’s hottest independent talents. Going way beyond Bollywood, the festival presents a kaleidoscope of new films that challenge, shock, generate debate and present a more realistic view of India and the subcontinent today, in all its diversity. For the first time, the festival is going on tour to Bradford and Glasgow. Running from the 18th to the 25th of July, you will get to see some fabulous films, take part in a cool masterclass and more!
Cary Rajinder Sawhney, Festival Director comments,...
Cary Rajinder Sawhney, Festival Director comments,...
- 6/26/2013
- by Stacey Yount
- Bollyspice
Get ready for Spidermen, Sex & Sadhus because the 4th London Indian Film Festival Launches in July. Europe’s largest platform for Indian cinema London Indian Film Festival returns to the capital celebrating the exploding movement of Indian Independent cinema. The fourth annual festival will run from 18–25 July, bringing to UK audiences a rare selection of cutting-edge films from some of India’s hottest independent talents. Going way beyond Bollywood, the festival presents a kaleidoscope of new films that challenge, shock, generate debate and present a more realistic view of the Indian subcontinent today, in all its diversity.
The festival will stretch city wide, opening in the West End at the Cineworld Haymarket and continue at BFI Southbank, Cineworld Shaftesbury Avenue, Wood Green, Wandsworth, the O2 and Ica. For the second time the festival is also teaming up with the Tate Modern.
The London Indian Film Festival also has films and...
The festival will stretch city wide, opening in the West End at the Cineworld Haymarket and continue at BFI Southbank, Cineworld Shaftesbury Avenue, Wood Green, Wandsworth, the O2 and Ica. For the second time the festival is also teaming up with the Tate Modern.
The London Indian Film Festival also has films and...
- 5/1/2013
- by Stacey Yount
- Bollyspice
Anurag Kashyap’s Gangs of Wasseypur I will open the 12th edition of the River to River Florence Indian Film Festival, while its sequel Gangs of Wasseypur II will be the closing film of the festival. A documentary on the life and career of Amitabh Bachchan, Everlasting Light by Ram Madhvani, will be screened during the festival. Bachchan will also be present for a Q&A session post the screening of his film Black.
Besides film screening, the festival will also host interactive sessions on topics like, ‘Shakti: Women in Indian cinema and literature’ and ‘Bollywood and the expression of emotions in today’s India’.
The festival will run from 7th to 13th December in Florence followed by an edition in Rome from 14th to 16th December 2012.
The films in the 2012 line up are:
Much Ado About Knotting
Dir.: Geetika Narang Abbasi and Anandana Kapur
Bharatmata Ki Jai (Long live Bharatmata)
Dir.
Besides film screening, the festival will also host interactive sessions on topics like, ‘Shakti: Women in Indian cinema and literature’ and ‘Bollywood and the expression of emotions in today’s India’.
The festival will run from 7th to 13th December in Florence followed by an edition in Rome from 14th to 16th December 2012.
The films in the 2012 line up are:
Much Ado About Knotting
Dir.: Geetika Narang Abbasi and Anandana Kapur
Bharatmata Ki Jai (Long live Bharatmata)
Dir.
- 11/23/2012
- by NewsDesk
- DearCinema.com
We are lucky enough at Upodcast to be covering the London Indian Film Festival which is on now until the 3rd of July. There are a ton of amazing movies scheduled as well as live music performances and Q&A’s with movie directors and much much more.
After having a rocking start with the premiere of Gangs Of WasseyPur, the festival is still showing some very interesting Indian as well as British production that are Indian at heart but moving away form the conventions of Bollywood!
So head over to their website (click here for the London Indian Film Festival site) or follow their twitter feed!
Upodcast has some great coverage including:
Gangs Of WasseyPur Review Anurag Kashyap Podcast Interview Gattu Review Dekh Indian Circus Review and much more to follow!
Here is some news from the press team:
The 3rd Edition of the London Indian Film Festival (20 June...
After having a rocking start with the premiere of Gangs Of WasseyPur, the festival is still showing some very interesting Indian as well as British production that are Indian at heart but moving away form the conventions of Bollywood!
So head over to their website (click here for the London Indian Film Festival site) or follow their twitter feed!
Upodcast has some great coverage including:
Gangs Of WasseyPur Review Anurag Kashyap Podcast Interview Gattu Review Dekh Indian Circus Review and much more to follow!
Here is some news from the press team:
The 3rd Edition of the London Indian Film Festival (20 June...
- 6/28/2012
- by Asim Burney
- HeyUGuys.co.uk
Following its UK launch in May 2012, online Bollywood film platform, Sanona is showing its commitment to the Indian film industry by sponsoring the 3rd annual London Indian Film Festival (Liff) this month.
Sanona, a brand new service offering fans of Bollywood and Indian cinema the chance to stream and watch movies online, will be presenting both the coveted Opening Night Premiere for Mumbai cult director Anurag Kashyap’s action-packed Gangs of Wasseypur, and the equally prestigious Closing Night Premiere of multi award-winning hit Bengali movie, Baishey Srabon (Seventh August) and their accompanying after-parties.
The festival brings to UK audiences a selection of cutting edge films from some of India’s and the UK’s hottest independent talents. As one of Europe’s fastest growing platforms for Indian cinema, Liff has a natural synergy with Sanona; both organisations pledging to celebrate the burgeoning movement of alternative Indian cinema.
Adam Davies, the founder and CEO of Sanona,...
Sanona, a brand new service offering fans of Bollywood and Indian cinema the chance to stream and watch movies online, will be presenting both the coveted Opening Night Premiere for Mumbai cult director Anurag Kashyap’s action-packed Gangs of Wasseypur, and the equally prestigious Closing Night Premiere of multi award-winning hit Bengali movie, Baishey Srabon (Seventh August) and their accompanying after-parties.
The festival brings to UK audiences a selection of cutting edge films from some of India’s and the UK’s hottest independent talents. As one of Europe’s fastest growing platforms for Indian cinema, Liff has a natural synergy with Sanona; both organisations pledging to celebrate the burgeoning movement of alternative Indian cinema.
Adam Davies, the founder and CEO of Sanona,...
- 6/17/2012
- by Press Releases
- Bollyspice
The London Indian Film Festival is delighted to announce that Mercury nominated musician Susheela Raman will perform alongside acclaimed filmmaker and rapper Q, in a unique first of its kind event that marries the heady vibe of the controversial film Gandu with a pulsating interactive concert. June 21 will see BFI Southbank reverberate to the strains of Raman and Q’s band Gandu Circus along with special guest Steve Chandra Savale from the Asian Dub Foundation, following a screening of Gandu.
Festival director, Cary Rajinder Sawhney says: “As part of the festival we are undertaking several exciting new commissions, mixing film and arts. Gandu Circus, a live Jungle-rap rock performance by Kolkata based rapper and revolutionary film director Q is intercut with stunning visual imagery, with the powerful voice of Susheela Raman making the experience transcendental. The film Gandu was never publicly released in India, especially due to the blatant drug usage,...
Festival director, Cary Rajinder Sawhney says: “As part of the festival we are undertaking several exciting new commissions, mixing film and arts. Gandu Circus, a live Jungle-rap rock performance by Kolkata based rapper and revolutionary film director Q is intercut with stunning visual imagery, with the powerful voice of Susheela Raman making the experience transcendental. The film Gandu was never publicly released in India, especially due to the blatant drug usage,...
- 6/13/2012
- by Stacey Yount
- Bollyspice
BollySpice is proud to be media partners for the exciting London Indian Film Festival, which has a simple and focused brief, to show the very best of new Indian independent films, especially made by a younger generation of filmmakers. We have supported the festival since its inception and are excited once again to be involved in the third year as the festival brings, from the 20th of June to the 3rd of July, Indie Indian films to London. This year’s festival program is even more exciting because, of course, not only do the cutting edge outside of Bollywood films that have been chosen rock, but they have also brought in innovative and artistic programs to add to the feast for the senses. More on that in a bit first let’s take a look at some of the highlights of Liff.
The 3rd Liff serves up an explosive cocktail that includes circuses,...
The 3rd Liff serves up an explosive cocktail that includes circuses,...
- 6/1/2012
- by Stacey Yount
- Bollyspice
Get ready because some of the best of Indie Indian films are coming to London! Celebrating the burgeoning movement of alternative Indian cinema, the third annual London Indian Film Festival, will run from 20 June – 3 July. Supported by Film London and Western Union, the festival brings to UK audiences a selection of cutting edge films from some of India’s hottest independent talents. Going way beyond Bollywood, these are films that challenge, shock, generate debate and present a more realistic view of India today in all its colour and diversity. This year we are also broadening our horizons to include World Premieres of two UK Asian movies and films from neighbouring Asian countries.
India is the largest film producing country in the world producing some 1,200 films a year, outstripping Hollywood. But apart from mainstream Bollywood, very few of these films are seen in the UK. Cary Rajinder Sawhney, Festival Director comments,...
India is the largest film producing country in the world producing some 1,200 films a year, outstripping Hollywood. But apart from mainstream Bollywood, very few of these films are seen in the UK. Cary Rajinder Sawhney, Festival Director comments,...
- 5/15/2012
- by Stacey Yount
- Bollyspice
Europe's fastest growing platform for Indian cinema returns to the Capital celebrating the burgeoning movement of alternative Indian cinema. The third annual London Indian Film Festival will run from June 20 -July 3, bringing to UK audiences a selection of cutting edge films from some of India's and the UK's hottest independent talents. Going way beyond Bollywood, these are films that challenge, shock, generate debate and present a more realistic view of India today in all its colour and diversity. The Festival, which is supported by Film London, will stretch city wide, opening in the West End at the Cineworld Haymarket and continuing at BFI Southbank, Watermans, Cineworld Trocadero, Feltham, Wood Green, Wandsworth, the O2 and Ica. For the first time the festival is also teaming up with Tate Modern to present a rare showcase in Indian experimental film curated from Bangalore. The Festival also has films and events for a wide...
- 5/3/2012
- by Devansh Patel
- BollywoodHungama
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