BFI UNVEILS TRAILER & POSTER FOR IMRAN PERRETTA’S AWARD-WINNING DEBUT FEATURE “ish”
The BFI has released the official UK trailer and poster for ish, the acclaimed feature debut from London-based writer, director, composer and visual artist Imran Perretta. Following an impressive international festival run and multiple awards, the coming-of-age drama will arrive in UK and Irish cinemas on 31st July 2026, before premiering on BFI Player on 7th September.
Set and filmed within Luton’s South Asian and Middle Eastern communities, ish tells a poignant story of friendship, identity and growing up in contemporary Britain. At its heart are 12-year-old best friends Ish (Farhan Hasnat) and Maram (Yahya Kitana), whose bond offers an escape from the pressures and uncertainties surrounding them.
The two boys spend their days playing football, gaming and sharing stories, finding freedom in the ordinary joys of childhood. However, as they begin the transition into adolescence, the realities of the world around them become increasingly difficult to ignore. Following a police stop-and-search incident that leaves Maram searched while Ish escapes, their friendship is tested as they confront questions of belonging, responsibility and the challenges of becoming young men.
Co-written by Imran Perretta and acclaimed playwright Enda Walsh (Hunger), ish is a visually striking black-and-white feature shot by cinematographer Jermaine Canute Edwards (My Father’s Shadow). Drawing inspiration from cinematic classics including Satyajit Ray’s The Apu Trilogy, Vittorio De Sica’s Bicycle Thieves, François Truffaut’s The 400 Blows and the work of Bill Douglas, the film blends poetic realism with an intimate and deeply human portrait of youth.
One of the film’s most remarkable achievements lies in its casting. Lead actors Farhan Hasnat and Yahya Kitana, both from Luton and friends since childhood, make their screen debuts after being discovered through an open casting process. Their natural performances bring authenticity and emotional depth to the story.
The cast also includes Mercury Prize and BRIT Award nominee Joy Crookes, making her acting debut as Ish’s sister Samira, alongside acclaimed actors Sudha Bhuchar (After Love, Mogul Mowgli, We Are Lady Parts) and Avin Shah (Everest, Land of the Blind).
Since premiering at Venice Critics’ Week, where it won the Audience Award, Ish has continued to attract critical acclaim. The film later screened in competition for the prestigious Sutherland Award for Best First Feature at the BFI London Film Festival, while producer Dhiraj Mahey was recognised with the Breakthrough Producer award at the British Independent Film Awards.
With its powerful exploration of friendship, community and loss, ish marks an impressive feature debut for Perretta and establishes a compelling new voice in British cinema.
ish opens in cinemas across the UK and Ireland on 31st July 2026, including an extended run at BFI Southbank. A nationwide director Q&A tour will precede the release, with dates and venues to be announced. The film will then be available to stream on BFI Player from 7th September 2026. Watch the trailer here.
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