UK ASIAN FILM FESTIVAL UNVEILS 28TH EDITION PROGRAMME CELEBRATING THE STORIES THAT BIND US

The UK Asian Film Festival has unveiled its full programme, returning from 1–10 May across London, Leicester, Coventry and Cumbernauld. Presented by Tongues on Fire and supported by the BFI Audience Projects Fund, the festival continues its legacy as the world’s longest-running South Asian film festival outside the Subcontinent, championing bold and independent cinema.

Centred around this year’s theme, “Stories That Bind Us,” the programme explores connection across borders, generations and belief systems through a wide-ranging line-up of films and events. The Opening Gala at BFI Southbank will present the England premiere of Ghost School by Seemab Gul, while the Closing Film, Shadowbox, will be accompanied by a Q&A with Tillotama Shome. The festival’s closing awards will honour legendary filmmaker Muzaffar Ali with a Lifetime Achievement Award, alongside a special tribute to Zubeen Garg.

This year’s programme features an impressive slate of premieres and special screenings, including the restoration of Umrao Jaan, women-led sports drama Mera Lyari, and coming-of-age story Pukam Pukai, alongside international titles such as 100 Sunsets. The festival also presents a strong documentary strand, showcasing stories of music, art, identity and environment, as well as curated strands focusing on LGBTQ+ narratives and British Asian experiences.

Beyond film, UKAFF offers a dynamic programme of talks, masterclasses and live events, including in-conversation sessions with lyricist Kausar Munir and film historian Nasreen Munni Kabir, as well as workshops, industry panels and a celebration of classic Hindi film music. Its annual Short Film Competition and Emerging Curators Lab continue to spotlight new talent, reinforcing the festival’s commitment to nurturing the next generation of storytellers.

With its expansive and thought-provoking line-up, the festival once again provides a vital platform for underrepresented voices, bringing audiences together through powerful storytelling and shared cultural experiences.

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