Tongues on Fire (TOF) have revealed their exciting programme for this year’s edition of the London Asian Film Festival (LAFF), introducing its all-important theme ‘Memories Beyond Borders’. This year marks 70 years of India’s independence, a notable date in India’s history, along with marking the birth of Pakistan.
Taking place on the 9th March to 19th March 2017, across a variety of London venues, the Festival comprises a variety of thought provoking stories with a South Asian connection from across the globe.
The opening premiere “Mango Dreams” will kick start events, with its historic partition themed tale. “Mantostaan”, derived from renowned Saadat Hassan Manto’s controversial short stories and Pakistani film “Rahm” brings audiences a Shakespearean adaptation. Reinforcing the notion of borders, Afghanistani feature “Utopia” journeys across the UK, Pakistan and India, while musical “Bazodee”, set in Trinidad and Tobago, adds a Caribbean twist. A classical gathering of poets in “Mushaira – A Musical Mehfil”, will be an evening harking back to poetry slams of a gone-by era, celebrating traditional Urdu poetry and its evolution through Asian films.
Konkona Sen Sharma’s directorial debut “A Death in the Gunj” continues LAFF’s tradition of celebrating female filmmakers, as well as providing a platform for emerging talent. Female storytelling continues with works from distinguished director Deepa Mehta, Bollywood and independent Indian actress and writer Kalki Koechlin, upcoming singer Rekha Sawney, and “Chalk n Duster” featuring an all-female cast, starring Juhi Chawla and ShabanaAzmi. “Lipstick Under My Burkha”, winner of the Oxfam Award for Best Film on Gender Equality at the Jio MAMI Mumbai Film Festival has rightly earned its place as the festival’s closing film and will follow with a panel discussion.
Acclaimed Pakistani filmmaker Sabiha Sumar and Bollywood actress Kalki Koechlin will discuss the theme of their independent documentary: “Azmaish: Trials of Life”, exploring the rising religious extremism in India and Pakistan. LAFF will also have exclusive access to a preview of the forthcoming documentary on the closing night and will conclude with a sprinkle of glamour at LAFF’s Awards Ceremony and gala dinner.
TOF is proud to announce its UK wide expansion this year with sister festivals Leicester Asian Film Festival (LeAFF) and Edinburgh Asian Film Festival (EAFF) following the festival’s national success over the past 18 years. Films featured will be exclusive to the city programmes, along with a number of standout films from LAFF’s 2017 programme.
For more info visit www.tonguesonfire.com
