The European Premiere of powerful anthology ‘My Melbourne’, directed by Onir, Rima Das, Imtiaz Ali and Kabir Khan in English, Bengali, Hindi and Dari, will open this year’s UK Asian Film Festival (UKAFF) in London on May 1.
It will be followed by the UK premiere at London’s Kiln Theatre of ‘The Collaborator’ (pictured above), a film is based on Kashmiri author Mirza Waheed's acclaimed novel telling the gripping tale of a village youth sent into a conflict zone to recover weapons.
It forms part of a varied line-up around the theme of “Longing and Belonging” of this year edition of one of the world’s longest running South Asian film festivals.
Dr Pushpinder Chowdhry MBE, UKAFF Founder and Director, said: “Through this evocative programme, we honour stories of resilience, identity, and connection, especially from voices that have long been sidelined.
“With British Asian talent finally gaining overdue visibility and our company now a registered charity, this marks a transformative moment. We invite audiences to join us in celebrating artists who reflect the complexity and beauty of our shared human experience.”
MORE LIKE THIS…
Alongside the films, the festival will showcase a compelling lecture series, interactive audience workshops, live performances, visual arts exhibitions and masterclasses. It also hosts the annual Short Film Competition, celebrating the finest films connected to South Asia while highlighting the rich and varied facets of South Asian arts and culture.
‘Sholay: 50 Years Later’ marks the Golden Jubilee of the classic film ‘Sholay’ at Nehru Centre in London, with an immersive exhibition that showcases exclusive memorabilia to mark 50 years of one of the biggest films of Indian cinema. Curated by Dr Monia Acciari, the exhibition offers a rare glimpse into the film’s enduring influence on Indian cinema and pop culture.
Mystic Mela on at Beck Theatre in London will be a vibrant celebration blending spiritual heritage with contemporary culture. This event features film screenings, music, yoga and breathwork workshops and storytelling. The event culminates with ‘Asians On The Square’, a special panel marking 40 years of ‘EastEnders’ with familiar faces from the heritage soap drama.
‘Magical Memories: Celebrating Raj Kapoor’ at Harrow Arts Centre, London, will mark the centenary of the legendary filmmaker and actor known as the “Greatest Showman of Indian Cinema”. Performed by acclaimed singers Rekha and Chirag Rao, the concert will transport audiences through the many cinematic lives of Raj Kapoor, bringing his unforgettable melodies to life.
MORE LIKE THIS…
UKAFF Creative Director Samir Bhamra said: “UKAFF 2025 is more than a festival — it’s a cinematic homecoming. Whether it’s a poetic road trip in ‘Parikrama’, a riotous Gujarati comedy in ‘Jai Mata Ji’, or the shimmering legacy of Raj Kapoor, these films embody the deep ache to find where we belong.
“Most powerfully, they’re driven by British Asian creatives now shaping global narratives. This is the year to show up, be seen, and feel every beat of our collective story — on the big screen, where it truly belongs.”
*Info: UK Asian Film Festival 2025
