The London Indian Film Festival is gearing up for its 17th edition, and it promises to be a star-studded affair. One of the highlights is the appearance of Bollywood icon Aamir Khan, who will grace the festival with his presence in a conversation event at BFI Southbank on July 16. This event is particularly significant as it coincides with the 25th anniversary screening of Khan's Academy Award-nominated film, "Lagaan: Once Upon a Time in India," at the BFI Imax on July 12.
Khan's involvement in the festival is a testament to his enduring popularity and influence in the film industry. His presence will undoubtedly attract a large audience and generate buzz around the festival.
The festival's opening night will feature the European premiere of "52 Blue," directed by Ali El Arabi and starring Adil Hussain and Neha Dhupia. This film will screen at BFI Southbank on July 9, followed by screenings in other cities across the UK.
One of the most anticipated events is the Central Gala on July 11, where the cast of the 1990s BBC sketch comedy "Goodness Gracious Me" will reunite. Sanjeev Bhaskar, Meera Syal, Nina Wadia, Kulvinder Ghir, and Anil Gupta are expected to take the stage, bringing back memories for fans of the show.
Another notable screening is the UK premiere of "In Which Annie Gives It Those Ones," directed by Pradip Krishen and featuring Booker Prize laureate Arundhati Roy. This 1989 cult film, set in a Delhi architecture school, will be shown in a new 4K version at BFI Southbank and HOME Manchester. The restoration, by the Film Heritage Foundation, also offers a rare glimpse of Shah Rukh Khan, who appears in a small role.
The festival will also showcase a range of other films, including "In Search of the Sky," "Master," and "Roid," which will have their UK premieres. Additionally, the festival will host the India's AI & Film Future event, which will showcase Indian films made with AI as part of the creative process.
One of the most intriguing aspects of the festival is the LGBTQIA+ shorts programme "Too Desi Too Queer," co-curated by Manchester's Rainbow Noir. This program will feature a selection of short films that explore the intersection of South Asian culture and LGBTQIA+ identity.
Overall, the London Indian Film Festival 17th edition promises to be a diverse and exciting celebration of Indian cinema, with a range of films, events, and screenings that will appeal to a wide audience. From classic Bollywood films to cutting-edge AI-driven productions, this festival has something for everyone.
