UK Asian Film Festival 2026
The UK Asian Film Festival is the longest-running South Asian film festival in the UK. Showcasing award-winning filmmakers from across the globe, the festival offers bold storytelling that expands perspectives and deepens appreciation of film and television. The theme of its 28th edition, Stories That Bind Us, explores identity, belonging, migration, love and loss, revealing the universal human search for connection and meaning. For more information, go to tonguesonfire.com.
1 to 10 May 2026
Opening Night: Ghost School + Q&A with writer-director Seemab Gul
A haunting fable in which a child’s curiosity reveals the truth behind a village school’s silence.
Closing Night: Shadowbox Q&A with Tilottama Shome
A tense Kolkata-set family drama that explores love, duty and family secrets.
Creative Minds of Tomorrow
An event aimed at promoting the next generation of filmmaking talent.
Words, Songs and Screens: With Kausar Munir, Nasreen Munni Kabir and Seemab Gul
Behind the scenes of storytelling: a masterclass in words, music, and film direction.
Short Film Showcase + Q&A with filmmakers
UK Asian Film Festival showcases ten distinctive shorts spotlighting the range and vitality of South Asian and British Asian filmmaking.
Mera Lyari + Q&A with director Abu Aleeha and cast, moderated by Dr Toyeba Mushtaq
The story of two young women determined to pursue their football dreams.
Future Forward: Annual UK-India Co-Production Day 2026
Unlock strategic opportunities for UK-India film co-productions.
Want more?
See an illustrated talk with Indian writer, poet and filmmaker Mihir Chitre.
BFI Southbank will be closed Tuesday 23 and Wednesday 24 June due to a private event. There is currently no step-free access to the Mezzanine or Blue Room. We are working to resolve this as soon as possible and apologise for any inconvenience caused.
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