Renowned Director Muzaffar Ali to Attend UK Asian Film Festival
Acclaimed director Muzaffar Ali is set to be one of the distinguished guests at this year’s UK Asian Film Festival, taking place from May 1 to May 10 at various locations throughout the UK.
The festival will kick off with an opening gala at the BFI Southbank in London, showcasing the English Premiere of Ghost School (2025). The plot of Ghost School is described through the experiences of Rabia, a ten-year-old village girl grappling with local rumors and the mysterious shutdown of her school. The screening will be followed by a Q&A session with the film’s director, Seemab Gul.
Finale Features Premiere of Shadowbox
The festival will conclude with the UK Premiere of Shadowbox (2025), which tells the story of Maya, a woman fighting to keep her family intact as her husband becomes embroiled in a murder case. This narrative explores themes of love, disgrace, and uncertainty. Actress Tillotama Shome will participate in a Q&A session after the film.
In addition, the festival will present a new 4K restoration of Muzaffar Ali’s classic Umrao Jaan (1981), restored by the National Film Archive of India. This special screening marks the European Premiere of the film, which chronicles the life of a courtesan and poet in Lucknow, India. Ali is scheduled to engage in a Q&A session in London and Leicester following the screening.
The Documentary segment of the festival will feature W.R.A.P. – We Really Are Pakistan (2025), Edavela Stillness (2025), Mamun-In Praise Of Shadows (2025), and Friends Of Jilipibala (2025).
The Closing Gala of the festival will not only feature film screenings but also host the annual UK Asian Film Festival Awards, where Muzaffar Ali will be honored with the Golden Flame Lifetime Achievement Award. Additionally, a special homage will be paid to Zubeen Garg, a renowned singer, composer, and filmmaker.
Festival Promises Rich Diversity and Bold Themes
Samir Bhamra, the Creative Director of the UK Asian Film Festival, commented on this year’s diverse lineup, describing the selected films as “brilliant, humorous, and celebratory, yet also audacious and politically profound.” He praised the films for their remarkable creativity and insight, offering novel views on identity, memory, and sense of belonging.
Bhamra emphasized that the festival’s offerings range from personal family stories to groundbreaking new works in South Asian cinema, capturing the full spectrum of life’s complexities. He highlighted the role of film as more than mere entertainment—it is a medium for mutual understanding and connection. “In an era when societal divides are becoming more pronounced, the festival invites everyone to unite, engage deeply, and rejuvenate the communal spirit needed to navigate future challenges,” Bhamra added.
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