London Indian Film Festival
Bollywood has put Indian cinema on the world map producing over 700 films a year. But as the profile of Indian films grows globally it will come as no surprise that there is also a burgeoning independent cinema from the sub-continent which is making its mark.
The London Indian Film Festival (LIFF) started as a small experiment seven years ago and is now establishing itself as Europe's largest South Asian film festival.
Film Director Shekhar Kapoor says “Indian cinema is changing from within, which does not mean it is getting less in India, it just means it is moving away from being forever consigned to an alien planet called ‘Bollywood’ and is finding its modern identity in being even more Indian”.
“That London is becoming the focal point of exploding this powerful movement to the rest of the world is its embracing of globalisation and adding an interesting influence upon it,” he added.
Running from 14th July to 24th July 2016, films will be screened in 10 London cinemas as well as widening the South Asian appeal by including Britain’s second city, Birmingham where films will be screened synchronously in two cinemas. There will also be the usual razzmatazz of talks, celebrity and awards.
Cary Rajinder Sawhney, Executive & Programming Director of LIFF explains that they have selected a careful selection of films which includes features, documentaries and shorts by both acclaimed and new film makers. This year there is a significant representation from women directors as well.
“We promise that whatever movie you decide to attend, you will be entertained, informed and perhaps even a little shocked, states Cary.
Check out LIFF at londonindianfilmfestival.co.uk
