The TOF committee is proud to welcome Deepa Mehta to open our Festival with the UK Premiere of her film Heaven on Earth, and in partnership with British Academy of Film and Television Arts (BAFTA) we are honouring the life and works of Deepa Mehta with a special "Life In Pictures" event. The films that run through our festival tell the stories of Diaspora Asian life - an Indian

woman's journey to Canada in Heaven on Earth, the implications of border-crossing in Ramchand Pakistani, the fusion of pop culture in the US in Loins of Punjab, and an American perspective on Indian mythology in Sita Sings the Blues.

 

The festival continues to honour filmmakers whose talent lies behind the camera with an insightful and entertaining "In Conversation" with film director Gurinder Chadha. Journalist and author Sathnam Sanghera will take us on a journey through Gurinder's work to catch a glimpse of woman in her films. BAFTA award winning director Asif Kapadia will be screening his film Far North and conducting a director's workshop at SOAS. We are also excited to welcome Mehreen Jabbar for the screening of her brilliant film Ramchand Pakistani.

 

It is important for us at Tongues on Fire to create a platform for the next generation of filmmakers. The annual Short Film Competition showcases emerging talent from across cultures and countries. This year, we are launching the TOF Film Frat for young filmmakers to share their work with their peers and industry experts. The Film Frat is another opportunity that the festival has created to network and meet with established filmmakers, film academics, and industry professionals.

 

In additions to high profile central London venues we have screenings at the Waterman's and Rich Mix to reach out to the communities. A photographic and poster exhibition that tells the story of women and Indian cinema Re-Inventing Bollywood represents the cinematic journey into values of Bollywood and Beyond.

Finally, I would like to mention that this Festival is brought to you through partnerships, inkind support, and minimal sponsorship. It is through personal joy and passion that the TOF committee creates a platform for you to come and enjoy these Asian independent and films Bollywood beyond. You can engage in the Festival by becoming a member, joining the Film Frat, or simply buying a ticket for a screening. Above all, we want you to have a great cinema experience for films that you might not be able to see otherwise.

 

Dr. Pushpinder Chowdhry

Festival Director