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Festival 2010

Dr Pushpinder Chowdhry There is an air of sparkling excitement for the 12th London Asian Film Festival. I am very pleased to announce that for the next ten days you will enjoy our efforts to expel the myths about Asian Cinema and share our enthusiasm in bringing you an exhilarating mix of films, debates, stimulating interviews, masterclasses and our annual short film competition. During our Opening Gala weekend, we are delighted and honoured to welcome Abhishek Bachchan to launch the Tongues on Fire Film Festival with “A BAFTA Interview” followed by a very special Gala Dinner to celebrate Jaya Bachchan’s contribution to Hindi Cinema. 4 The Red Carpet UK Premiere of Lovesongs: Yesterday, Today, Tomorrow will bring director Jayabrato Chatterjee and actress Jaya Bachchan in conversation about their latest film and her comeback to the silver screen. Nehru Centre in partnership with Tongues on Fire is reflecting on the past and celebrating the achievements of Asian Cinema through a Retrospective of Jaya Bachchan’s iconic films. We also welcome the return of the acclaimed director Shyam Benegal with “A BAFTA Interview” followed by the premiere of his latest film Well Done Abba. Join Abhishek Bachchan in a unique Acting Masterclass where he will discuss his journey as an actor and share his stories and expertise in what makes the characters he plays “come alive” on the screen. Shyam Benegal will facilitate a Director’s workshop to examine film directing techniques, guiding new filmmakers. It is Tongues on Fire’s way to help and inspire up-and-coming talent. Experience Tongues on Fire and its extensive programme that includes bold and controversial themes expressed in films made by Asian filmmakers from Afghanistan, Bangladesh, Pakistan, Sri Lank and USA. An Act of Terror is the first feature film to have been made by the South Asian Diaspora in Scotland and the first Scottish Asian film to be nominated for a BAFTA award. Haat The Weekly Bazaar is a Rajasthani film raising the awareness of the outdated and traditional customs in that part of India. We are also celebrating the Commonwealth Games in India and the London Delhi connection through a series of films on sports. Bringing glamour, style and substance, we are thrilled that Sharmila Tagore and her talented daughter Soha Ali Khan will join us at the Premiere of British Asian film Life Goes On, the debut feature of director Sangeeta Datta. The Festival is a collaborative process involving the myriad forms of support from our partners, sponsors, venues and the invaluable team of dedicated volunteers. The sheer vitality of these films is the motivation for Tongues on Fire 12th London Film Festival to continue reflecting, celebrating and inspiring through film. Dr Pushpinder Chowdhry Festival Director Tongues on Fire Logo Intro 2010