Tongues on Fire

Tongues on Fire, the annual film festival which celebrates excellence, performance and achievements of South Asian women in cinema, celebrates its 10th anniversary this year.

The focus of this year's exciting festival is on feature films that explore the topics of displacement, relationships and friendships, social and cultural prejudice and mental health within South Asian communities.

On the weekend of 8th March the festival will open with a grand gala at the British Academy of Film and Television Arts (BAFTA), with a screening of Tanuja Chandra's 'Hope and a little Sugar ', starring Mahima Chaudhary and Anupam Kher.

On Sunday, 9th March the celebrations continue with a screening of 'The World Unseen', starring Lisa Ray.

Up until 25 March, religious beliefs are challenged in the films 'Khuda Ke Liye ' ('In The Name of God'), a story of two brothers in Pakistan who are torn apart by their opposing values, and 'Dharm ' in which a Hindu Priest's belief is challenged by a 4-year-old child.  
 
'Vanaja ' is another screening not to be missed. It is set in rural South India and explores the chasm that divides classes as a young girl struggles to come of age. 

From 14 - 15 March, film buffs will have the rare opportunity to enjoy some gems of early Hindi cinema in a special Guru Dutt Film Season, with screenings of 'Pyaasa ', 'Kaagaz Ke Phool ' and 'Sahib Bibi aur Ghulam '.

Do you dream about a career in films? Aspiring film makers can learn more about the art and craft in a special screenwriter’s workshop with 'Brick Lane' Screenwriter Abi Morgan and Director Sarah Gavron and a Director’s Workshop with Tanuja Chandra.

One of this year's highlights is the special celebration of the works of Meera Syal who will be interviewed by Playwright, Poet and Critic Bonnie Greer on the 19th March.

During the festival the AIDS Jaago Project in association with Mirabi Films and the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation will present four short dramatic films by cutting-edge Indian directors that aim to dismantle myths and misconceptions about HIV/AIDS.

Among the fours films screened are Mira Nair's 'Migration', 'Blood Brothers' by Vishal Bhardwaj, 'Parambha' directed by Santosh Sivan and 'Positive' directed by Farhan Akhtar.

The Festival will come to a close with 'Dosar ' (The Companion), a film that looks at love, mental health and self-sacrifice.


Tongues on Fire Film Festival
8 - 25 March
Various venues across London



For a full programme visit www.tonguesonfire.com or visit our film section.