NEW FILM PREMIERE
Independent British-South Asian romantic comedy, premieres BFI Southbank at LIFF: London Indian Film Festival
Set in sunny Slough, Punjabi newlywed Simmy, unexpectedly faces disappointment when her British Asian husband does a runner on the wedding night. With only a basic grasp of English she is unable to leave the house, surrounded by her kooky in-laws. She finds an unlikely ally in her wayward brother-in-law, Harry, and a secret romance blossoms. Will Simmy find the courage to honour her heart and pursue her dreams?
Starring emerging talent Rameet Rauli and Viraj Juneja as Simmy and Harry, supported by an impressive cast including Seema Bowri, Madhav Sharma, Goldy Notay, Ameet Chana and Nikki Patel, and also featuring Sanjeev Kohli, Yasmeen Khan and Shin Parwana, this film is a fun romp through Asian taboos, set against the romantic backdrop of suburban Slough.
Written and directed by Pravesh Kumar, Little English was produced by Resource Productions, shot by Leigh Alner, designed by Andy Kumar, edited by Kam Parmar with Philip Moroz as sound editor and music by Niraj Chag.
Director Pravesh said: "It feels incredible to have made a first feature film that is an authentic romantic comedy from within the community, from our own lens. Making a film on a micro budget is tough and I’ve had to make some compromises but I’ve been blessed with an incredible cast and creative partners. We’ve made this film with everything we’ve got and it’s got a big heart. It’s not often a film like this is made and I cannot wait for the audiences to see it, because this is for them! "
The film was developed and shot during the pandemic, through the support of partners including HOME Slough and Rifco Theatre Company (Arts Council England), UnLtd and The Rothschild Foundation who invested in the accompanying ‘Kickstart into film’ programme for those made unemployed through COVID - which under-pinned the ethos of the production.
Industry partners also provided support, most notably indie kit hire company ZX Records who acted as Executive Producer, alongside the likes of MBSE UK, VMI, Digital Orchard and Pinewood Studios.
Producer Dominique Unsworth said: "We are so pleased to have been selected by LIFF for their British gala screening at the BFI. South Asians make up almost 8% of the UK population and globally they are an under-served diaspora. This is a film for everyone, but it’s important to us that we have our UK premiere at a festival that engages with an audience that the film represents."
Tickets for the premiere on Friday 24th June 2022 are now on sale via the BFI website and the event includes a Q&A with the Director, Cast and Crew.