Stars such as actor Adil Hussain (The Life of Pi) and musical duo Vishal-Shekhar (Om Shanti Om) were but a few of the big names that graced the UKAFF Awards red carpet on the 11th of May to wrap up another triumphant year for the festival.
As one of the most vital platforms for celebrating Asian cinema, it continues to amplify the wide spectrum of voices within the South Asian community, as well as provide festival goers with a chance to appreciate the long history of Asian cinema.
Highlights included a screening of Kehta Hai Joker, a documentary about the life of Raj Kapoor, one of the greatest actors in Indian cinema. Providing insight into the man’s life and creative process, it also allowed audiences to appreciate the innovation in his artistry and the way his work truly impacted the world.
The 2025 edition of the awards was highlighted as a celebration of community and creativity. A roundtable with Vishal-Shekhar brought home the global reach of Indian music and the strong connection that Indian cinema and theatre have, a connection that continues to grow every year.
“So there’s a line the show that we hold very dear to us, it’s: love in every colour, love in every shade, the world gets better, when a new friend is made,” they said together.
The Flame Award 2025 went to A Teacher’s Gift, a moving film about Rohan, a Hindi language tutor in London, while this year also saw Adil Hussain inaugurated as a patron of the festival.
“It makes a huge difference when I see other countries… Thailand, Vietnam, Bangladesh, Bhutan… they also make amazing films, and unfortunately we don’t get to see them unless the UK Asian Film Festival, such festivals, bring them over here and introduce those films to the rest of the world,” he said. “It means a lot to me when these films are being shown.”
All in all, the day was a joyful celebration of the end of a successful festival, and whilst UKAFF is one of the lesser known British Film Festivals, it continues to stand out as a beacon for hope, diversity, and the push towards a brighter, more inclusive future for filmmaking.
The UK Asian Film Festival will return in 2026. More information can be found here.
