The London Indian Film Festival will bring screenings to the Lumiere Cinema in the Mercury Shopping Centre.
A variety of films, from Indian dramas to south Asian queer short films, will be shown.
Organisers have called it Europe’s largest south Asian film festival.
The screenings, which start on Thursday (November 6), will also include free on-stage talks afterwards.
The Lumiere Cinema has invited audiences to enjoy “three very different cinematic experiences that showcase the diversity, creativity, and emotional depth of Indian and south Asian filmmakers”.
The event kicks off with Lapachhapi (Hide and Seek) on Thursday at 8pm.
This Marathi Indian horror film is described by organisers as being “as chilling as it is socially conscious”.
The film follows Neha, a heavily pregnant woman who moves to a remote village with her husband.
She soon begins to experience terrifying visions that lead her to a horrifying reality.
A Lumiere spokesperson said: “Lapachhapi is horror with a purpose.
“It leaves you shaken not by monsters, but by the real darkness of human behaviour.”
The second screening, Too Desi Too Queer, is scheduled for Friday at 8pm.
This is a collection of five short films exploring south Asian queer identities and has already toured major cities worldwide.
Finally, Sthal (A Match) will be shown on Sunday at 3pm.
Set in a small village in India, this film is an exploration of gender roles and arranged marriage.
The film is the debut feature of Jayant Somalkar and has been screened at the Toronto International Film Festival and Busan International Film Festival.
It follows the story of Savita, a young woman striving for education and a better life.
A spokesperson for Lumiere said: “This film resonates with audiences everywhere.
“Savita’s struggle for autonomy mirrors the reality of many women balancing tradition and personal freedom.
“It’s cinema that speaks universally.”
A full list of the short films in Too Desi Too Queer:
1. Before I Do
Dir – Gitika Butto | 11 mins | English
On the morning of her wedding day, Mona, a British-Indian woman, reflects on her past and questions whether her rushed marriage is truly what she wants. An exploration of self-discovery, love, and courage to choose one’s own path.
2. Jasmine That Blossoms in the Wild
Dir – Charandeep Das | 14 mins | Hindi, Bengali (with English subtitles)
Two elderly women find love and companionship in the confines of a care home. Their secret bond challenges patriarchal norms and offers a reflection on freedom, even in later life.
3. Zari
Dir – Shruti Parekh | 19 mins | English
During her sister’s wedding preparations in India, young American Neelu meets Zeyb, a quiet sari shop clerk hiding her own truth. Amid laughter and silks, a connection forms that redefines Neelu’s sense of belonging.
4. The Witch of Vihar Lake
Dir – Joey Kaushik | 15 mins | Marathi (with English subtitles)
Set in a remote village haunted by folklore, siblings Mitthu and Ishita uncover the truth behind the legend of the witch and in doing so, confront their own identities.
5. Poreless
Dir – Harris Doran | 13 mins | English
A queer Muslim beauty entrepreneur must compete in a Shark Tank-style pitch contest but an unexpected allergic reaction threatens to derail everything. A satire celebrating resilience, creativity, and queerness.
The Lumiere spokesperson said: “Too Desi Too Queer is a celebration of visibility and truth.
“It’s important cinema because every culture deserves to see itself represented in all its diversity.”
