# asianculturevulture.com > South Asian arts & culture stories ## Posts - [Oscars 2026 - Indian American documentary filmmaker Geeta Gandbhir gets two nominations; Indian 'Homebound', 'Bait' and 'Rabbit Trap'](https://asianculturevulture.com/oscars-2026-indian-american-documentary-filmmaker-geeta-gandbhir-gets-two-nominations-indian-homebound-bait-and-rabbit-trap/): 🎥 Geeta Gandbhir reacts to films ‘The Perfect Neighbor’ and ‘The Devil is Busy’ getting on shortlist 🎥 Indian longlist selections, including Cannes hit ‘Homebound’ fall by the wayside; latest on ‘Paro: The Untold Story of Bride Slavery’ & ‘Humans in the Loop’ UK Screening & Q&A 🎥 Cannes Film Festival 2025 films make 19 Oscars awards category – we celebrated 10 years of covering 📹 festival in 2025 🎥 ‘Sinners’ – Horror film makes history with 16 nominations – British black talent recognised 🎥 Hollywood stars Riz Ahmed (‘Hamlet’) & (‘Bait’); Dev Patel (‘Rabbit Trap’) – latest 🎥 Sundance … - [‘The Undying’ – play about grandmother rediscovering youth through a reverse aging pill](https://asianculturevulture.com/the-undying-play-about-grandmother-rediscovering-youth-through-a-reverse-aging-pill/): Writer Rea Dennhardt Patel talks to us about this award spotlit comedy with dark undertones… IMAGINE you are in you are 85 and someone hands you a pill, claiming it will give you the strength and vigour of someone half your age – would you take it? This is the intriguing premise of a new production coming to Soho Theatre early next month. Called ‘The Undying’, it is written by Rea Dennhardt Patel and is inspired by her East African Gujarati homemaker grandmother. It was shortlisted for Soho Theatre’s Tony Craze Award (formerly Soho Young Writers’ Award) and was nominated … - [‘Rukhsati’ – Romantic comedy with serious themes delves into characters’ love lives in 1990s…](https://asianculturevulture.com/rukhsati-romantic-comedy-with-serious-themes-delves-into-characters-love-lives-in-1990s/): Dance and dialogue tell a story that has bittersweet notes, according to its writer… TWO PEOPLE in a toilet cum storeroom in a hall, above a wedding taking place – doesn’t sound too promising put badly like that… However, when it is revealed that the two were romantically involved and are bumping into each other after a long absence, you can sense the potential for drama. This is the basic premise of a play called ‘Rukhsati’ – those familiar with South Asian weddings will know, culturally, it’s an important moment and recognises that the bride is now part of her … - [Prashasti Singh – ‘The Divine Feminine’ - funny, relatable, man observer...](https://asianculturevulture.com/prashasti-singh-the-divine-feminine-funny-relatable-man-observer/): Comedian tries out her English, among other things… 🎭Details of the next Indian comedian coming to Soho Theatre – see below By Shipra Jain HAVING never seen or heard anything about stand-up comedian Prashasti Singh and this show, ‘The Divine Feminine’ before – I really didn’t know what to expect… Let’s say, I was impressed. As a single woman in her 30s, Singh is brilliant at telling us about her journey through this crazy ride, called life. It’s very personal, intimate but also very relatable and funny. There are anecdotes about her therapy; how she navigates being a successful, strong, … - [Kochi-Muziris Biennale Foundation President Bose Krishnamachari resigns...](https://asianculturevulture.com/kochi-muziris-biennale-foundation-president-bose-krishnamachari-resigns/): Head of foundation and co-founder steps down citing ‘family’ reasons… London 10.40am GMT BOSE KRISHNAMACHARI – widely recognised as the face behind Kochi- Muziris Biennale has resigned. It has only been a month since we interviewed Bose at Kochi-Muziris Biennale (KMB) on our visit covering the opening of the 110-day long international art festival, seen as one of the biggest in Asia. Some 30 countries and over 60 artists are represented at this the sixth edition of the festival, which continues until March 31 this year. There wasn’t any hint of this when we were there – and the general … - [‘Bengal Tiger at The Baghdad Zoo’ – War and the price of suffering…](https://asianculturevulture.com/bengal-tiger-at-the-baghdad-zoo-war-and-the-price-of-suffering/): Ghosts, past and present, and how we treat others and animals are covered in this deeply felt work… By Suman Bhuchar THIS is the European premiere of Rajiv Joseph’s black comedy about the absurdity of war but with serious undertones and it appears remarkably timely. Joseph has made his mark on the UK theatre landscape with his wonderful play, ‘Guards at the Taj’, which was originally staged at the Bush Theatre in 2017 and remounted at the Orange Tree Theatre in 2025. ‘Bengal Tiger at The Baghdad Zoo’ is set in Baghdad in 2003 in the aftermath of the American … - [Happy New Year! Noticed some changes...](https://asianculturevulture.com/happy-new-year-noticed-some-changes/): More on the way as the year unfolds, sign up to our newsletter if you want to know more and support our work on YouTube… see below A VERY HAPPY NEW YEAR TO YOU ALL out there! Great to have you with us – please stick around and explore the site – we cover a wide range of stories across South Asian arts and culture. We are based in London, UK and have a British (Asian) and UK facing sensibility – but we are also very international – and cover prestigious festivals such as Cannes, among several international film festivals, … - ['Giant' film releases today (UK)](https://asianculturevulture.com/giant-film-releases-today-uk/): ‘Prince’ Naseem Hamed was an icon to many and now British director Rowan Athale brings his story to life… Watch our interviews with the talent – Athale grew up nearby and has Indian heritage and could identify with Naz… If you can’t see the video here on this page, Click here – https://youtu.be/ILvo_s70zjA - [‘Indian Ink’ – Stoppard play is of a different time…](https://asianculturevulture.com/indian-ink-stoppard-play-is-of-a-different-time/): Review of a complex play about art, romance, politics and memory but on the face of it appears to be a story of the British during the Raj… By Suman Bhuchar THE COMPLEXITY lies in the fact that there are three main plots which interweave with each other and there is a lot of exposition. ‘Indian Ink’ was originally written by Tom Stoppard for his partner, Felicity Kendal to have a starring role and since both of them had a connection to India, the play was set there. Kendal was born in India and lived there in the early part … - [‘Indian Ink’ – Actor Gavi Singh Chera on Stoppard art & romance play with Felicity Kendal](https://asianculturevulture.com/indian-ink-actor-gavi-singh-chera-on-stoppard-art-romance-play-with-felicity-kendal/): The leading actor is currently appearing in Tom Stoppard’s play, ‘Indian Ink’ and talks to acv about his role and his background in acting… Please note the interview was conducted before Tom Stoppard’s demise on November 29 2025 By Suman Bhuchar IN THE PLAY, it is suggested that the fictional painter character Nirad Das is a love interest of Flora Crewe – a free spirited 35-year-old poet and part of the Bloomsbury set, who comes to Jummapur – a small fictional town in India during the 1930s to give a talk at the Theosophical Society. This is a 19th century … - [Our top five for 2025 - from the editor's desk](https://asianculturevulture.com/our-top-five-for-2025-from-the-editors-desk/): What we liked and what made an impact and what we won’t forget quickly… Subscribe and follow for more in 2026! 1.Cannes Film Festival – ‘Homebound’ world premiere – our ten years of video there This year Cannes was even more special because we had racked up 10 years of covering the festival in video – we had a bigger team and did more social media videos as well as YouTube ones too – 30 in all.The pick of the interviews and our coverage in general was being able to speak to the stars of the Indian film, ‘Homebound’ – … - [Bollywood Asianculturevulture vibes – All conquering ‘Dhurandhar’ – no let up; end of year tally; review of Dhurandhar](https://asianculturevulture.com/bollywood-asianculturevulture-vibes-all-conquering-dhurandhar-no-let-up-end-of-year-tally-review-of-dhurandhar/): December is surely dedicated to ‘Dhurandhar’, there is absolutely nothing else this month and of course the Mumbai ‘winter’ – just ribbing you folks in properly cold UK (-1C last night, ed), as we also look back on the year… By Rodrigues C MUMBAI gets chilly in January – relatively speaking – but it’s been this way since mid-December. The night temperatures hit 21C degrees (fair summer day in the UK), much higher compared to UK, but much lower for those in Mumbai. It surely are the best of times in the city, for those who like a chill. The … - [Much love for Dame Meera Syal, other honours' list personalities also speak](https://asianculturevulture.com/much-love-for-dame-meera-syal-other-honours-list-personalities-also-speak/): History making honour for artist and former England woman cricketer recognised too… WRITER & ACTOR Meera Syal has been made a Dame in King Charles New Year’s Honour List. Already a CBE, Syal is the first Asian woman from the arts to be bestowed with a Damehood. She said her late parents would have been extremely proud of their daughter’s achievements, which span books, a groundbreaking musical and acting in theatre, TV and film. “I hope they know that I accept this huge honour in their memory and in tribute to extraordinary generation who lived through Empire, Partition and emigration … - [Kochi-Muziris Biennale 2025 – friendly, calming, inspiring (guide and wrap)](https://asianculturevulture.com/kochi-muziris-biennale-2025-friendly-calming-inspiring-guide-and-wrap/): Interested in going? What of the art we found there? Our final piece on our travels … THERE continue to be launches and events to mark the 110-day art show that continues until March 31… This was our second in person Kochi Muziris Biennale visit – our only previous trip was in 2018 and it is what led us back to Kochi with video… (see link below; we also covered the last edition and in 2018*)…Several locations were stunning and with art seeing is believing or enjoying… We have produced seven independent videos in all this time – the most … - [Bradford 2025 - From Kochi to 'Brighter Still' and curtain call… (wrap)](https://asianculturevulture.com/bradford-2025-from-kochi-to-brighter-still-and-curtain-call-wrap/): Two major festivals – one a continent away, another at least relatively on our doorstep, one opening and another closing…As birds fly, this was quite the contrast – one Sunday in the Southern Indian coastal (Kerala) city of Kochi, just a week before ‘Brighter Still’ – the final show of Bradford 2025 – and just as the Kochi Biennale opening weekend came to a close with a show opening at the vast Willingdon Island warehouse and then it was a train ride up to Bradford for a show on the shortest day in the Northern Hemisphere… AN ESTIMATED 5,000 people … - [Kochi-Muziris Biennale 2025 - 'Edam' (Place) Kerala artists showcase...](https://asianculturevulture.com/kochi-muziris-biennale-2025-edam-place-kerala-artists-showcase/): ‘Edam’ showcases contemporary art practice in Kerala….seen our video interviews? REMARKABLE is the only word you can use for the response to our short Instagram video interview of artist Indu Antony at this year’s Kochi-Muziris Biennale (KMB). It has crossed 35K+ views, far surpassing our pinned Cannes Film Festival post-awards press conference, when we asked the first question of director Payal Kapadia after she won The Grand Prix and became the first Indian ever to be awarded a prize in the main section of Cannes since 1946. Antony has three works displayed at Armaan Collective & Café in Mattancherry, which … - [Kochi-Muziris Biennale 2025 - Niroj Satpathy, Naeem Mohaiemen, Mandeep Raikhy, Malu Joy](https://asianculturevulture.com/kochi-muziris-biennale-2025-niroj-satpathy-name-mohaimen-mandeep-raikhy-malu-joy/): Continuing our coverage from this year’s 110-day celebration of art and artists in the southern Indian port city of Kochi (formerly Cochin)… ANOTHER of the venues here is SMS Hall, in Mattencherry – just a bit further along from Aspinwall House and Pepper House (see our other video content) and one of some 20 core venues and another 20 or so transient sites, containing work which comprise Kochi-Muziris Biennale 2025 (KMB 2025) from December 12-March 31 2026. Among the artists here with work is Niroj Satpathy, whom we talk to about ‘Dhalan’ – described as “evoking the landfills’ restlessness and … - [Kochi-Muziris Biennale 2025 - update…](https://asianculturevulture.com/kochi-muziris-biennale-2025-update/): STOP PRESS – VIDEO IS NOW OUT – SEE BELOW ON HOME PAGE OR YOUTUBE (December 22) Kochi 11am IST (5.30am GMT) our latest video (see below or YouTube link at bottom of the site) and what’s to come from here… JUST as we breezed into the Kochi like the wind around these exposed parts, we fly out today. Our trip here to Kochi Muziris Biennale (KMB) 2025 was always intended as a taste and see – and we liked what we saw, very much. The interviews too have been generous and full of warmth and friendship and insight. Last … - [Kochi-Muziris Biennale 2025 - update, more to follow soon](https://asianculturevulture.com/kochi-muziris-biennale-2025-update-more-to-follow-soon/): Kochi 7pm IST (1.30pm GMT)– More to come soon including artist interviews and video and pictures from the launch of ‘Edam‘ (Kerala artists) and exhibitors at Pepper House, SMS Hall and Anand Warehouse, tune in later… Picture – one of the world’s most celebrated artists Ibrahim Mahama – recently named as the no1 influential global art figure (as chosen by a panel experts drawn from the around the world) continues his ‘Parliament of Ghosts‘ series here at Kochi-Muziris Biennale 2025. He spoke earlier and his work is in collaboration with local artisans who have made chairs of all types to … - [Kochi Biennale 2025 Day 2 - update... pictures](https://asianculturevulture.com/kochi-biennale-2025-day-2-update-pictures/): From the editor’s desk…Kochi 10.30am IST (4.30am GMT) Good morning, asianculturevultures! How are we? Yes, yesterday (December 12) was our return to the Kochi-Muziris Biennale…for this year’s sixth edition. It is themed as For The Time Being – a reference to a living a whole organism or entitity: an ecosystem, library/university or school, where you absorb, reflect and learn, return… Kochi Biennale launched yesterday with a series of events…which we covered in our video… see below It began with the flag hosting and the traditional Kerala drum welcome, which lasted about half and hour and drew a huge and excited … - [Kochi Muziris Biennale 2025...opening day with us...](https://asianculturevulture.com/kochi-muziris-biennale-2025-opening-day-with-us/): Kochi 11.50pm IST Seen our video from the Opening Day here today… If you cannot see/play the video, go directly to our channel – and view from there – - [Kochi Biennale 2025 - We are here, join us...](https://asianculturevulture.com/kochi-biennale-2025-we-are-here-join-us/): Kochi 9am IST JOIN us from today for our coverage of the 6th edition of the Kochi Muziris Biennale, as it is officially known. Today is the official opening, follow us on socials for real time coverage and make sure you’re subscribed to YouTube to see videos from there and click the bell button to be notified when our new videos first drop… and keep tabs here for written stories… Welcome to Kochi, Kerala! Subscribe here https://www.youtube.com/@asianculturevulturecom1 Picture: Aspinwall House, Kochi Previously - [‘Porn play’ - Headlong dive into sensitive areas…](https://asianculturevulture.com/porn-play-headlong-dive-into-sensitive-areas/): Female addiction to pornography is rarely discussed, and when coupled with a craving to see accompanying extreme violence against women… By Suman Bhuchar THIS is the Royal Court Theatre’s new play that discusses addiction to violent porn. It was sold out even before it opened on November 6 and now runs until Saturday (December 13). Ambika Mod puts in a brave performance, as academic Ani Sandhu who is secretly addicted to violent porngraphy. 
‘Porn Play’ is certified for a 18+ audience and there are many dos and don’ts – audiences need to cover their shoes in the space and no drinks … - [Turner Prize 2025 - Nnena Kalu wins - a turning point for art for all](https://asianculturevulture.com/turner-prize-2025-nnena-kalu-wins-a-turning-point-for-art-for-all/): Britain’s top art prize award is creating headlines around the world… HISTORY has been created with Britain’s top art prize – The Turner going to a learning disabled artist for the first time. Nnena Kalu was presented with the prize – which carries a cash award of £25,000 at a glittering ceremony in Bradford – as part of the city’s Year of Culture events. The Turner Prize exhibition continues in the city at its Cartwright Hall – www.asianculturevulture.com visited the Turner Prize exhibition just before it opened to the public this autumn. (See link below). Magician Steven Frayne (formerly known … - ['Who Will Remain' - The Crisis of Masculinity, a novel of substance](https://asianculturevulture.com/who-will-remain-the-crisis-of-masculinity-a-novel-of-substance/): THOUGHTFUL, considered, reflective – and impressive – Kasim Ali is rather like his second novel, ‘Who Will Remain’. But don’t think of it as a soft read – its power lies in its gentle, skilful pacing that settles down – after a shocking drug related death of a young man and then builds real tension in its last segment. Set in Alum Rock, an area of Birmingham, which is home to many immigrants and their offspring, the area has a reputation as a place few people can escape – more mentally, than physically and is at heart what ‘Who Will … - [International Film Festival of India 2025 - Spirits high as Goa welcomes global film industry](https://asianculturevulture.com/international-film-festival-of-india-2025-spirits-high-as-goa-welcomes-global-film-industry/): A carnival like parade, business and load of glamour, here’s what happened at this year’s annual gathering of talent and Indian cinephiles… By Rodrigues C SOME 270 films from 81 different countries, 13 World Premieres, five International Premieres and 44 Asian Premieres with sections such as International Competition, Best Debut Feature Film and the ICFT UNESCO Gandhi Medal were part of the gala at this year’s International Film Festival of India, known as IFFI. This year’s 56th edition started with a float parade – just as in the annual carnival in the western coastal state. Among the other sections were … - [Indian ink; Bengal Tiger at The Baghdad Zoo; Before The Millennium, Mountain and Seas & more](https://asianculturevulture.com/indian-ink-bengal-tiger-at-baghdad-zoo-before-the-millennium-mountain-and-seas-more/): It’s the final month of 2025 and there is a lot of interesting and varied theatre – some revivals, some we have covered elsewhere and a fitting finale to one of England’s great playwrights… By Suman Bhuchar Indian Ink – Felicity Kendal in Stoppard play A LOT OF PEOPLE were looking forward to ‘Indian Ink’, the revival by Hampstead Theatre of writer, Tom Stoppard’s play, which was last performed in 1995 at the Aldwych Theatre, London.As his death was announced on November 29, this work becomes yet more poignant.‘Indian Ink’ is the story of a 1930s British woman poet – … - [‘The Producers’ - Raj Ghatak talks Carmen Ghia, Representation, ‘East is East’, ‘Bombay Dreams’, ‘Hijra’](https://asianculturevulture.com/the-producers-raj-ghatak-talks-carmen-ghia-representation-east-is-east-bombay-dreams-hijra/): Indian heritage recognised in West End smash adapted from classic Hollywood showbiz satire… ACTOR Raj Ghatak doesn’t look like someone who’s been treading the boards for 27 years now. The ‘Bombay Dreams’ star is currently proving a draw as Carmen Ghia in the current West End musical, ‘The Producers’. It’s a five-star reviewed show, there is much awards nomination chatter and the run has been extended well into next year now. Hollywood legend Mel Brooks’ classic musical send-up of two producers who think they can scam their way to a fortune by producing a flop and taking their investors’ cash, … - [Bollywood asianculturevulture vibes - The good, the bad, the 1970s motorbike and a viral wedding…](https://asianculturevulture.com/bollywood-asianculturevulture-vibes-the-good-the-bad-the-1970s-motorbike-and-a-viral-wedding/): Drugs, the ‘Sholay’ bike and a disappointing box office run for almost all but one of the releases and a wedding with stars – this is November in mainstream Indian cinema for you… By Rodrigues C THE CHILLS have started in Mumbai much earlier than expected. And a storm is brewing in Bollywood circles. It all started in 2022 with the arrest of a drug peddler in Mumbai. As the case progressed the peddler revealed names of many celebrities including from Bollywood. Actor Shraddha Kapoor’s brother Siddhanth Kapoor – recently featured in the Netflix series ‘Mandala Murders’ – was one … - ['The Indian Army at the Palace' - thrilling untold story of soldiers at Hampton Court Palace](https://asianculturevulture.com/the-indian-army-at-the-palace-thrilling-untold-story-of-soldiers-at-hampton-court-palace/): Exploring British history through theatre and bringing to life what really happened …Ends today By Suman Bhuchar HAMPTON COURT is one of those Historic Royal Palaces that is associated with the Tudor Monarch Henry VIII but who knew that it was also home to many Indian army sepoys who camped at the palace in the early 20th century? A new exhibition, ‘The Indian Army at the Palace’, currently on show at the Palace, sheds light on these little known facts. Around 1.4 million Indian soldiers fought in the First World War and many ended up camping in the Palace grounds … - ['I Dream of Theresa May' - Wonderful satire on hoops new immigrants must jump to become British](https://asianculturevulture.com/i-dream-of-theresa-may-wonderful-satire-on-hoops-new-immigrants-must-jump-to-become-british/): In the wake of much anti-immigrant feeling, a new playwright looks at what is Britishness exactly… By Suman Bhuchar CONCISE, tightly written and engaging ‘I Dream of Theresa May‘ by Vivek Nityananda is the first full length play to emerge from the NOVA playwriting programme of new writing, created by Tara Theatre to showcase work from a South Asian lens. The show has just received an Offie Assessors Choice, which is the Off WestEnd body’s nomination of excellence spotlighting independent theatre outside the traditional West End and its central London theatres. ‘I Dream of Theresa May’ is a black comedy … - [Dharmendra - Colossus leaves a huge chasm in Indian film industry - British media figures pay tribute](https://asianculturevulture.com/dharmendra-colossus-leaves-a-huge-chasm-in-indian-film-industry-british-media-figures-pay-tribute/): One of the stars of the immortal Bollywood classic, ‘Sholay’ (1975), few will match this acting icon’s wide adulation…and his friendly & humble demeanour leave a lasting legacy worldwide… By Rodrigues C MUCH of India remains in a nostalgic haze, when it considers the passing of one its most adored movie stars. Dharmendra’s demise at the age of 89 on Monday (November 24) brought many tributes from far and wide – he was a household name even in some of the furthest flung places, a long ay from the bright lights of Bombay/Mumbai and Bollywood. Loved, respected and much admired … - [Dharmendra's passing spurs nationwide grief in India](https://asianculturevulture.com/dharmendras-passing-spurs-nationwide-grief-in-india/): London 11.30am GMT – Indian star actor dies days before his 90th birthday – end of an era for some… ONE OF INDIA’S best-known and most beloved actors – known by all simply as Dharmendra has passed away. He was 89. He appeared in more than 300 films and made his debut with ‘Dil Bhi Tera’ in 1960 and came to prominence with ‘Bandini’ three years later. His last film ‘Ikkis’ is slated to come out this Christmas, and contains a host of upcoming young stars alongside him. Among his greatest hit movies is ‘Sholay’ (1975) which had a 4K … - [‘We are the Lions Mr Manager’ – Jayaben Desai play, the other Iron Woman](https://asianculturevulture.com/we-are-the-lions-mr-manager-jayaben-desai-play-the-other-iron-woman/): At a time when a certain Margaret Thatcher was making her way politically, another woman was also intent on change from another direction… BASED on a real-life story and at a time when Asians were not newsmakers – not willingly anyway – Jayaben Desai’s story is remarkable – even today – after 50 years. Desai, who was just 4ft 10ins and clad in a sari, became an iconic figure in the British labour movement. Pictures of her waving a placard for equal rights and dignity at work – as policeman – more than a foot tall than her – held … - [Bradford 2025 – Built by Sound; Steven Frayne (Dynamo); finale - Brighter Still](https://asianculturevulture.com/bradford-2025-built-by-sound-steven-frayne-dynamo-finale-brighter-still/): South Asian daytimers celebrated – writer Nikesh Shukla speaks to acv about ‘headset experience’… 🔹 Built by Sound opens tomorrow (November 21) – immersive mixed reality show (headsets required) celebrates South Asian daytime clubbing, popularly referred to as ‘daytimers’ – expected to tour other cities 🔹 Steven Frayne (Dynamo) to perform at pop up venue (December 1) – well-known street magician appeared at opening ceremony 🔹 Announcement of ‘Brighter Still’ show – Closing event of Bradford 2025 (December 20) STARTING tomorrow ‘Built by Sound’ will take people back to Bradford and ‘daytimers’ from different ages. ‘Built by Sound’ is a … - ['Dial 1 for UK' - Mohit Mathur goes to work…](https://asianculturevulture.com/dial-1-for-uk-mohit-mathur-goes-to-work/): The country is full, we don’t need immigrants, right? MOHIT MATHUR appears like a man on a mission and he might well be. His one man show, ‘Dial 1 for UK‘ has been touring the country and comes to an end tomorrow (November 20). Spurred by the national debate on immigration, his one man play tumbles headlong into a character’s dream of making it big in the the UK from India. Step forward Indian-born and raised ‘Uday Kumar’, now call centre worker and YouTube influencer, who dreams of Big Ben, Tea with the Royals and fish and chips. His channel … - [‘Christmas Karma’ - Love or hate it…](https://asianculturevulture.com/christmas-karma-love-or-hate-it/): A popular, populist and inclusive take on British Christmas or just a cringey, contrived and inauthentic version of Charles Dicken’s ‘A Christmas Carol’ (1843)…? From the Editor’s desk… GURINDER CHADHA’S ‘Christmas Karma’ is dividing opinions sharply – along ethnic lines? That’s a difficult and uncomfortable thing to say – the big newspapers – The Guardian’s and The Telegraph’s film critics were scathing – and yet everywhere we have gone – folks like it. Brown people that is – it’s entirely anecdotal – of course, you might argue we (as in www.asianculturevulture.com) are just biased – we don’t need to be … - [Who am I? Identity, belonging and creativity from the East African South Asian Diaspora](https://asianculturevulture.com/who-am-i-identity-belonging-and-creativity-from-the-east-african-south-asian-diaspora/): Sharing stories, culture, heritage and food through performance, archive and oral histories By Suman Bhuchar JUST like ‘to be or not to be?’ – ‘who am I?’ or ‘where do I belong?’- are burning questions which most humans wrestle with constantly, more so, if you happen to be a migrant or a member of a minority community living in the UK. ‘Who am I?’ is also a project title of a National Lottery Heritage project which has been looking at the experiences of first and second generation East African Asians who went from India to East Africa and then migrated … - [‘Christmas Karma- Gurinder Chadha’s beautiful, festive love letter to Christmas, Britain and East Africa… (review)](https://asianculturevulture.com/christmas-karma-gurinder-chadhas-beautiful-festive-love-letter-to-christmas-britain-and-east-africa-review/): To get into the that Yuletide spirit… INSPIRED by Charles Dicken’s ‘A Christmas Carol’, this is a thoroughly enjoyable film with much to commend it and comes from a sincere place, we believe. It is writer-director Gurinder Chadha’s take on an old English Christmas classic and she has said in interviews that she asked herself, if Dickens were around now what sort of story would he write and would he be happy with her version of his story? We believe he would – he too wore his heart on his sleeve and if any English writer (perhaps with the later … - [Bradford 2025 'Built by Sound' - Daytime clubbing nostalgia celebration and immersive show; Kala Sangam to Bradford Arts Centre (page 1/2)](https://asianculturevulture.com/bradford-2025-built-by-sound-daytime-clubbing-nostalgia-celebration-and-immersive-show-kala-sangam-to-bradford-arts-centre-page-1/): The final phase for the year long City of Culture has begun and a new exhibition about a feature of South Asian youth life from the late 1960s to 1990s comes to the city later this month… 🔹 Daytime Clubbing between 1960-1990s to be marked in ‘Built by Sound’ – scripted by writer Nikesh Shukla 🔹 Also forthcoming shows at new Bradford Arts Centre – showcase Roma voices and Bharatanatyam, Reggae, and Qawwali – some performances are just £1 entryRefurbished building once used to be old Post Office (built 1861) and then was council facility (St Peter’s House) and now … - [Bradford 2025 Winter update - our visit to Bradford Arts Centre, interview references and final exhibitions continued (page 2)](https://asianculturevulture.com/bradford-2025-winter-update-our-visit-to-bradford-arts-centre-interview-references-and-final-exhibitions-continued-page-2/): Continued… WHEN the bird went up to Bradford to be shown around and interview senior staff it was before Bradford Arts Centre was actually open to the public on October 6. Now it is – more people in Bradford and the surrounding space are aware it exists and it is accessible to the public. The moniker for the centre, today, is Hiya, Love! The building used to be known as St Peter’s House and is in the heart of the city and close to the railway station – for those organisations and artists who used Kala Sangam to perform – … - [I am not an Actor; Haq; Where the Light Enters You and Olive…](https://asianculturevulture.com/i-am-not-an-actor-haq-where-the-light-enters-you-and-olive/): Two features with South Asian stories are in cinemas from today (November 7) and two shorts screened together are vying for your attention as award nominations season is in full swing… I am not an Actor – Interesting and entertaining Director: Aditya Kripalani 2 hours NAWAZUDDIN SIDDIQUI (pictured above in ‘I am Not An Actor‘) is one of the India’s best known actors and internationally his reputation has only grown over the years – he holds the unusual accolade of having some seven of his films actually world premiere at Cannes within just three years or so. He plays the … - [Voila! Festival 2025, Bangla Drama, New Work nights, ‘Red Oleanders’ (Tagore), ‘Porn Play’ (Ambika Mod), ‘I Dream of Theresa May’, more theatre listings…](https://asianculturevulture.com/voila-festival-2025-bangla-drama-new-work-nights-red-oleanders-tagore-porn-play-ambika-mod-i-dream-of-theresa-may-more-theatre-listings/): November has three theatre festivals and acv brings you a selection from these, along with focus on new writing and classic work. There is a lot to enjoy… WE BEGIN with Voila! Festival 2025. This is a pan-lingual series of shows that can be seen across eight venues in London and www.asianculturevulture.com has highlighted some Asian shows.It began in 2012 and is a multi-disciplinary and multi-cultural festival, celebrating the best of British and international emerging artists. The festival has started (this Monday) and ends on November 23. Mendaki – climbing and belonging (pictured above) ARTIST Faizal Abdullah presents ‘Mendaki‘ (to … - [‘Period Parrrty’ Tamil queerness and non-binary come centre stage…](https://asianculturevulture.com/period-parrrty-tamil-queerness-and-non-binary-come-centre-stage/): Kali Theatre presents debut play celebrating Tamil experience… THE WRITER Gayathiri Kamalakanthan says in the programme note to their play, ‘Period Parrrty’ that the idea for the show came from attending period parties as a teenager. Using this setting, they have crafted a thoughtful examination of identity and a coming of age story. ‘Period Parrrty’ is set in the aftermath of the Tamil atrocities in 2010 and the burning of the Jaffna Public Library – destroying many culturally important manuscripts. All these issues are deeply felt by the writer. Produced by Kali Theatre and directed by Gitika Buttoo, it follows … - [Bollywood asianculturevulture vibes: Box of cinematic surprises and fallouts...](https://asianculturevulture.com/bollywood-asianculturevulture-vibes-box-of-cinematic-surprises-and-fallouts/): October is all about unseasonal rains, ‘Kantara: A Legend Chapter 1’ and Diwali parties…our Bird in Mumbai looks back… By Rodrigues C IT’S OCTOBER and it’s still raining in Mumbai. The weather has taken the whole city by surprise. Fortunately, it didn’t rain during Diwali and didn’t dampen people’s festive spirits. Talking of Diwali, Bollywood didn’t host too many parties this year. The Ambanis, Ekta Kapoor and Shilpa Shetty didn’t host their large glamourous parties this year or may be, they hosted private small jamborees where the media wasn’t invited. Anil Kapoor too hosts extravagant Diwali celebrations but not this … - [‘Bacchae’ – Imaginative and stimulating interpretation of Greek tragedy](https://asianculturevulture.com/bacchae-imaginative-and-stimulating-interpretation-of-greek-tragedy/): New Artistic Director of The National Theatre, Indhu Rubasingham, brings us a reworking of an ancient text… By Suman Bhuchar ACCORDING to ‘The Greeks: Radical Reinvention’ exhibition currently on at the Wolfson Gallery of the National Theatre, this is the third time Euripides’ play ‘The Bacchae’ (now just ‘Bacchae’) has been performed at the National and every generation has interpreted it in their own style. Director Peter Hall who ran the National Theatre from (1973-1988) did a production of ‘Bacchai’ and performed it with masks. Now, the current director of the National Theatre, Indhu Rubasingham has presented audiences with a … - [‘Thikra: Night of Remembering’ – All female Akram Khan & Manal AlDowayan production reflect myth and feminine energy](https://asianculturevulture.com/https-asianculturevulture-com-thikra-night-of-remembering-all-female-akram-khan-manal-aldowayan-production-reflect-myth-feminine-energy/): Bharatanatyam dancer Shreema Upadhyaya tells us what makes this ‘Sisterhood’ work special… ROOTED in the power of history, tradition and ritual, Akram Khan’s latest work ‘Thikra: Night of Remembering’ is a unique work. It is also told with a female protagonist and all women cast and features women exploring Arab culture in a show that blends myth, ritual, and personal history and recalling. Khan, associate artist at Sadler’s Wells, Britain’s foremost dance institution, joins hands with award-winning female visual artist Manal AlDowayan and the two produce a work that transcends boundaries. AlDowayan’s work features in the British Museum, Centre Pompidou … - [London Film Festival 2025 wrap - the asianculturevulture experience: Sholay, Hamlet, Giant and High Wire, more...](https://asianculturevulture.com/london-film-festival-2025-wrap-the-asianculturevulture-experience-sholay-hamlet-giant-and-high-wire-more/): Our reflections from covering this year’s 69th edition… SEEING ‘Sholay’ in a new remastered 4K print on the country’s largest screen was something special and brought the curtain down for us at this year’s London Film Festival. The packed theatre at the British Film Institute (BFI) Southbank IMAX – said it all, though it was very English, ie very passive – no cheering or whooping… We all heard Shivendra Singh Dungarpur from India’s Heritage Film Foundation explain how this great epic, made in 1975, and described by some in the West as a ‘curry western’, was restored in all its … - [Blue Moon, Rental Family, Nouvelle Vague - London Film Festival 2025 reviews](https://asianculturevulture.com/blue-moon-rental-family-nouvelle-vague-london-film-festival-2025-reviews/): Another page of reviews from films showing in the latter part of the festival (October 8-19) Blue Moon – Opportunity missed? Still some oomph Director: Richard Linklater 1 hour 40 minutes IF YOU DON’T know who Lorenz Hart (above right, Ethan Hawke) is – it might be worth reading about him – he was a celebrated lyricist in the US who worked with Richard Rodgers – they had a number of successful hit musicals from the 1920s onwards – but Hart never quite made it in the way Rodgers did with his later writing partner, Oscar Hammerstein.Rodgers and Hammerstein went … - [Supernature (Asif Kapadia producer) & Saipan and more reviews - London Film Festival 2025](https://asianculturevulture.com/supernature-asif-kapadia-producer-saipan-and-more-reviews-london-film-festival-2025/): More reviews from our coverage of London Film Festival… Supernature – Real and moving Director: Ed Sayers 1 hour 32 minutes (Documentary) HOW MANY of you have Super 8 cameras in a loft or garage?Care to dig them out…??? These are old school spool film cameras that have no sound but were relatively affordable before the ubiquity of the video camera and then our mobile phones…The beauty of Ed Sayers film lays in the nostalgia these Super 8 films create and in this, its global scale, with footage from 25 countries and 40 individuals around the world.He himself goes on … - [Happy Diwali! London Film Festival 2025 wrap to follow](https://asianculturevulture.com/happy-diwali-london-film-festival-2025-wrap-to-follow/): The country’s largest UK film festival finished yesterday (October 19) and brought the curtain down on some 250 feature films being screened in the capital… CLOSING LFF late yesterday evening and was ‘100 Knights of Hero‘ by British screenwriter-director Julia Jackman. The film is something of a fairy tale based around a royal couple who can’t conceive and produce an heir to the throne – step forward Hero who makes Queen Cherry see the world quite differently… EARLIER on the same morning, the classic 1975 Bollywood film, ‘Sholay‘ screened at the BFI Imax to a sold out theatre – now … - [London Film Festival day 11/12 update](https://asianculturevulture.com/london-film-festival-day-11-12-update/): London 12.30pm ‘Giant‘ (above) screens today (5.50pm BFI Southbank)… British (Indian) director Rowan Athale – see our interview at launch on our YouTube channel (see below) – subscribe and don’t miss – Pierce Brosnan plays Irish trainer Brendan Ingle who turns Sheffield lad ‘Prince’ Naseem Hamed into a world champion **** Tomorrow – Sholay 4K remastered version screens for the first time in the UK, has only been screened in Toronto International Film Festival (September) and understood to be first IMAX screening – check ticket availability – is physical rush queue too Reviews to follow Rental Family, Blue Moon, Saipan… … - [‘Ish’ - Alien-nation and unhealthy fractures (review) London Film Festival 2025](https://asianculturevulture.com/ish-alien-nation-and-unhealthy-fractures-review-london-film-festival-2025/): Full review of British film that enjoyed it homecoming screening this week at London Film Festival 2025… AWARD-WINNING visual artist and art filmmaker Imran Perretta’s move towards long form filmmaking is something to cherish and savour. The 2020 Turner Art Prize* winner proves an adept director and his debut feature ‘Ish’ is full of depth, nuance and mostly subtle observations. His film covers a lot of ground and does so with a certain lightness of touch and poise. Two debutant actors play boys on the cusp on young adulthood and who bond away from the classroom. Ish – the Ishmail … - [London Film Festival 2025 - High Wire, Dreams and Khartoum reviews](https://asianculturevulture.com/london-film-festival-2025-high-wire-dreams-and-khartoum-reviews/): More reviews, including a potential global hit with a big East Asian heart… High Wire – British Chinese ‘Bend It Like Beckham’? Director: Calif Chong 1 hour 45 mins THIS could be a surprise global breakout hit – if they can get the marketing right.It reminds The Bird No1 (SR) of a cross between ‘Billy Elliot’ – ‘High Wire’ is set in Yorkshire and – ‘Bend it like Beckham’; the central British Chinese character of Go-wing (a fine Isabella Wei) is sporty and has big dreams, inspired by her deceased mother.Yes, it’s very much an underdog story and yes, it’s … - [London Film Festival 2025 - Director Imran Perretta talks about 'Ish' with us (watch)](https://asianculturevulture.com/london-film-festival-2025-director-imran-perretta-talks-about-ish-with-us-watch/): https://www.instagram.com/reel/DP4K91DAnrS/?igsh=MTc2eXh0Mmk3b2QyZA== - [All our London Film Festival 2025 interviews are out...](https://asianculturevulture.com/all-our-preview-london-film-festival-2025-interviews-are-out/): These are the filmmakers whose films are showing at LFF2025 this year… See our YouTube Channel – subscribe for more like this! #lff #lff25acv – for us LFF 2025 video interviews – asianculturevulture – YouTube Imran Perretta (‘Ish’) coming soon to acv Instagram You will content on our YouTube channel about – ‘Songs of Forgotten Trees’… - [London Film Festival 2025 - Day 6 - Riz Ahmed’s ‘Hamlet’ first screening – more film reviews](https://asianculturevulture.com/london-film-festival-2025-day-6-riz-ahmeds-hamlet-first-screening-more-reviews/): Riz Ahmed’s ‘Hamlet’ – Mayor of London Gala Screening this evening – reviews of films at LFF: After The Hunt, Sentimental Value, My Father’s Shadow – 10.30pm BST STAR actor Riz Ahmed and director Aneil Karia spoke to www.asianculturevulture.com earlier today about their new work together, ‘Hamlet’.Ahmed said that there would be many members of his family and friends in the audience at today’s UK premiere screening at London Film Festival (LFF) at the Curzon Mayfair this very evening.The film screens again tomorrow at the BFI Southbank and then finally during the festival on Thursday (October 16) in the same … - [Hedda Gabler, The Comedy Lab, Period Parrrty, The Table, The Chai Queens, Elmet - theatre offerings](https://asianculturevulture.com/hedda-gabler-the-comedy-lab-period-parrrty-the-table-the-chai-queens-elmet-theatre-offerings/): There are rich pickings for theatre culture vultures from mid-October… By Suman Bhuchar Hedda Gabler – Merle Oberon makeover THE WRITER, Tanika Gupta has taken Ibsen’s play ‘Hedda Gabler’, about a rich bored housewife who meddles in the lives of others, and transposed it to London 1948, where Hedda is a retired film star and her husband is a film director.Inspired by the story of Anglo-India star, Merle Oberon, this is a story about blackmail, secrecy and power.Directed by Hettie Macdonald, it features Pearl Chanda as Hedda and Joe Bannister as George Tesman. The show opens at Orange Tree Theatre, … - [London Film Festival 2025: Chloe Zhao screen talk](https://asianculturevulture.com/london-film-festival-chloe-zhao-screen-talk/): It’s Day 5 of London Film Festival (October 8-19) and Oscar winner was at the BFI Southbank earlier this morning London 2pm BST STAR director Chloe Zhao whose latest film, ‘Hamnet‘ is garnering huge praise everywhere talked about her 10-year directing career with critic Rhianna Dhillon, and shared her way of looking at the world – considerably influenced by her neuodivergence, which she called her superpower. She said that she often ‘feels’ people – they can be smiling but she can sense they are hiding sadness. She worked a lot with non professional actors at the start of her filmmaking … - [London Film Festival 2025 reviews: Jay Kelly, Sirat and another, out now...Urchin](https://asianculturevulture.com/london-film-festival-2025-reviews-jay-kelly-sirat-and-another-out-now-urchin/): Jay Kelly – Hollywood’s finest   Director: Noah Baumbach  132 minutes  REPRISING old Hollywood glamour with George Clooney in the titular role as Jay Kelly is something of a banker, no? Writer-director Noah Baumbach has burst into the A league off the back of his indie films (‘The Squid and The Whale‘) and being Mr Greta Gerwig – the two coming up through the same system, working together and sharing artistic sensibilities – though for this critic, Baumbach offered more from the outset. Jay Kelly is a hugely successful Hollywood star and it’s the death of a beloved director (Jim … - [London Film Festival (LFF) 2025 'Hotel London' - Fight The Power](https://asianculturevulture.com/london-film-festival-lff-2025-hotel-london-fight-the-power/): Full review of one of the South Asian films at this year’s edition HOUSING remains a critical issue in contemporary Britain and so a remastered 4K digital print of the 1987, ‘Hotel London’ is timely and valuable. At just under an hour, it is eminently watchable, has moments of humour, much humanity, poignancy and depth.   It isn’t just an activist intervention type film – even for its time and supported as it was, by several leading housing charities.  Writer-director Ahmed Jamal weaves a strong and simple tale about a British Bangladeshi family made homeless in the mid-1980s. Among the cast … - [London Film Festival 2025 update (Day 3); 'Wicked' director Jon M Chu; 'Moss & Freud' review](https://asianculturevulture.com/london-film-festival-2025-update-day-3-wicked-director-jon-m-chu-moss-freud-review/): Our coverage in real time today… 1.30pm BST THE WIZARD OF WICKED – JON M CHU shared new and exclusive clip of ‘Wicked: For Good‘, offered insights into the making of ‘Wicked’, talked briefly about growing up in San Francisco Bay area Chinese restaurant, which his mom and pop ran. Likened the making of ‘Wicked’ to the dishes his dad makes – all about getting the ingredients and prep ready and the filming is the actual cooking. Talked about process before and rehearsals and going through steps with relevant film departments (choreography, costume, sets). Said he always desired to get … - [Songs of Forgotten Trees - London Film Festival 2025 - opening](https://asianculturevulture.com/songs-of-forgotten-trees-london-film-festival-2025-opening/): Welcome to coverage of London Film Festival! See our Instagram video https://www.instagram.com/reel/DPl2NbCgp5X/?igsh=anBtb2Q2NHp4NmN1 TONIGHT: The Indian film, Songs of Forgotten Trees screens 8.50pm BFI Southbank NFT3; one more screening at 3.10pm on Sunday (October 13) at Curzon Soho Screen 1. It is the out and out new Indian film screening at the festival this year, to our knowledge. The classic ‘Sholay’ screens on the final day – keep it locked with us to find out more and follow our socials – especially X for real time coverage! See Ticket availability | BFI London Film Festival 2025 for full listing and ticket … - [London Film Festival starts today...(October 8-19), coverage with us, early films to come...](https://asianculturevulture.com/london-film-festival-starts-today-october-8-19-coverage-with-us-%f0%9f%8e%a5-early-films%f0%9f%8e%a5to-come/): What films are we focusing on…(see at the bottom) Offical Opening Gala Film – Wake Up Dead Man: A Knives Out Mystery starring Daniel Craig, with Josh O’Connor, Glenn Close, Josh Brolin and Andrew Scott. Director Rian Johnson is also expected to be in attendance on the Red Carpet at the Royal Festival Hall, Southbank Cente, London. 6.45pm screening VR Lounge opens from 10am BFI Southbank Atrium Lounge (daily till 9pm) 9.30am – 9pm NOWHEREISWHENWEARE (THE STARS) – Sound and light show, Rambert Studio – tickets required 12.30pm -Lights, Camera, Genre! NFT4 6pm – Enzo Curzon Soho Screen 1 6.15pm … - [New Royal Docks Originals 2025 festival emphasises culture, connectivity and enterprise…](https://asianculturevulture.com/new-royal-docks-originals-2025-festival-emphasises-culture-connectivity-and-enterprise/): The curtain is coming down on an inuaugural series of events showcasing arts and culture at the Royal Victoria Docks in the east, London… by Suman Bhuchar LONDONERS have a new outdoor festival Royal Docks Originals to enjoy in the Royal Victoria Docks area – which is steeped in heritage and is a growing hub of culture and creativity. www.asianculturevulture.com attended the set piece welcoming event. It was hosted by Kate Anderson, head of cultural programme & partnerships for the Royal Docks Team; a joint delivery team established in 2017 to help spearhead the regeneration of the Royal Docks, London’s … - [‘Kantara: Chapter 1’ - Rishab Shetty is a force of a nature! (Review)](https://asianculturevulture.com/kantara-chapter-1-rishab-shetty-is-a-force-of-a-nature/): Kantara 2, as it is described by some, came out today and acv was among the first to see it in the UK… RISHAB SHETTY has done it again! ‘Kantara: Chapter 1’ is a fitting prequel to the earlier instalment, which simply went by the title ‘Kantara’ – and is the name of a region in the modern Indian state of Karnataka – the capital of which is Bengaluru (Bangalore). As with the first film, this is steeped in mythology, folklore and early Hindu beliefs and this gives the film a certain license in fight scenes and more importantly, in … - ['Kantara: Chapter 1' - Rishab Shetty and Rukmini Vasanth talk power, Daiva (spirits) and on other weighty matters](https://asianculturevulture.com/kantara-chapter-1-rishab-shetty-and-rukmini-vasanth-talk-power-daiva-spirits-and-on-other-weighty-matters/): Film is out tomorrow (globally)…huge interest and many pre sales made in India, follows on from success of ‘Kantara’ (2023) – award-winning Rishab Shetty, co-wrote, direct and stars – and other lead actor Rukmini Vasanth also talks to us - ['Ancient India: living traditions' - last call for beautiful, imaginative, stimulating exhibition](https://asianculturevulture.com/ancient-india-living-traditions-last-call-for-beautiful-imaginative-stimulating-exhibition/): British Museum exhibition is stunning HURRY, there’s not long for this exhibition and if you’re interested in ancient India, ideas, spirituality and world religions, then this is unmissable, essentially. There’s a lot here, though it’s not overwhelming or unmanageable by any means – you can be in and out in an hour or 90 minutes – even if you spend a few minutes by the displays. There’s a beautiful, ethereal quality to it: the lighting, the shimmering veils, and the figures themselves all work together to create something of a sacred space, more felt and experienced than seen with the … - [Bollywood asianculturevulture vibes – All conquering series with glittering movie star cast](https://asianculturevulture.com/bollywood-asianculturevulture-vibes-all-conquering-series-with-glittering-movie-star-cast/): September is all about a Netflix release – Aryan Khan – son of Bollywood superstar Shah Rukh Khan – directorial debut has a nation enthralled, while there are mixed fortunes for cinema producers… By Rodrigues C MONSOON rains are back in Mumbai but have failed to dampen the Navratri and Durga Puja spirit in the city. Celebrated with great gusto and led mainly by migrant Gujarati and Bengali communities in the city, it’s a reminder that festival season is well upon the country at large. The downpour hasn’t stopped people from flooding the traditional dance events which are held in … - ['Homebound' - A hard but rewarding watch that should leave you deeply touched...](https://asianculturevulture.com/homebound-a-hard-but-rewarding-watch-that-should-leave-you-deeply-touched/): India’s official entry to the Oscars is fully deserving of all its accolades, its journey from Cannes to the world’s most famous entertainment awards is just beginning… THIS film will stay with you long after the closing credits…it is a work of art. Ishaan Khatter as Shoaib gives what is a career defining performance and is ably supported and matched by Vishal Jethwa, who is Chandan. Bollywood star Janhvi Kapoor is excellent too as Sudha, the friend of Chandan’s – who becomes a lot more but this is not a romantic film; it’s true majesty comes from depicting the friendship … - ['Brown Girl Noise' - Telling it as it is out there for women of colour...](https://asianculturevulture.com/brown-girl-noise-telling-it-as-it-is-out-there-for-women-of-colour/): Written out of frustration in the way brown women are often cast… By Suman Bhuchar ‘Brown Girl Noise’ is a new play currently at Riverside Studios, London, exploring representation, self-esteem and stereotypes It is the brain child of Kaya Uppal, a writer and actor. It is a tale of four women who walk into a room for an audition and end up being best friends, sharing stories, sisterhood and solidarity. Uppal told www.asianculturevulture.com  that she was inspired to write something after seeing the work of Ryan Cameron Calais, ‘For Black Boys Who have Considered Suicide When the Hue Gets Heavy’. … - [Modern versions of ‘Hamlet’, ‘The Bacchae’ at National – Indhu Rubasingham; ‘Surinderella’; ‘Balti Kings’; Kali new director](https://asianculturevulture.com/modern-versions-of-hamlet-the-bacchae-at-national-indhu-rubasingham-surinderella-balti-kings-kali-new-director/): Autumn theatre brings a slew of new openings from timeless Greek and Elizabethan tragedies to classic entertainment… ‘Bacchae’ – A timeless Greek Tragedy given makeover By Suman Bhuchar DIRECTOR Indhu Rubasingham who began her tenure at the National Theatre in Spring 2025 will be presenting her inaugural show, ‘Bacchae’ in a new interpretation by Nima Taleghani (also a first-time writer with a debut play on the Olivier stage).Taleghani is best known as a rap artist and actor who plays science teacher Mr Farouk on the acclaimed Netflix series, ‘Heartstopper’ based on a graphic novel by Alice Oseman.‘The Bacchae’, as it … - [Busan International Film Festival (BIFF 2025) – seven Indian features including Tannishtha Chatterjee’s latest…](https://asianculturevulture.com/busan-international-film-festival-biff-2025-seven-indian-features-including-tannishtha-chatterjees-latest/): In full flow, the Busan International Film Festival (September 17-26) in South Korea has a wide mix of Indian films premiering at what is widely regarded as the continent’s biggest and most important festival in market terms…it’s celebrating its 30th edition and has an enhanced programme and set of awards for the first time…241 features screen By Tatiana Rosenstein Competition Vimukthi Jayasundara’s quirkily titled ‘Spying Stars’ (Sri Lanka, India, France) headlines the competition section with the story of a bioengineer Anandi, who returns from space to an Earth ravaged by a virus with a name that sounds suspiciously like a … - [From TIFF 50 to LFF 2025 and a bit in between: Riz Ahmed, ‘Sholay’, ‘Good Fortune’, Anurag Kashyap…](https://asianculturevulture.com/from-tiff-50-to-lff-2025-and-a-bit-in-between-riz-ahmed-sholay-good-fortune-anurag-kashyap/): 🎥 Indian film, ‘Homebound’ wins Toronto International Film Festival (TIFF) award – worldwide release next week (September 26) announced today as India’s official entry to The Oscars 2026 🎥 Oscar winning filmmakers Riz Ahmed and Aneil Karia’s ‘Hamlet’ at TIFF and comes to London Film Festival (LFF, October 8-19) next… 🎥 One of the greatest films ever made – Indian ‘Sholay’ enjoyed its premiere screening in TIFF in a new directors’ cut 4k edition. It heads to LFF next… 🎥 ‘Master of None’ star Aziz Ansari’s Good Fortune screens, has Keanu Reeves and Seth Rogen in lead roles 🎥 Famed … - [Our connection to Robert Redford through the Sundance Film Festival...](https://asianculturevulture.com/our-connection-to-robert-redford-through-the-sundance-film-festival/): Sailesh Ram (Bird No1 as creator and the first contributor to the site) remembers seeing the Hollywood icon for the first time… HE OOZED charm, sophistication and almost certainly most people in the room were in awe of him. Bird No1 definitely was… On Monday evening (September 15, in the UK), the world learnt that one of the greatest of Hollywood legends had passed to the other side. Aged 89, Robert Redford was far more than just a movie star – in an age when almost everyone, no let’s say everyone in the West and anyone anywhere in the world … - [‘Every Brilliant Thing’ – Ambika Mod sparkles in play that requires active audience participation](https://asianculturevulture.com/every-brilliant-thing-ambika-mod-sparkles-in-play-that-requires-active-audience-participation/): This classic play about clinical depression is currently enjoying a West End run with five actors appearing on different dates… By Suman Bhuchar STAGED across the world and seen in 80 countries ‘Every Brilliant Thing is a heartfelt story that continues to resonate with audiences. ‘Every Brilliant Thing’ is the story of a seven year old child who narrates and it begins when he learns that his mother is in hospital after attempting suicide. So in order to make it better he starts a list of every brilliant thing that makes life worth living. It begins with “ice-cream” and “water … - [Bird Bites – Welcome to our new design! Our week in the rear view mirror…](https://asianculturevulture.com/bird-bites-welcome-to-our-new-design-our-week-in-the-rear-view-mirror/): HELLO FOLKS! Welcome to the new site – take a look around*These are miscellaneous Bird Bites from our week… Now – International (Indian) Film ‘Love in Vietnam‘ THIS is a cross-cultural romance story we got to hear about from its team when we were in Cannes in 2024. (Video link above).It’s available to see in selected UK cinemas from yesterday (September 12) and releases in India and China too.Directed by Rahhat Shah Kazmi, it’s an adaptation of a Turkish 1943 novel, ‘Madonna in a Fur Coat’ – changing the star-crossed lovers to contemporary times in Vietnam.It stars Shantanu Maheswari and … - [Toronto International Film Festival 2025 under way… (September 4-14) - Riz Ahmed’s ‘Hamlet’, ‘Sholay’ 50 and ‘Homebound’ hit North America](https://asianculturevulture.com/toronto-international-film-festival-2025-under-way-september-4-14-riz-ahmeds-hamlet-sholay-50-and-homebound-hit-north-ameri/): 🎥 Riz Ahmed and Aneil Karia’s ‘Hamlet’ 🎥 New Series ‘Gandhi’ by acclaimed Indian filmmaker Hansal Mehta 🎥 Sholay – restored in 4K classic 1975 film with director Ramesh Sippy deleted scenes – marks 50th anniversary screening with world premiere of new restored print 🎥 UK-Pakistani Seemab Gul debut feature film, ‘Ghost School’ world premiere 🎥 ‘Homebound’ starring Ishaan Khatter, Vishal Jethwa and directed by Neeraj Ghaywan – Toronto now after unforgettable Cannes 2025 🎥 Anurag Kashyap ‘Bandar’ known as ‘Monkey Cage’ starring Bobby Deol – world premiere 🎥 US ‘Parks and Recreation’ star Aziz Ansari first feature film with … - [Bollywood asianculturevulture vibes: ‘Coolie’ and Tamil superstar Rajinikanth lead the way](https://asianculturevulture.com/bollywood-asianculturevulture-vibes-coolie-and-tamil-superstar-rajinikanth-lead-the-way/): It is wet in Mumbai with the monsoon rains, but August is all about the festive spirit and there are two big hits and Bollywood titan Salman Khan’s huge TV show is off and running earlier than in previous years, as our Mumbai box office sleuth tots up the numbers… By Rodrigues C IT’S THE BEGINNING of the festive season in Mumbai. The city, which is celebrating its biggest festival, Ganesh Chaturthi, is decked up and there is devotion in the air. Bollywood stars visit Ganpati celebrations across the city as well as the homes of friends to offer prayers. … - [Venice 2025 (August 27-September 6) British ‘Ish’ to feature, while two Indian women directors make a mark…](https://asianculturevulture.com/venice-2025-august-27-september-6-british-ish-to-feature-while-two-indian-women-directors-make-a-mark/): A film set in Luton, loneliness and desire in Mumbai, and Uttarakhand, respectively, are among the subjects contained in these films, heading to The Lido – the island where screenings take place – an emerging Pakistani-born director also has a short film… by Tatiana Rosenstein A DEBUT film by British artist-filmmaker Imran Perretta and two Indian features both directed by women will be hitting Venice shortly. Featuring as part of Venice Critics’ Week, Perretta brings his feature debut , ‘Ish’ (pictured above). Shot in luminous black-and-white, the film follows two best friends in Luton whose bond is broken by a … - [‘Every Brilliant Thing’ with Ambika Mod, Ed Fringe shows (left), playwright Gurpreet Kaur Bhatti - listings](https://asianculturevulture.com/every-brilliant-thing-with-ambika-mod-ed-fringe-shows-left-playwright-gurpreet-kaur-bhatti-listings/): For theatre lovers, we’ve got fun, history, laughter and grief all taking centre stage. And it’s the last days of the Edinburgh Fringe Festival, so we’ve picked a few highlights… By Suman Bhuchar Every Brilliant Thing – Different rotating stars in lead roles ‘ONE DAY’ star Ambika Mod features in this production which is now making its West End debut.Written by Duncan MacMillan with Jonny Donahoe, it debuted at the Summerhall venue in Edinburgh in 2014 and since then it has enjoyed huge success. ‘Every Brilliant Thing’ has toured 80 countries, been turned into an HBO film.The basic premise of … - [Arijit Singh Makes History: First Indian Artist to Headline UK Stadium - win tickets!](https://asianculturevulture.com/arijit-singh-makes-history-first-indian-artist-to-headline-uk-stadium-win-tickets/): PREPARE for a truly monumental evening of music! Arijit Singh, the voice behind some of Bollywood’s most unforgettable melodies, is set to grace Tottenham Hotspur Stadium on Friday, September 5. This milestone performance marks the first time an Indian artist will headline a UK stadium – and with it being his only European date this year, fans around the world are counting down the days. What to Expect at the Venue Tottenham Hotspur Stadium, renowned for hosting global superstars, will welcome up to 45,000 fans for this special night. The venue’s world-class facilities, acoustics, and atmosphere promise an unforgettable live … - [‘Girl from the North Country’: beautiful and unmissable!](https://asianculturevulture.com/girl-from-the-north-country-beautiful-and-unmissable/): Award winning musical enjoying a run at the Old Vic in London and just few days left now, do not miss it… By Suman Bhuchar FOR FANS of the music and poetry of Robert Zimmerman, now known as Bob Dylan, ‘Girl from the North Country’ is a show not to be missed. Originally premiering at the Old Vic in 2017, the show transferred to the West End (London); Broadway (New York); Australia; Ireland and toured the UK, along the way, winning two Olivier awards, a Tony (Broadway) and several nominations. ‘Girl From the North Country’ is a musical drama drawn … - [‘Choir’ – Musical drama comedy has power tracks and a feel good vibe](https://asianculturevulture.com/choir-musical-drama-comedy-has-power-tracks-and-a-feel-good-vibe/): They say joining a choir can help with your general health and wellbeing and there is a often undiscovered strength in expressing yourself through song… By Suman Bhuchar WRITTEN by Gupreet Kaur Bhatti who marks 25 years as a playwright, her latest work, ‘Choir’ is a warm hearted drama comedy about a community choir and she is spot on in nailing the nitty gritty about the group’s day to day lives. In an interview in the show programme, Bhatti explains that she was encouraged to join a choir by a couple of mums at her children’s school, after her own … - [‘The Estate’ - Writer Shaan Sahota talks about potboiler of family, ambition and gender wrongs](https://asianculturevulture.com/the-estate-writer-shaan-sahota-talks-about-potboiler-of-family-ambition-and-gender-wrongs/): In its final weeks now, playwright discusses inspiration and motivation to create character siblings that fight one another for a family fortune, while deeper scars remain unhealed… FEUDING siblings, a disputed inheritance, political ambitions and machinations all get churned together to make ‘The Estate’ – the drama of the season at the National Theatre. Playwright and hospital doctor Shaan Sahota has produced a work that has got a lot of people talking – both for the play itself and the fact that this is one her early works at The National Theatre no less – one of the country’s most … - [Cannes 2025: BTS pictures gallery](https://asianculturevulture.com/cannes-2025-bts-pictures-gallery/): We release our Behind The Scenes pictures of our special coverage of this year’s Cannes Film Festival which was special for us – as it marked 10 years of covering the world’s biggest and most prestigious festival of its type… - [‘Love Me Like A Chai Tea Latte’ – Sanjay Lago’s award winning tea spilling show hits Edinburgh](https://asianculturevulture.com/love-me-like-a-chai-tea-latte-sanjay-lagos-award-winning-tea-spilling-show-hits-edinburgh/): Actor, writer, performer gets full length run at the Edinburgh Fringe festival which begins officially tomorrow (August 1)… TENDER, sensitive and thoughtful, might be three impressions you form of Sanjay Lago on a first meeting. One can’t really imagine him putting it all out there – and yet in many ways, his one-man show, ‘Love Me Like A Tea Chai Latte’ is just that and he is about to hit the Edinburgh Fringe on what is nearly a whole August month-long run, beginning today with a preview show. (See listings below). ‘Love Me Like A Tea Chai Latte’ premiered formally … - [Bollywood asianculturevulture vibes – Romance is back with newcomers blowing away much of the competition](https://asianculturevulture.com/bollywood-asianculturevulture-vibes-romance-is-back-with-newcomers-blowing-away-much-of-the-competition/): July was considered by industry insiders to be a slow, even dead month with not too many big star releases but then came along… By Rodrigues C MUMBAI is in the midst of the monsoons. Though the rains have been scanty, the lakes supplying drinking water to Mumbai are 90 per cent full (the fastest in a decade) bringing huge relief to the city. Year after year, Mumbai keeps an eye on the daily lake levels in monsoons. If the lakes don’t fill up, it means daily water cuts. So, monsoons have brought joy to the city.’ And so has … - [LIFF 2025 - It's a wrap – ‘Pyre’ wins audience award and ‘Boong’ warms hearts on Closing](https://asianculturevulture.com/liff-2025-its-a-wrap-pyre-wins-audience-award-and-boong-warms-hearts-on-closing/): Our final piece from this year’s London Indian Film Festival (LIFF)… WINNING THIS YEAR’S audience award at lIFF 2025 is the Indian Himalayan feature, ‘Pyre’.About an Indian couple who are trying to adapt to modern ways – this is the only feature www.asianculturevulture.com did not see at LIFF 2025! (Blame Bafta – coming… Mawaan Rizwan and Anjana Vasan in conversation)The curtain was physically brought down by the Closing Film, ‘Boong’.Made before the troubles started in the north east Indian state of Manipur, it was a fitting end to the end of the festival that began with the Tamil French gangster … - [LIFF 2025 - Shorts: Strikers, politics, mothers, babies, operations, graves, love; and marriage](https://asianculturevulture.com/liff-2025-shorts-strikers-politics-mothers-babies-operations-graves-love-and-marriage/): Just a few of the themes that surfaced in this year’s New British Asian Shorts at this UK film festival … IN WHAT is now an annual fixture and certainly since last year – the London Indian Film Festival (LIFF) is showcasing British short films made by South Asian heritage filmmakers based and working primarily in the UK.Curated by senior programmer Krushil Patel, LIFF screened eight shorts – with a huge range in terms of variety, style and scope.Here’s our reviews of these short works screened at the NFT 1 at the BFI Southbank on July 19… Watch out for … - [LIFF 2025 – The Future of British Asian filmmaking - panel urge creativity and following passions](https://asianculturevulture.com/liff-2025-the-future-of-british-asian-filmmaking-panel-urge-creativity-and-following-passions/): 🎥 Niche is the new superpower 🎥 Sprinkle magic dust on your project – get a star or well-known producer involved and/or find respected advisor-mentor 🎥 Shoot whatever you can – regardless of budget constraints – don’t stall… 🎥 Use your identity to get beyond the crowd 🎥 Increasing opportunities to film abroad and get cash/tax benefits 🎥 More generally – Be nice and friendly and have several and different projects in play… SIX LEADING filmmakers with South Asian heritage backgrounds came together to discuss challenges and opportunities in the UK film industry and beyond, during the London Indian Film … - [London Indian Film Festival 2025 - Industry panel talk and new British Asian shorts screening to follow](https://asianculturevulture.com/london-indian-film-festival-2025-industry-panel-talk-and-new-british-asian-shorts-screening-to-follow/): CLICK HERE TO SEE OUR REEL: asianculturevulture.com (@asianculturevulture) • Instagram photos and videos STORY TO FOLLOW – COMING SOON! - [‘The Mahabharata’ Simon Brook’s remastering of father’s classic stage film is powerful and moving…](https://asianculturevulture.com/the-mahabharata-simon-brooks-remastering-of-fathers-classic-stage-film-is-powerful-and-moving/): The London Indian Film Festival (July 16-23) continues and it screened a work that British director Peter Brook popularised in the West in 1985 – even though the story, that mixes myth and reality, is reckoned by some to be about events that took place 10,000 years ago… THERE was a full house for the first ever screening of Peter Brook’s ‘The Mahabharata’ at the BFI IMAX on the Southbank in London on Sunday (July 20) and the anticipation of many was richly rewarded.Taking place as part of the London Indian Film Festival (July 16-23), the film’s only showing at … - [Manchester International Festival 2025 - Shilpa Gupta: ‘You are the Place’ - coming soon!](https://asianculturevulture.com/manchester-international-festival-2025-shilpa-gupta-you-are-the-place-coming-soon/): Story and more pictures to follow… - [‘Little Jaffna’ - London Indian Film Festival gets off to a strong start…](https://asianculturevulture.com/little-jaffna-london-indian-film-festival-gets-off-to-a-strong-start/): 📹 Today – Industry panel and New British Asian Shorts (see ticket link below) and our festival coverage continues Film about Tamil diaspora hit home and has universal appeal… THERE MAY not have been quite the celebrity razzmatazz of previous years but the opening of the London Indian Film Festival (LIFF) still had much to recommend it. ‘Little Jaffna’, a cross-cultural drama about Tamil gangs in a particular arrondissement of Paris really worked and many were impressed by the fact that it had few professional actors. Director of Photography Maxence Lemonnier and non professional actor Priya Darshan, a banker based … - [‘Songs of the Bulbul’ – Aakash Odedra’s Kathak solo is astonishing…](https://asianculturevulture.com/songs-of-the-bulbul-aakash-odedras-kathak-solo-is-astonishing/): Showing at Sadler’s Wells East, Stratford for the remaining two nights (until Saturday with a matinee)… the artist also talked about how this work came about (see also our video interview) and apologises for falling off stage last night ( though it looked intentional and part of the performance)… MESMIRISING, intense, reflective and centrally about translating pain into beauty, ‘Songs of the Bulbul’ is both Aakash Odedra’s most personal – and universal recent show. An Indian classical dance piece created around Kathak – the principal dance style developed in North India, ‘Songs of the Bulbul’ mixes Kathak with Sufi music … - [London Indian Film Festival 2025 - Rima Das’ ‘Village Rockstars 2’ premiere – auteur shares vision… (video)](https://asianculturevulture.com/london-indian-film-festival-2025-rima-das-village-rockstars-2-premiere-auteur-shares-vision-video/): Film enjoys UK screening tomorrow… WRITER-DIRECTOR Rima Das’ award-winning feature ‘Village Rockstars 2’ comes to the BFI Southbank in London as part of the London Indian Film Festival (LIFF – July 16-23) tomorrow – July 18.In this interview, she talks about how the story came about, its inspirations and reactions to the film – it won the Kim Jiseok Award at the Busan International Film Festival (BIFF) last year and had its Indian premiere screening at Mami in Mumbai.ACV saw the film at its European premiere at the Berlinale 75.Das is a hugely impressive filmmaker for someone, who we believe, … - [‘Songs of the Bulbul’ – Aakash Odedra’s most personal dance piece comes to the capital](https://asianculturevulture.com/songs-of-the-bulbul-aakash-odedras-most-personal-dance-piece-comes-to-the-capital/): One of the country’s foremost Indian classical dancers comes with a new work that is widely regarded as unique and exquisite… DESCRIBED as both ferocious and contemplative, dancer-choreographer Aakash Odedra’s very latest work, ‘Songs of the Bulbul’ comes to London for the very first time this week. Playing at Sadler’s Wells East from Thursday (July 17) for till Saturday, it is an award winning piece and widely acclaimed by all who have seen it. Odedra talked about its origins and inspirations in a video interview out on (See below and subscribe to our YouTube channel). This is a virtuoso solo … - [London Indian Film Festival (LIFF) 2025 - ‘Little Jaffna’, ‘Mahabharata’, ‘Village Rockstars 2’, and short ‘Before I do’ screenings...](https://asianculturevulture.com/london-indian-film-festival-liff-2025-little-jaffna-mahabharata-village-rockstars-2-and-short-before-i-do-screenings/): Now it is 16th edition, it opens on Wednesday in London… A BLOCKBUSTER gangster film that has more than a hint of hits ‘La Haine’ and ‘Gangs of Wasseypur’, and two films acv has already covered, feature in this year’s London Indian Film Festival (LIFF). The 16th edition opens on Wednesday (July 16-23) with ‘Little Jaffna’, where a rookie cop goes undercover to infiltrate a Tamil gang in Paris. Directed by Lawrence Valin, it’s been described as “‘La Haine meets Gangs of Wasseypur’” by organisers. It also opens the Birmingham Indian Film Festival which begins on Thursday (July 17). Simon … - [Manchester International Festival (MIF) 2025: Santiago Yahuarcani, FAFSWAG, An Inheritance, Football City Art United](https://asianculturevulture.com/manchester-international-festival-mif-2025-santiago-yahuarcani-fafswag-an-inheritance-football-city-art-united/): The binannual multi-arts festival has many different strands and the Bird was at the opening and there’s still a week to go… FOR SHEER range and diversity, Manchester International Festival has much to offer and that was abundantly apparent when we attended a spectacular action packed first day… Ending formally on July 20 (next Sunday), we were able to ask Low Kee Hong, creative director of Factory International, the arts organisation that produces the festival, what he made of that first day in the glorious sunshine (on Thursday, July 3). Unsurprisingly, ‘The Herds’ were a particular personal highlight for him … ## Pages - [Privacy Policy](https://asianculturevulture.com/privacy-policy/): Welcome to asianculturevulture.com (the “Site”). We understand that privacy online is important to users of our Site, especially when conducting business. 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