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<\/figure>\n\n\n\nInspired by writer and director Abu Aleeha\u2019s own novel, \u2018Kukri\u2019, \u2018Javed Iqbal: The Untold Story Of A Serial Killer\u2019 provides a detailed analysis of Iqbal\u2019s statements and his time in police remand.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Without sensationalising the subject matter, the film delves into the psyche and character of Iqbal, at the same time depicting the seriousness and sensitivity of Lahore police during the investigation.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
A High Court case to get the film released is currently ongoing in Pakistan since the Punjab Government and the Central Bureau of Film Censors (CBFC) issued an order to halt its release earlier this year, despite initial censor board approval.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Tragically, the issue of child sexual abuse is still a taboo subject in Pakistan (as with other south Asian countries), more so when men and young boys are involved. Director, Abu Aleeha, producer Javed Ahmed Kakepoto, and actors Yasir Hussain and Ayesha Omar will introduce the film.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The \u2018Dare To Dream\u2019 theme of this year\u2019s festival commemorates 75 years of India and Pakistan\u2019s Independence. UKAFF is supported by the BFI awarding funds from the National Lottery and Arts Council England using funds from the National Lottery and the Department for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport(DCMS). #HereforCulture.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
In keeping with the festival\u2019s historically feminist focus, the closing film will be the UK premiere of \u2018Gangnam Girls\u2019 (Bhutan, 2021, Director Charmi Nemchand Chheda, Language: Dzongkha with English subtitles) on Sunday 15th May at BFI Southbank.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The film charts four, childhood friends who, though extremely different, grow up supporting each other\u2019s dreams. While each undergoes personal challenges, their friendship helps them navigate a passage through their early years. A decade after a fallout that takes them on their separate ways, the childhood friends reconnect over the course of a weekend. Reunited, the group must now confront their past differences. The film will be introduced by director, Charmi Nemchand Chheda, and producer, Nyema Zam.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
UK Asian Film Festival Founder and Director, Dr Pushpinder Chowdhry MBE says: \u201cWe are looking forward to opening UKAFF 2022 with Javed Iqbal, a film that digs deep into the psyche of a serial killer and that highlights the importance of mental well-being. Abu Aleeha\u2019s directorial tells a compelling, real-life horror story of a psychopath captured by a woman police officer, sensitively played by Ayesha Omar.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cThe importance of this film cannot be underestimated. It brings to light an issue \u2013 the abuse and mass murder of young boys \u2013 that is of the utmost importance and yet rarely discussed.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cIt has always been far too convenient for South Asian societies to brush such issues under the carpet but only by creating safe spaces in which to confront these issues and their root causes can we begin to create the meaningful social change we need. In that way we all owe a debt of gratitude to the creators of this film.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
UK Asian Film Festival Creative Director, Samir Bhamra comments: \u201cThe festival\u2019s theme this year, \u2018Dare to Dream\u2019, speaks to the challenges of our time. In this era of reckoning, we ask are people free to dream? 75 years after Indian and Pakistani Independence, telling taboo stories still comes at a price.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cOur opening film, Javed Iqbal: The Untold Story of a Serial Killer, was banned in Pakistan. Censorship remains a barrier that we support brave filmmakers to overcome.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cOur festival facilitates the conversations that we need, but are prohibited from having. Year on year, we fight to enable storytellers to dream freely. It is their intense, powerful and thought provoking films that allow our audience to see the world through new eyes and imagine a future where dreaming is no longer a risk.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
UK Asian Film Festival 2022, presented by Tongues on Fire, will run from 4th \u2013 15th May in venues across London, Birmingham, Leicester, Coventry, Warwick, Bradford, Stockton and Glasgow; and online via BFI Player and Modern Films.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
More than \u00a330M is raised each week for good causes across the UK by the National Lottery.<\/p>\n\n\n\n