The 2026 London Indian Film Festival begins on July 9 with a 10-day program of South Asian films, documentaries, short films and special events. It opens at BFI Southbank with the screening of 52 Blue, a coming-of-age drama directed by Ali El Arabi. The story follows Ashish, a young man from Kerala who leaves home after claiming selection for the 2022 FIFA World Cup and takes a stadium job. The film stars Adil Hussain and Neha Dhupia. A Q&A with the director follows the screening. Other highlights include White Snow, a political drama set in Kashmir, and Too Desi Too Queer, a program of short films presented with Rainbow Noir. The festival will show nine feature films, two documentaries and seven short programs. A reunion of the Goodness Gracious Me cast is scheduled for July 11, and Aamir Khan will appear on July 16 to mark the 25th anniversary of Lagaan. Additional events cover India’s AI and film future and the Satyajit Ray Short Film Competition. The festival also runs in Birmingham and Manchester.
