Cutting edge films from India, UK on show at LIFF

London: A selection of cutting edge films from some of India and the UK`s hottest independent talents will be screened at the third London Indian Film Festival (LIFF) to be held here from June 20 to July 3.

Going way beyond Bollywood, these are films that challenge, shock, generate debate and present a more realistic view of India today in all its colour and diversity, the organisers said last night. The festival, which is supported by Film London, will stretch city wide, opening in the West End at the Cineworld Haymarket and continuing at BFI (British Film Institute) Southbank Watermans, Cineworld Trocadero, Feltham, Wood Green, Wandsworth, the O2 and ICA. For the first time the festival is also teaming up with Tate Modern to present a rare showcase in Indian experimental film curated from Bangalore. The festival also has films and events for a wide range of audiences and includes industry events at BAFTA, exploring India/UK co-production and specially commissioned music and performance pieces. The LIFF includes a diverse range of World and UK premieres and will open with cult director Anurag Kashyap`s action-packed ‘Gangs of Wasseypur’ based on true incidents. It is a revenge story set in the dynamic socio-political milieu of erstwhile Bihar. Wasseypur is a town in the district of Dhanbad. The film is having its World Premiere at Cannes Director`s Fortnight. Cary Rajinder Sawhney, LIFF Director, said, "We aren`t just showing Indian films for Indian audiences, but opening the door to the rich diversity of cinema in India today, to all audiences. "Some of these films are kicking out the old stereotypes of Indian cinema, while the best filmmakers are starting to be recognised on the world stage, where they belong. It`s great to be premiering these cutting-edge new films in London, during a year when the city is celebrating its cultural richness." PTI