TL;DR
- UK Asian Film Festival announces LGBTQ+ strand.
- Three queer-focused films featured this year.
- Festival runs from May 1 to 10, 2026.
- Celebrates queer identities across Asia.
- Partnership with Queer Asia and Queer East.
Lights, camera, action! The UK Asian Film Festival is back and it’s ready to dazzle with its LGBTQ+ strand, shining a spotlight on the vibrant and diverse queer stories emerging from the East. This year, the festival is set to run from May 1 to 10, 2026, and it promises to be a cinematic feast for all lovers of queer culture.
Recognized as the world’s longest-running South Asian film festival outside of the Subcontinent, this year marks its 28th edition, and it’s pulling out all the stops. With support from the BFI Audience Projects Fund and organized by Tongues on Fire, the festival will showcase around 30 films across various locations including London, Leicester, Coventry, and Cumbernauld.
Among the exciting offerings are three standout films that are sure to resonate with queer audiences. First up is The Pact by Apurva M Asrani, a poignant short film set in India that follows a son as he returns to his late father’s home, unearthing buried memories and emotions. Talk about a tearjerker!
Next, we have Heels To Heal by Justice Khor, a musical documentary that celebrates the resilience of Malaysian queer culture through the eyes of three fabulous drag queens. It’s a celebration of healing and self-acceptance that you won’t want to miss!
Last but not least, My Therapist Said, I Am Full Of Sadness by Monica Vanesa Tedja offers a reflective look at belonging, family, and queer identity in Indonesia. This documentary is sure to strike a chord with anyone who has ever felt out of place.
But that’s not all! The festival will also feature a British Asian strand that highlights the rich tapestry of UK South Asian life and identity. Plus, there will be a musical tribute concert celebrating the icons of Hindi cinema music, industry panels, masterclasses with filmmakers, writers, and historians, and the Young Tongues platform, which is dedicated to supporting emerging British Asian creatives.
For more information on the UK Asian Film Festival 2026, be sure to check out the official tonguesonfire website. Don’t miss out on this opportunity to immerse yourself in the stories that matter, and celebrate the incredible diversity of queer identities through the lens of cinema!