Taboo-busting film in contention for cash prize at BCU-backed festival

A seven-minute film featuring a taboo-busting discussion about breasts is one of five entries competing for a prize of £1,000 at the 2024 Birmingham Indian Film Festival (BIFF), which is being co-sponsored by Birmingham City University (BCU). 

The shortlist for the Satyajit Ray Short Film Competition, which is being shown at BCU’s Royal Birmingham Conservatoire on 5 July, also includes a 35-minute movie that explores the effects of human trafficking and labour exploitation in the United States. The winner, which has been selected by an independent jury will be announced at the end of the festival.  

Satyajit Ray is a legendary director, screenwriter and documentary maker from India who is known for his humanist vision and subtlety of story and eye. He died in 1992 after directing 36 films and winning numerous awards. 

This year’s BIFF, which runs at locations across the West Midlands from 27 June to 7 July, will also champion the work of exciting British Asian talent as well as build on last year’s foray into extended reality (XR) and computer gaming. 

Dharmesh Rajput, Head of BIFF and Course Director, Media Production at BCU, said: “It’s exciting to bring South Asian independent cinema to the West Midlands, showcasing untold stories and reflecting the lives and experiences of diverse communities in Birmingham. 

“I’m proud that we’ve curated a strong programme of films in a variety of languages and giving representation to South Asian LGBTQIA+ stories and more. 

“There is a mix of new and local filmmakers as well as the opportunity to immerse ourselves in new XR (extended reality) experiences that are rooted in South Asian culture.”