The 13th London Asian Film Festival will come ablaze as Tongues of Fire (TOF), a non-profit organisation celebrating Asian cultures, is set to host the event from Mar 18-27.

As the only South Asian film festival in the UK, The London Asian Film Festival is dedicated to revealing the spirit and culture of Asian independent media. With the help of TOF, the festival hopes to raise awareness of key issues in Asian cultures through the use of film with the intention to educate and entertain.

Starting at the British Film Institute (BFI), Southbank, the festival offers activities and events such as a costume design master class with Academy Award winner and renowned costume designer Bhanu Athaiya and independent film screenings over the course of 10 days, and closes with a gala screening and Awards Dinner at BAFTA on Mar 27.

Films in the programme include Ajay Naidu’s Ashes [pictured], Onir’s IAm, and Sanjay Gupta’s Pankh. Special appearances by Bollywood and independent film stars Manisha Koirala, Sanjay Suri, Ajay Naidu, Heather Burns and Karsh Kale will also be included.

“There’s an air of sparkling excitement for Tongues on Fire 13th London Asian Film Festival,” says Festival Director Dr Pushpinder Chowdhry, “It’s a collaborative process and the sheer vitality of these films is the motivation for the TOF team to continue putting together a festival that reflects, celebrates and inspires through film.”

To mark the 100th anniversary of International Women’s Day, the festival will also include the TOF’s inaugural lecture at the Brunei Gallery, SOAS.