London Indian Film Festival Returns with Star-Studded 2026 Programme Led by Aamir Khan
London, United Kingdom – July 2026 – The London Indian Film Festival (LIFF), Europe’s largest South Asian film festival, returns for its 17th edition this July with an expanded UK-wide programme led by Bollywood superstar Aamir Khan and a special Goodness Gracious Me reunion, alongside UK premieres and industry events across five cities.
The London Indian Film Festival is Europe’s largest South Asian film festival, showcasing independent cinema, premieres, and cultural programming across the UK. The festival is dedicated to celebrating diverse storytelling and supporting emerging filmmakers from South Asia and its global diaspora.
Launching the festival is the European premiere of 52 Blue, an inspirational rites-of-passage story directed by Ali El Arabi, screening at BFI Southbank on 9th July, followed by additional screenings across Birmingham, Sheffield and Greater London.
The Closing Gala will feature Aamir Khan In Conversation at BFI Southbank, marking the 25th anniversary of Lagaan, with Khan reflecting on his career from child actor to one of the world’s most recognised film figures, known for combining commercial cinema with socially driven storytelling.
A major highlight will be the Goodness Gracious Me Reunion, bringing together Sanjeev Bhaskar, Meera Syal, Nina Wadia, Kulvinder Ghir and Anil Gupta, celebrating the BBC comedy sketch show that changed the face of British television and UK Asian representation.
Further programming includes Europe’s first Indian AI & Film Showcase, exploring the intersection of emerging technologies and cinema, curated by an international jury chaired by director Shekhar Kapur.
Patron of the London Indian Film Festival, Tony Matharu commented:
“As a long standing supporter of culture and the arts, and in particular the value it brings to our unique capital city, I am delighted to support this year’s festival and to have been a part of it since its inception so that today the festival has grown into one of the world’s largest and most successful film festival for South Asian films.
“I am delighted to have been part of the recognition and exposure of Asian films and the exceptional talent showcased to a UK audience, drawing attention and critical acclaim to Asian filmmakers and the diverse range and depth of their films.
“I continue to advocate for the continuation of London’s arts and cultural sector and the vibrancy, diversity and the rich tapestry of life which has become synonymous with London. LIFF plays a key role in our efforts to ensure London is the leading gateway city in the world in which to be entertained, to visit, work, live, study and invest.”
Spanning 20 venues in London, Birmingham, Manchester, Sheffield and Bradford, the 2026 edition brings together screenings, conversations and showcases across 10 languages, continuing its position as one of the UK’s most significant platforms for South Asian film, talent and cultural exchange.
This year’s programme also features a wide slate of UK premieres and international titles across genres and regions, including In Search of the Sky, alongside films from Bangladesh and India exploring themes of identity, politics, family and social change. Highlights include Master and Roid, both premiered at the International Film Festival of Rotterdam, as well as All About Weddings and Anmol – Lovingly Ours, alongside restored classics such as In Which Annie Gives It Those Ones and The Mahabharata.
The festival continues to expand its cultural and accessibility programming, emerging talent showcases including Brit-Asian Shorts, and the internationally programmed Satyajit Ray Short Film Competition, judged by a distinguished jury of filmmakers and industry figures. Additional accessibility initiatives will include expanded BSL-interpreted screenings and Q&As across multiple cities.
Supporters of the festival include Blue Orchid Hospitality, Book It Please, Dishoom, Optimiser together with Central London Alliance.