Retrospective in Gateshead, 19 Oct 2018 Jan 2019

Transcription

1 Rasheed Araeen A Retrospective in Gateshead, 19 Oct 2018 Jan 2019 The Baltic Centre for Contemporary Art presents the first comprehensive survey of Rasheed Araeen s (b. 1935, Karachi) wide-ranging artistic and academic practice, in collaboration with Van Abbemuseum. Spanning 60 years, the retrospective encompasses Araeen s art, writing, editing and curating, displaying a body of work that has had profound influence on generations of artists, writers and thinkers. Having premiered at Van Abbemuseum in December 2017, BALTIC will host the only UK iteration of Rasheed Araeen: A Retrospective, from 19 October 2018 to 27 January Araeen is a leading voice on the subject of Eurocentrism within the British art establishment. In 1972, Araeen joined the Black Panther Movement and was subsequently the founding editor of the journal Black Phoenix which, in 1987, was transformed into Third Text often acknowledged as the most important journal for Postcolonial art and theory. In 1989, he curated the seminal exhibition, The Other Story: Afro-Asian Artists in Post-War Britain, at the Hayward Gallery, London. Both the journal and the show marked significant turning points for art in Britain, spearheading the recognition of artists of Asian and African origins within the mainstream discourse of modernism. Rasheed Araeen: A Retrospective is structured across five chapters: his early experiments in painting in Karachi in the 1950s and early 60s; his pioneering minimalist sculptures carried out after his arrival in London in 1964; key pieces from the 70s and 80s following Araeen s political awakening; panel cruciform works from the 80s and 90s; and a selection of his new geometric paintings and wall structures.

2 Situated at the centre of the exhibition, Araeen s Reading Room (2017) presents the issues of Third Text produced under his founding directorship and editorship ( ) alongside conceptual diagrams key to the ground-breaking proposals put forward in his 2010 publication Art Beyond Art. Ecoaesthetics. A Manifesto for Art in the 21st Century. Together the objects, images and ideas Araeen offers constitute an expanded artistic practice that in its scope, approach and ambition continues to challenge the formal, ideological and political assumptions of Eurocentric modernism. About Rasheed Araeen Born and educated in Pakistan, Rasheed Araeen (b. 1935) trained as an engineer before moving to Europe in the 1960s to become one of the pioneers of minimalist sculpture in Britain. Araeen accepted an honorary doctorate from the Courtauld Institute of Art, London, on the 2nd of July 2018, and has three additional honorary doctorates from the universities of Southampton, East London and Wolverhampton. Selected Solo Exhibitions include: Rasheed Araeen, a Retrospective, Van Abbemuseum, Eindhoven ( ); Rasheed Araeen, Going East, Rossi and Rossi, Hong Kong ( ); Rasheed Araeen, Grosvenor Gallery, London/Dubai (2014); Zero to Infinity, Tate Britain, London (2013); To Whom it May Concern, Serpentine Gallery, London (1996). About the Baltic Centre The Baltic Centre is a major international centre for contemporary art situated on the south bank of the River Tyne in Gateshead, England and has welcomed over seven million visitors since opening to the public in July The Baltic Centre presents a distinctive and ambitious programme of exhibitions and events, and is a world leader in the presentation and commissioning of contemporary visual art. Housed in a landmark ex-industrial building, The Baltic Centre

3 consists of 2,600 square metres of art space, making it the UK s largest dedicated contemporary art institution. It has gained an international reputation for its commissioning of cutting-edge temporary exhibitions. It has presented the work of over 396 artists from 54 countries in 197 exhibitions to date. The Baltic Centre for Contemporary Art, South Shore Road, Gateshead, Tyne & Wear NE8 3BA. T: Visit Take to the Skies in Hum Film s Parwaaz Hai Junoon, out 24th Aug Parwaaz Hai Junoon is the coming of age story of a girl who has an ambition to be a pilot, produced by Momina & Duraid Films and HUM Films, slated for release worldwide on 24th August The film promises to be a rousing tribute to Pakistan s Air Force and is written by author and screenwriter Farhat Ishtiaq (Bin Roye). Parwaaz Hai Junoon marks the second production from Momina Duraid, the force behind 2015 s critically acclaimed film Bin Roye, one of Pakistan s biggest international hits, particularly in the UK. Momina Duraid is a household name for Urdu drama lovers across the world and is a creative genius, delivering ground breaking content like Humsafar, Zindagi Gulzar Hai, Udari, Sang-emarmar, and many others. She specialises in social impact projects, primarily encompassing the essence of female empowerment, which have proven to be monumental successes with audiences around the world. In line with the repertoire of her

4 work, Parwaaz Hai Junoon is expected to be a film with a soul, separating it from competing films this Eid. Ace director Haseeb Hasan makes his directorial debut on the big screen after enjoying huge success on the small screen. The film features a unique blend of fresh-faced and talented young stars alongside established veterans that include Hamza Ali Abbasi, Hania Amir, Shaz Khan, Kubra Khan, Syed Shafaat Ali, Adnan Jaffer, Sikandar Vincent, Rachel Viccaji, Mustafa Changezi, Sabeena Syed, Asif Raza Mir, Hina Bayat, Shamoon Abbasi, Farhan Ali Agha and Rasheed Naz, with a special appearance from Marina Khan. After capturing many hearts on the small screen, Ahad Raza Mir follows the footsteps of his father and grandfather by making a debut on the big screen. The film s soundtrack features music composed by first time music director Azaan Sami Khan, son of the acclaimed music maestro Adnan Sami Khan, with contributions from Mustehsan Khan (Bulyyea), as well as Coke Studio favourites including Atif Aslam (Tham Lo). Produced by Momina & Duraid Films and distributed by HUM Films, Parwaaz Hai Junoon is set to release worldwide on 24th August Rishi Kapoor and Taapsee Pannu star in Mulk, out 3rd

5 Aug 2018 Bollywood veteran Rishi Kapoor teamed up with actress Taapsee Pannu for Mulk, directed by Anubhav Sinha, produced by Deepak Mukut and distributed by Zee Studios International. The film follows the story of a good Muslim family, headed by Rishi Kapoor s character. The family s son has been accused of planning a terrorist attack and as people begin to turn on them, courtroom proceedings begin. Defending them is their Hindu daughter-in-law, played by Taapsee Pannu. Directed by Anubhav Sinha, Mulk also stars Rajat Kapoor, Prateik Babbar and Ashutosh Rana and is set to release in cinemas on 3rd August Pakistan s most awaited sequel, Jawani Phir Nahi Ani 2 Jawani Phir Nahi Ani, one of the highest grossing films of Pakistan, has its most awaited sequel Jawani Phir Nahi Ani 2 slated for release this Eid-ul-Azha, 21st or 22nd August The sequel boasts a star cast of Fahad Mustafa, Mawra Hocane and Kubra Khan in lead roles, as well as, Humayun Saeed, Vasay Chaudhry, Ahmed Ali Butt, Sarwat Gillani and Uzma Khan with Safina Behroz, Kunika Lall, Shehzad Khan, Kanwaljit Singh, Sohail Ahmed and Omer Shahzad in supporting roles. Directed by Nadeem Baig Jawani Phir Nahi Ani 2 is slated to release this Eid-ul-Azha, 21st or 22nd August 2018 through B4U

6 Motion Pictures. Pump Up the Bhangra: The Sound of Asian Britain, 18th Aug 2018 BBC film Pump Up the Bhangra: The Sound of Asian Britain is to premiere at the Zee London Mela on 18th of August 2018 (7-8pm), introduced by Bobby Friction after a performance by an all-star Bhangra band, including Kuljit Bhamra, Channi Singh (Alaap), Kumar and P Dhami (from Heera), all of whom appear in the film. This is the story of how British Asians came of age as they found their voice and celebrated their identity through Bhangra music and the screening is part of the BBC s Big British Asian Summer season, on air this August. Pump Up The Bhangra: The Sound Of Asian Britain Fronted by BBC Asian Network DJ Bobby Friction, the film recounts how a simple folk tradition from India was transformed in the 1980s to become a unique part of the British club music scene, outselling many mainstream UK acts. It s a story of cassette tapes, corner shops and glitter-clad musical heroes of teenagers bunking school to attend secret daytime gigs and music that soundtracked battles against racism and discrimination. Through a series of entertaining encounters with Bhangra legends and those they influenced, Bobby reflects on how thousands of second generation British Asians like him became comfortable with their heritage and their place in Britain

7 through Bhangra music. The film features many of the biggest and most influential names from the Bhangra scene including Balbir Bhujhangy, Gurcharan Mall, Heera, Apna Sangeet, Chani Singh, Bally Sagoo, Aki Nawaaz, JK and many more. Pump up the Bhangra is a documentary for BBC Four. It was commissioned by Emma Cahusac, Commissioning Editor BBC Arts and produced by Richard Bright, Executive Producer BBC Studios. This film was produced and directed by Ashok Prasad. For further information visit Stellar cast announced for The Village, 7th Sep 6th Oct 2018 A stellar cast has been announced, alongside acclaimed actor Art Malik, for The Village which runs from 7th September until 6th October 2018 at the Theatre Royal Stratford East. Harki Bhambra, Sudha Bhuchar, Anya Chalotra, Ameet Chana, Neil D Souza, Souad Faress, Rina Fatania, Naeem Hayat, Scott Karim, Art Malik, Arian Nik, Humera Syed and Ragevan Vasan will all star in writer April De Angelis s play Fuenteovejuna which calls for courage in the face of tyranny. Synopsis Village life for Jyoti is simple: the people work hard, sing and live off the earth. She would much rather devour a delicious meal than think about a suitable partner. But when

8 the Inspector and his men arrive back in town, things quickly begin to sour. The Inspector s reign of terror sees him commit unspeakable acts against the village with young Jyoti in his sights, pushing everyone to breaking point. Will she dare scorn his advances? This new adaptation by April De Angelis of de Vega s Fuenteovejuna, is transported to contemporary India, and set against a backdrop of political unrest. Nadia Fall directs The Village which opens her inaugural season as Artistic Director of Stratford East. The Village Venue: Theatre Royal Stratford East, Gerry Raffles Square, London E15 1BN Dates: Friday 7th September Saturday 6th October 2018 Time: 7.30pm (matinees on select days 2.30pm) Price: From 10 (all preview performances are 10) Runtime: TBC Age Guidance: 14+ Concessions: 10 tickets for under 26s. If you can t attend a show without the support of a companion or carer, you can get a companion ticket free of charge click here for details. Newham Discount Night: There are a limited number of 5 for all preview performances for visitors who work or live in Newham proof of address required. Only available to book in person or over the phone ( ). Access performances: BSL Performance Thu 4 Oct, 7.30pm Captioned Performance Fri 5 Oct, 7.30pm Audio Described Performance Sat 6 Oct, 2.30pm Writer April De Angelis Director Nadia Fall

9 Designer Joanna Scotcher Lighting Designer Paul Pyant Movement Director Polly Bennett Composer Niraj Chag Sound Designer Helen Atkinson Fight Directors RC-Annie Casting Director Amy Ball Cast: Harki Bhambra, Sudha Bhuchar, Anya Chalotra, Ameet Chana, Neil D Souza, Souad Faress, Rina Fatania, Naeem Hayat, Scott Karim, Art Malik, Arian Nik, Humera Syed and Ragevan Vasan For further information or to book tickets visit Ondaatje and Gunaratne longlisted for the Man Booker Prize 2018 This year s Golden Man Booker winner Michael Ondaatje and debut novelist Guy Gunaratne have both been longlisted for the 50,000 Man Booker Prize 2018 it was announced today (23rd July 2018). This year s longlist of 13 books was selected by a panel of five judges: by the philosopher Kwame Anthony Appiah (Chair); crime writer Val McDermid; cultural critic Leo Robson; feminist writer and critic Jacqueline Rose; and artist and graphic novelist Leanne Shapton. The list was chosen from 171 submissions the highest number of titles put forward in the prize s 50 year history published in the UK and Ireland between 1 October 2017 and 30 September 2018.

10 The Man Booker Prize for Fiction, first awarded in 1969, is open to writers of any nationality, writing in English and published in the UK and Ireland. This is the first year that novels published in Ireland are eligible for the prize, following a change in rules announced at the start of 2018 that recognised the special relationship between the UK and Irish publishing markets. The Man Booker Prize 2018 longlist Belinda Bauer (UK) Snap (Bantam Press) Anna Burns (UK) Milkman (Faber & Faber) Nick Drnaso (USA) Sabrina (Granta Books) Esi Edugyan (Canada) Washington Black (Serpent s Tail) Guy Gunaratne (UK) In Our Mad And Furious City (Tinder Press) Daisy Johnson (UK) Everything Under (Jonathan Cape) Rachel Kushner (USA) The Mars Room (Jonathan Cape) Sophie Mackintosh (UK) The Water Cure (Hamish Hamilton) Michael Ondaatje (Canada) Warlight (Jonathan Cape) Richard Powers (USA) The Overstory (William Heinemann) Robin Robertson (UK) The Long Take (Picador) Sally Rooney (Ireland) Normal People (Faber & Faber) Donal Ryan (Ireland) From A Low And Quiet Sea (Doubleday Ireland) Chair of the 2018 judges, Kwame Anthony Appiah, said: Perhaps unsurprisingly, given the times, there were many dystopian fictions on our bookshelf and many novels we found inspirational as well as disturbing. Some of those we have

11 chosen for this longlist feel urgent and topical, others might have been admired and enjoyed in any year. All of these books which take in slavery, ecology, missing persons, inner-city violence, young love, prisons, trauma, race capture something about a world on the brink. Among their many remarkable qualities is a willingness to take risks with form. And we were struck, overall, by their disruptive power: these novels disrupted the way we thought about things we knew about, and made us think about things we didn t know about. Still, despite what they have in common, every one of these books is wildly distinctive. It s been an exhilarating journey so far and we re looking forward to reading them again. But now we ll have thousands and thousands of people reading along with us. This year s Golden Man Booker winner Michael Ondaatje a special one-off award that crowned the best work of fiction from the last five decades of the prize makes the list with his seventh novel Warlight; Ondaatje s The English Patient shared the 1992 Booker Prize with Sacred Hunger by Barry Unsworth. He is joined by three other authors previously nominated for the prize: Esi Edugyan (shortlisted in 2011 for Half-Blood Blues), Donal Ryan (longlisted in 2013 for The Spinning Heart), and Richard Powers (longlisted in 2014 for Orfeo). Four debut novels are recognised by the judges this year, including eminent Scottish poet Robin Robertson s The Long Take, which is a novel in verse, Sophie Mackintosh s The Water Cure, Guy Gunaratne s In Our Mad And Furious City and Daisy Johnson s Everything Under. Johnson, aged 27, is the joint youngest author on the list, alongside Sally Rooney (for Normal People). Four independent publishers are longlisted: Faber & Faber (with two titles), Granta and Serpent s Tail. They are joined by Penguin Random House imprints Hamish Hamilton, William Heinemann, Bantam Press and Jonathan Cape (which makes the

12 list three times); Pan Macmillan imprint Picador; Headline, owned by Hachette; and Doubleday Ireland, an imprint of Transworld Ireland. The UK and Ireland are well-represented, with eight out of the 13 writers on the longlist. Robin Robertson is from Scotland; Belinda Bauer, Guy Gunaratne and Daisy Johnson are from England; Anna Burns is from Northern Ireland; Sophie Mackintosh is from Wales. Sally Rooney and Donal Ryan are from Ireland. Two Canadians make the list, Esi Edugyan and Michael Ondaatje, along with three Americans, Nick Drnaso, Rachel Kushner and Richard Powers. The shortlist and winner announcements The shortlist of six books will be announced on Thursday 20th September at a morning press conference at Man Group, the sponsor of the prize. The shortlisted authors each receive 2,500 and a specially bound edition of their book. The 2018 winner will then be announced on Tuesday 16th October in London s Guildhall at a black-tie dinner, one of the highlights of the publishing year. The ceremony will be broadcast by the BBC. The winner of the 2018 Man Booker Prize receives 50,000 and can expect international recognition. In the week following the 2017 winner announcement, sales of Lincoln in the Bardo by George Saunders increased by 1227%. Bloomsbury has to date sold over 230k copies of Lincoln across all formats, 70% of those sales coming after the win. The leading prize for quality fiction in English First awarded in 1969, the Man Booker Prize is recognised as the leading prize for literary fiction written in English. The list of former winners features many of the literary giants of the last four decades: from Iris Murdoch to Salman Rushdie, Ian McEwan to Hilary Mantel.

13 The rules of the prize were changed at the end of 2013 to embrace the English language in all its vigour, its vitality, its versatility and its glory, opening it up to writers beyond the UK and Commonwealth. The Man Booker Prize is sponsored by Man Group, an active investment management firm. Manchester Jazz Festival to feature Zakir Hussain & Arun Ghosh The Manchester Jazz Festival, which returns for its twentythird year from 20th 28th July 2018, is to feature renowned table player Zakir Hussain & clarinetist Arun Ghosh. The festival is the UK s leading showcase for contemporary jazz, with an ongoing focus on championing the region s creative artists and offering the UK s only open jazz commissioning scheme for composer-musicians. Cross Currents Trio feat: Zakir Hussain Royal Northern College of Music, Saturday 21st July 2018 Three living legends of jazz unite in a rare UK performance fusing contemporary jazz and world music virtuosity. Dave Holland s passion for musical expression and innovation has propelled a career of over 50 years and earned him multiple Grammys. Having shared the stage with Miles Davis, Stan Getz and Betty Carter and fostered a generation of younger players through his own ensembles, he has an openeared respect for musical cultures.

14 Zakir Hussain is intuitive, masterful and widely considered chief architect of world music, having immersed himself in diverse collaborations with John McLaughlin (Shakti), George Harrison, Van Morrison and Yo Yo Ma. Chris Potter s world-class pedigree (Steely Dan, Herbie Hancock, Mingus Big Band) has earned him the prestigious Jazzpar Prize and the Downbeat accolade of most copied saxophonist on the planet. Line up: Dave Holland bass / Zakir Hussain percussion / Chris Potter saxophones 25 (adv) Arun Ghosh, But Where Are You Really From? Salon Perdu, Saturday 21st July 2018 A welcome return to the Manchester Jazz Festival and to home territory for Arun, one of the UK s most charismatic artists and passionate communicators, to profile new music from But Where Are You Really From? Fusing his trademark South-Asian folk and jazz with elements of rock, classical, folk and ambient music, it heralds a venture into song-like structures and more psychedelic textures. Propelled by driving drums, electronics and hypnotic bass, the melodic outpourings and freewheeling improvisations are passionate and intensely charged, yet always openhearted. Line up: Arun Ghosh clarinet / Chelsea Carmichael tenor saxophone / Chris Williams alto saxophone / Jessica Lauren keyboards / Marli Wren bass / Dave Walsh drums 15 (adv) / (door) For further information or to book tickets, visit

15 Textiles Gallery reopens at the Museum of Science & Industry The historic Textiles Gallery at the Museum of Science and Industry in Manchester is to reopen on 21st July after receiving a facelift ahead of summer. The gallery paints a vivid picture of how cotton transformed Manchester into a city like nothing the world had ever seen before, populated by ingenious makers and determined profit seekers, spinning and weaving cloth to sell around the globe. In this sprawling, swarming, rain-soaked city of extreme wealth and poverty, the cotton industry reshaped the lives of Manchester people, creating a new kind of urban community. Among the new objects on display are a pair of child sized clogs from Charter Street Ragged School. These clogs were lent to children too poor to afford their own shoes but had to be stamped with instructions not to be pawned, as poverty meant that families would consider swapping their borrowed shoes for a hot meal. There are also coins that were hidden in the roof of a cotton mill during construction as a lucky charm to bring prosperity, and a 180-year old cotton day dress made at the peak of Manchester s industrial transformation. Much-loved objects from the gallery s current form, such as Richard Arkwright s incredible Water Frame that revolutionised cotton production, have been re-displayed in a way that will increase visitors enjoyment, and the ever-popular Explainer shows among the working mill machinery have been updated to give an even deeper and more exciting insight into the birth of the industrial revolution.

16 As well as new interactive displays, the gallery includes a conversation space where visitors will be able to try hands-on activities, get up close with unusual objects and have their say in upcoming projects in the gallery. About The Textiles Gallery The Textiles Gallery is in the museum s Great Western Warehouse, a Grade II listed building that dates back to 1880, and was one of the original buildings of the goods station site that surrounded Liverpool Road Station, which was in turn the terminus of the world s first inter-city passenger railway. The makeover is part of an ambitious programme of work in the run-up to the unique site s 200th anniversary in 2030, which will reveal the fascinating stories of the museum site and its role in the development of Manchester and the industrial world. The museum team have been working with award-winning designers Nissen Richards Studio to create the new look for the gallery.

17 «1 of 8» About the Museum of Science & Industry The Museum of Science and Industry tells the story of where science met industry and the modern world began. Manchester was one of the first global, industrial cities, and its epic rise, decline and resurrection has been echoed in countless other cities around the world. From textiles to computers, the objects and documents held in the museum s collection tell stories of everyday life over the last 200 years, from light bulbs to locomotives. The museum s mission is to inspire all its visitors, including future scientists and inventors, with the story of how ideas can change the world, from the industrial revolution to today and beyond. For further details visit The Museum of Science and Industry is part of the Science Museum Group, a family of museums which also includes the

18 Science Museum in London; the National Railway Museum in York and Shildon; and the Science and Media Museum in Bradford. The Science Museum Group is devoted to the history and contemporary practice of science, medicine, technology, industry and media. With 5 million visitors each year and an unrivalled collection, it is the most significant group of museums of science and innovation worldwide. For further details visit BBC announces schedule for The Big British Asian Summer 2018 The BBC today announced new titles for BBC Two, BBC Three and BBC Four that will be broadcast as part of The Big British Asian Summer. The schedule includes The Big Asian Stand-up hosted by The Mash Report s Nish Kumar for BBC Two that will showcase new Asian comedy talent from the UK and beyond. BBC Two will also present the film The Reluctant Fundamentalist featuring Riz Ahmed preceded by a feature interview with him about his career and Anita and Me which will be preceded by a feature interview with the film s writer, Meera Syal. Fozia Khan, Channel Commissioner, BBC Two, says: We are delighted that BBC Two will be at the heart of the Big British Asian Summer. From nostalgic cookery series A Taste of Home (with restaurateur, Nisha Katona) to the major social history series Passengers (presented by historian Yasmin Khan) the season promises to be both celebratory and questioning. The season is a brilliant way for BBC Two to champion the

19 unique creativity that emerges from the coming together of cultures, as well as showcasing new talent and tackling big important questions about identity and belonging from different perspectives. The Big British Asian Summer will celebrate the cultural and artistic contribution of Asian Britons, and also explore the fault lines between white and non-white Britain as this unique fusion of cultures hasn t happened without tensions. Anita Rani and Dr Yasmin Khan at the BBC Big British Asian Summer launch Image copyright of Lopa Patel. In Bollywood: The World s Biggest Film Industry, Anita Rani embarks on a journey through the extraordinary world of Indian cinema. She meets some of her big-screen idols and discovers how an industry based on centuries old traditions is racing to keep up with the changing tastes of one of the youngest countries on earth. She ll discover the rich history and traditions behind the famous dance numbers, reveal the secrets

20 behind creating the biggest action scenes and see how modern Bollywood is using its incredible power to challenge and change Indian society. BBC Three will be following the dealings of Kash and Shabs, two brothers whose family business is a supercar garage in Essex which customises and revamps million-pound cars in Supercar, Superfam (w/t) whilst Generation Smackdown sees three generations of British Asian families come together to discuss issues sparked by TV clips that feature Asian representation. And My Asian Alter Ego brings together a collection of British Asian cultural commentators who predominantly live their lives online to have an honest conversation about today s British Asian identity. On BBC Four, BBC Asian Network DJ, Bobby Friction, recounts the rise and history of Bhangra music across Britain in the 1980s through encounters with legends of the scene in Pump Up the Bhangra: The Sound of Asian Britain.

21 Nish Kumar at the BBC Big British Asian Summer launch Image copyright of Lopa Patel BBC Two Presents The Big Asian Stand-Up Presented by comedian and host of BBC Two s The Mash Report, Nish Kumar, The Big Asian Stand-Up will showcase a new wave of Asian comedic talent from the UK and beyond. Airing across two nights on BBC Two in August, the shows are part of the BBC s Big British Asian Summer, which celebrates the cultural and artistic contribution of Asian Britons. Filmed in front of a live audience at the iconic City Varieties Music Hall in Leeds, Nish will introduce a mix of hilarious stand-ups who also share an exciting and diverse voice, one that reflects the experience of the second or third generation of immigrants to the UK. Award winning acts on the bill include, Tez Ilyas (Man Like Mobeen), Emily Lloyd Saini (BBC Asian Network), Ahir Shah (Edinburgh Comedy Award Nominee) alongside many other exciting new comedy faces in what is sure to be an unforgettable night of stand-up comedy. The Big Asian Stand-Up, 2 30 is a BBC Studios Production for BBC Two. Commissioned by Pinki Chambers, Commissioning Editor, Entertainment. The Executive Producers for BBC Studios are Chris Sussman and Steve Canny and the producers are Adnan Ahmed and Anil Gupta. British Asian Film Introduced by Riz Ahmed and Meera Syal Riz Ahmed: Road to Englistan (w/t) Nikki Bedi interviews one of Britain s most successful and outspoken actors: Riz Ahmed. He s currently writing Englistan, a multi-generational drama for BBC Two, and has starred in

22 numerous critically lauded films and TV series including The Reluctant Fundamentalist, HBO s The Night Of (for which he won an Emmy) and Rogue One- part of the world-conquering Star Wars franchise. Nikki meets Riz in Brooklyn where he has been rehearsing a new film: over a career-spanning interview, they talk about movies, music and politics as well as the challenges that Riz has overcome. Riz opens up about his childhood in Wembley as the son of immigrants from Pakistan, and he talks about growing up in a cultural no-man s land : switching identities as he moved between his (traditionally Muslim) family-life, his predominantly white school, and his mates who were into British Asian street culture. He discusses working with talents such as Chris Morris, his roles in films such as Nightcrawler and The Night Of, and blockbusters such as Jason Bourne, the Marvel film Venom, and Rogue One: A Star Wars Story. The interview is followed by a screening of The Reluctant Fundamentalist, Mira Nair s 2012 film that features Riz s breakthrough international performance. Riz Ahmed: Road to Englistan is a 1 x 30 film for BBC Two. The commissioning Editor is Mark Bell. It will be made by Academy 7, the Executive Producers are Sebastian Barfield and John Durrant and the director is John Das. Anita and Me. And Me To introduce her 2002 film Anita And Me, Meera Syal journeys back to Essington in the Black Country the mining village where she grew up. She describes how her childhood here inspired the coming-of-age novel Anita and Me, that she subsequently adapted into a film.

23 Meera opens up about how she was an outsider, with one foot in the Indian culture of her parents, and the other in Essington s white, working class community. She revisits the site of her old house and discusses why she wrote Anita and Me: I wanted to record the lives of us the first generation of British Asian kids born here, and especially the lives of our parents. Now, the story is part of the GCSE curriculum: that s monumental for me -we re here, we contributed. Anita and Me and Me 1 x 10 film for BBC Two. The commissioning Editor is Mark Bell. It will be made by Academy 7, the Executive Producers are Sebastian Barfield and John Durrant and the director is Rob Hifle. Panel debate at the BBC Big British Asian Summer launch Image copyright of Lopa Patel BBC Three Supercar, Superfam (w/t) Supercar Superfam (w/t) offers a window into an aspirational

24 British-Pakistani family and follows Kash and Shabs, two brothers that own a supercar workshop in Essex which customises and revamps some of the most powerful sports cars in the world. Kash and Shabs began the business on the drive way of their family home in Ilford 20 years ago, where they still live today. They own a variety of luxury cars between them and the show follows their lives through the prism of family, love, life and business. We ll meet Dad Farid, who wants to know when Shabs is going to get married and when Kash is finally going to own a home of his own, we ll learn about some of their clients who spend huge amounts of money on their cars and we ll meet their younger sister to gain perspective on what it is like to be a young Muslim woman in the UK today. Supercar, Superfam (w/t) is a 3 x 10 series for BBC Three. It was commissioned by Damian Kavanagh, Controller, BBC Three, and Daisy Griffith, Digital Commissioner Factual, the commissioning Editor for BBC Three is Laura Marks. It will be made by Transparent TV and the Executive Producer is Jazz Gowans.

25 Nishma Robb (right), Marketing Director at Google UK at the BBC Big British Asian Summer launch Image copyright of Lopa Patel Generation Smackdown Generation Smackdown is an irreverent guide to British Asian Culture that will spark conversation and debate by featuring topical TV clips from Asian inspired shows as a jump-off point for discussion amongst British Asian Families. The topics chosen relate to those featured in the major new survey commissioned for the season and the clips for the show were chosen picked to provide a vehicle to illustrate the themes. The issues featured will also feed into the live discussion show hosted by Mobeen Azhar on the Asian Network in order to continue the conversation around the themes the series tackles. Generation Smackdown is a 4 x 5 series for YouTube and Facebook. It was commissioned by Damian Kavanagh, Controller,

26 BBC Three, and Daisy Griffith, Digital Commissioner Factual. The commissioning Editor for BBC Three is Laura Marks. It will be made by 7 Wonder and the Executive Producer is Jez Lee. My Asian Alter Ego My Asian Alter Ego brings together a collection of British Asian cultural commentators who predominantly live their lives online, but may have a very different personality when their phones stop uploading. For generations, British Asians have generally presented themselves with different identities depending on whether they are with families, friends, workplaces or peer group. In today s age of social media stars and influencers, with highly curated feeds, that sense of multiple identities has never been more complex. From fashion models to tech bloggers My Asian Alter Ego is a frank and honest conversation about today s British Asian

27 identity which strives to reveal the private side of their modern lives, behind their public persona. My Asian Alter Ego will be shown on BBC Three s social platforms and was commissioned by Damian Kavanagh, Controller, BBC Three and Daisy Griffith, Digital Commissioner Factual. The commissioning Editor for BBC Three is Laura Marks. BBC Four Pump Up the Bhangra: The Sound of Asian Britain Pump up the Bhangra is the story of how British Asians came of age as they found their voice and celebrated their identity through Bhangra music. Fronted by BBC Asian Network DJ Bobby Friction, the film recounts how a simple folk tradition from India was transformed in the 1980 s to become a unique part of the British club music scene, outselling many mainstream UK acts. It s a story of cassette tapes, corner shops and glitter-clad musical heroes of teenagers bunking school to attend secret daytime gigs and music that soundtracked battles against racism and discrimination. Through a series of entertaining encounters with Bhangra legends and those they influenced, Bobby reflects on how thousands of second generation British Asians like him became comfortable with their heritage and their place in Britain through Bhangra music. The film features many of the biggest and most influential names from the Bhangra scene including Balbir Bhujhangy, Gurcharan Mall, Heera, Apna Sangeet, Chani Singh, Bally Sagoo, Aki Nawaaz, JK and many more. Pump up the Bhangra is a documentary for BBC Four. It was commissioned by Emma Cahusac, Commissioning Editor BBC Arts and produced by Richard Bright, Executive Producer BBC

28 Studios. This film was produced and directed by Ashok Prasad. Mobeen Azhar at the BBC Big British Asian Summer launch Image copyright of Lopa Patel BBC Asian Network Attitudinal Survey The channel has also launched a major new survey cocommissioned by BBC Factual, BBC News and BBC Asian Network. The attitudinal survey of 2,000 British Asians will explore topics from what aspect of their identity they prioritise, role of faith in their lives and their view on just how tolerant Britain is today, to their attitudes towards relationships and sexuality. Survey results will be reported on BBC News, inform season content across local radio and be unpicked in a week of special coverage on BBC Asian Network including the Big Debate, culminating in a live discussion show, with an invited audience, hosted by Mobeen Azhar on Monday 16th August 2018.

29 Bollywood comes to Birmingham in new musical Taj Express Bollywood comes to Birmingham in spectacular new musical Taj Express from Tuesday 11th Saturday 15th September 2018 for a strictly limited run. Following a smash-hit season at The Peacock Theatre, London, a sell-out tour of America and a stop off in Film City, Mumbai, the all-singing, all-dancing Bollywood spectacular Taj Express is choreographed by Vaibhavi and Shruti Merchant (The Merchants of Bollywood) and features the songs of Oscar winner A.R. Rahman, composer of Slumdog Millionaire. Taj Express follows the story of ones man s passion and another man s genius. Young composer Shankar struggles with his music, and it s only when he begins to follow in the footsteps of his idol, A.R. Rahman that he discovers his path to success. The production reveals the secrets of the world s most prolific film industry, and the people behind the screen who make the magic in India s factory of dreams. With a cast of multi-talented performers, Taj Express is an uplifting show full of colour, high-energy music and sensational dance scenes choreographed by one of Bollywood s top young choreographers, Vaibhavi Merchant and directed by her sister Shruti Merchant. The pair were part of the creative team behind The Merchants of Bollywood, based on the life of their grandfather Shri Hiralalji and Vaibhavi herself. About Vaibhavi Merchant Vaibhavi Merchant started her career assisting her uncle Chinni Prakash, a renowned Bollywood film choreographer. She

30 performed in the film Snehapoorvam Anna, but soon returned to choreography working on a variety of acclaimed Bollywood films including Kuch Na Kaho, Na Tum Jano Na Hum, Devdas and the Oscar nominated Lagaan. Her awards include a National Film Award for choreographing the dance Dhole baaje in the movie Hum Dil De Chuke Sanam. About Shruti Merchant Prior to Taj Express, Shruti Merchant toured for over five years with The Merchants of Bollywood, visiting various countries from Australia, Switzerland, South Africa, Spain, France, Singapore and the USA. During her career Shruti has also assisted in the choreography direction of various Bollywood blockbusters. As director of Taj Express, Shruti aims to give audiences a true flavour of Indian and entertain and enthral audiences of all ages across the world. Taj Express visits Birmingham Hippodrome, Hurst Street, Southside, Birmingham, B54TB. Tues 11 Sat 15 Sep 2018, Tickets: From 12 Performances: Tues Sat 7.30pm, Wed 2pm & Sat 2.30pm. Ticket Office: birminghamhippodrome.com Aishwarya rocks in Fanney Khan with Anil Kapoor & Rajkummar Rao Fanney Khan, starring Anil Kapoor, Aishwarya Rai Bachchan, Rajkummar Rao, Divya Dutta and Pihu Sand, is based on the 2001 Oscar nominated Belgian film Everybody s Famous! The film follows Prashant Sharma, a family man, who in his younger

31 days, dreamt of becoming a singer and songwriter. His almost dead dream finds a new life with the birth of his daughter, who he ambitiously names Lata, after the legendary singer Lata Mangeshkar. Pinning his hopes on his teenage daughter, he takes her to singing contests where the awkward and overweight girl struggles to belt out a tune, leaving one wondering if she really has the talent to be a star singer. In a chance meeting while job hunting, Prashant runs into Baby Singh, India s biggest popstar. The story takes a comical turn when Prashant in the spur of the moment decides to kidnap her. His ransom demand Lata to be heard by the whole country in the most popular music show LIVE else he will kill the pop star. Will things go as planned? Is Lata really talented enough to deserve to be a star? And most importantly, will the show go on? Told in a most hilarious and heart-warming way, the film tells us how far a father would go to make his daughter s dream come true. The first track from the film, Mohabbat, released this week, lives up to expectations that a film about making it in the music business will have some truly memorable and heart thumping tracks. Featuring Aishwariya Rai in her role as Baby Singh, we see the ever-gorgeous diva show off her moves to a tune that will become a dance anthem for the summer! Bachchan worked with star choreographer Frank Gatson Jr to hone her dance skills for the video and it worked! Gatson has worked with pop stars Beyonce, Rihanna and Jennifer Lopez, among others, in the past. With lyrics by Irshad Kamil and the stunning vocals of Sunidhi Chauhan the track got the film off to a flying start. Hot on the heels of Mohabbat, the second track from the film Halka Halla released this weekend, is a romantic but catchy number romantic song is composed by Amit Trivedi and

32 sung in the melodious voice of Sunidhi Chauhan & Divya Kumar. The video which features Aishwariya Rai Bachchan and Rajkummar Rao hit over 1 million views in less than 24 hours! Fanney Khan starring Anil Kapoor, Aishwarya Rai Bachchan, Rajkummar Rao, Divya Dutta and introducing Pihu Sand is directed by Atul Manjrekar and produced by Bhushan Kumar, Rakeysh Omprakash Mehra & Anil Kapoor. The film releases nationwide on 3rd August and is distributed by Rising Star Entertainment in the UK.