Since its inception in 2014 the Bradford Literature Festival (BLF), has been celebrating the written and spoken word in all its forms, showcasing a diverse range of authors, poets, speakers, and performers.
In addition to literary events, BLF also incorporates elements of arts, culture, and entertainment. It often includes music, film screenings, art exhibitions, and theatrical performances, creating a vibrant and immersive experience for attendees.
Amongst many panels the one that inspired me most was the two short film documentary screening, which had a profound impact on me and has changed my views as a South-Asian.
Powerful compilation of South-Asian stereotype, stigma and struggles were visually displayed through the documentaries.
Drawing inspiration from Shakespeare’s curse, “I am sick when I do look on thee,” this piece serves as a tribute to both the predecessors and the Pakistani diaspora, whose resilience in the face of adversity and prejudice continues to shine brightly in a country that claims greatness.
Aspiring British-Pakistani writer, Farrah Chaudhry did not hold back from pouring her heart and emotions into her short film ‘Look at us’, a memoir and homage to those before her. Her family, her culture and her heritage.
Directed and starred by Hussina Raja, this short film revolves around Farrah’s life as a British citizen whilst having parents of Pakistani descent.
Profound dialogues, dramatic cinematography and emotions seen through the eyes of the actors, this short film talks about biculturalism in United Kingdom.
Having a British and Pakistani heritage, the writer emphasised on what it means to be born and raised in United Kingdom and losing touch of your culture.
”I felt half. Like I wasn’t truly Pakistani not British. I felt like my identity was ambiguous”, says Farrah Chaudhry during a panel at Bradford Literature Festival.
Sharing her story though the film, she beautifully captures the life of her ancestors when they first moved to United Kingdom. The challenges they faced, the opportunities they lost and the heritage that was gradually fading through generations.
The writer also mentions racism through and how having a darker skin tone has altered life for her in more than one way.
From discrimination at public places to dealing with name calling out in the open.
”I was born and raised in UK but slurs like ‘P**i’ was very abundant in my life”, she said.
Glimpses of her parents’ life before and after migration highlights the significant changes they went through to give their children the best life possible in UK.
They also mention how their parents were not allowed to work corporate jobs since they were not considered qualified enough and resorted to working at factories instead.
To avoid their children from having the same fate, parents tried their best to blend them in with white culture.
The writer addresses the subconscious terror of feeling left out in a white community, as well as wanting to hold on to her roots.
‘’I am proud of the culture that I was born in, I wouldn’t change it for anything’’, Hussina mentions.
Ending the film with a note to the viewers, the writer hopes to see a world of equality, where people don’t look at other people because of their skin tone or the language they speak. Where people can live freely without the constant fear of being judged or isolated.
This short film resonates with a lot of people, especially those belonging to dual heritages. Viewers during the screening, majority of white audience, had been deeply moved by the film and offered rounds of applause to the raw truth provided in front of them.
The documentary elegantly managed to pass around the message of inequality and racism whilst pointing out factors leading up to it, something that many people deal with especially in United Kingdom.
It also serves a great purpose to South-Asian parents, living in UK, who often overlook the kind of discrimination their child might be going through.
People who missed watching this masterpiece at BLF can use IMDb, a website that would direct you to streaming links and allow you to purchase or rent it.
Being South-Asian and moving to UK just this year, I somewhat connected with this documentary even from an early perspective and think that many people will enjoy watching it if they want to understand the South-Asian point of view about growing up in United Kingdom.
