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A Pakistani businessman based in Coventry is taking the first steps towards finding the next great British film director. By sponsoring the short film competition at the 13th London Asian Film Festival, Ikki Khan from Allied Fort (Group) is hoping to inspire filmmakers to follow in the footsteps of British Oscar winning director Tom Hooper. Khan will introduce the finalists at a screening of their films at the Apollo Cinema in central London on Thursday March 24 in front of a distinguished panel of judges that includes Bend It Like Beckham director Gurinder Chadha and then will award cash prizes and trophies to the winner and runner up at a gala dinner at the prestigious BAFTA building in central London.
Major movie personalities like Juhi Chawla, Manisha Koirala and legendary Oscar winner Bhanu Athaiya, who is one of the greatest costume designers in cinema history, will attend the closing night gala on March 27. “I have always been passionate about cinema and feel there is a lot of talent that exists in the UK. By sponsoring the short film festival, I am hoping to encourage young filmmakers to get interested in cinema and to find the next big talent,” said Ikki.
Khan will follow up the festival by using his corporate contacts to fund movies directed by talented young British directors. He has all but helped secure funding for one feature film and hopes to lock another down by the summer. “Oscar winning film The Kings Speech showed the incredible talent that exists in the UK. I am hoping to put together a film fund by next year to solely help young directors and help revitalise the British film industry. The fact that the UK film council has closed down means young filmmakers need all the help they can get,” said Ikki.
The big thinking businessman has already received a lot of support from media and the film industry. He hopes to build on that and inspire other corporate figures around the UK to do the same.
For further information, images and interviews with Ikki Khan please contact Miss Natalie Ring on 02476 581449 or natalie@alliedfort.co.uk
