About

Experience the vibrant storytelling, creativity and cultural richness of Indian cinema as the Manchester Indian Film Festival comes to Bradford’s Pictureville Cinema. Showcasing acclaimed features, classic restorations and thought-provoking independent films, the festival celebrates the diversity of South Asian filmmaking and the voices shaping contemporary cinema.

Manchester Indian Film Festival: Too Desi Too Queer [With Q&A] (18)
Thursday 9 July 2026
This now legendary LGBTQIA+ showcase returns with a fresh selection of inspiring and thought-provoking short films exploring identity, community and belonging. The screening will be followed by a special Q&A, offering audiences the chance to hear directly from filmmakers and contributors.

Manchester Indian Film Festival: The Mahabharata (U)
Saturday 11 July 2026
See a newly restored version of Peter Brook’s acclaimed adaptation of the timeless Indian epic. Spanning themes of love, morality, family and warfare, The Mahabharata remains one of the most ambitious and influential interpretations of the ancient story ever brought to the screen.

Manchester Indian Film Festival: All About Weddings (12A)
Sunday 12 July 2026
A dazzling Kolkata wedding spirals into a chaotic and compelling showdown over the course of a single day. As family secrets emerge, relationships are tested and long-buried tensions rise to the surface, this vibrant drama delivers warmth, humour and emotional depth against the colourful backdrop of a modern Indian wedding celebration.

Whether you're discovering Indian cinema for the first time or are a long-time enthusiast, this festival offers a unique opportunity to experience powerful storytelling, diverse perspectives and unforgettable cinematic moments in the heart of Bradford, UNESCO City of Film. Hosted at Pictureville Cinema within the National Science and Media Museum, the festival invites audiences to explore films that entertain, challenge and inspire.