This week sees the arrival of the 13^th London Asian Film Festival by Tongues on Fire, a festival dedicated to expressing the drive and spirit of Asian independent media and cinema cultures of South Asia. Started in 1999 by Pushpinder Chowdhry and Harvinder Nath the festival is regarded as one of the most important film events in the world, with screenings and discussions on the best new independent and arthouse movies.
Over the years, Tongues on Fire who organize the festival have showcased work by Mira Nair (Monsoon Wedding, The Namesake), Gurinder Chadha (Bend It Like Beckham), Aparna Sen (15 park Avenue) and Meera Syal (Anita and Me), actors Shabana Azmi, Nandita Das, Madhur Jaffrey and Kiron Kher and dancing queen Bollywood Helen.
The 2010 Festival saw Jaya Bachchan receiving a "Lifetime Achievement Award".

This year highlights include the Opening Gala of the much anticipated drama I Am starring Juhie Chalwa, a masterclass with actress Manisha Koirala, lectures, documentaries and dinners.

For the full programme of events visit www.tonguesonfire.com. The festival runs from 18^th-27^th March 2011.