What is the film 'Ish' about?

'Ish' is about two 12-year-old best friends whose friendship is challenged after a police encounter, as they navigate growing up and masculinity.

Where did 'Ish' premiere and win awards?

'Ish' premiered at Venice's Critics' Week, winning the Audience Award, and was also featured at the BFI London Film Festival.

Who is Imran Perretta, the director of 'Ish'?

Imran Perretta is a London-based writer, director, composer, and visual artist, previously recognized with a Turner Prize bursary.

Home / Arts and Entertainment / BFI Acquires Critically Acclaimed Debut Film 'Ish'

BFI Acquires Critically Acclaimed Debut Film 'Ish'

9 Dec

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Summary

BFI Distribution secured UK-Ireland rights for Imran Perretta's debut film 'Ish'.
The film won the Audience Award at Venice Critics' Week and competed at BFI London.
'Ish' follows two young friends navigating racial profiling and growing up.

BFI Acquires Critically Acclaimed Debut Film 'Ish'

BFI Distribution has secured the U.K. and Ireland theatrical rights for "Ish," the debut feature film from writer, director, composer, and visual artist Imran Perretta. The film, which premiered to acclaim at Venice's Critics' Week, where it secured the Audience Award, also competed for the Sutherland Award at the BFI London Film Festival.

"Ish" centers on the powerful story of 12-year-old best friends, Ish and Maram, who strive to maintain their friendship after a distressing police stop and search. As the incident's impact unfolds, the boys confront the complexities of masculinity and the difficulties inherent in growing up.

The film's acquisition highlights its strong artistic merit, with praise for Perretta's direction, writing, and score, alongside cinematography by Jermaine Canute Edwards and contributions from co-writer Enda Walsh. The project was financed by BBC Film and the BFI, with additional support from Calculus Media and Out of Order.