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A Teacher's Gift: NFDC-Backed Film's Journey from UK to Tribeca Lisboa

This British South Asian film has been making waves internationally with its recent achievements. It tells the story of a Hindi language teacher in London who forms an unexpected friendship. The production team includes former UK Parliament member Eric Ollerenshaw as producer. Its selection for Tribeca Festival Lisboa marks another milestone in global recognition for South Asian stories.

Key Points: NFDC Film A Teacher's Gift Selected for Tribeca Festival Lisboa

  • Film explores identity and cultural understanding through London Hindi teacher's story
  • Won Best British Asian Film at 2025 UK Asian Film Festival
  • Received BAFTA and BIFA-qualifying Iris Prize nomination
  • Features predominantly South Asian crew with NFDC WAVES support
2 min read

NFDC-backed 'A Teacher's Gift' to be screened at Tribeca Festival Lisboa 2025

British South Asian film "A Teacher's Gift" earns Tribeca Festival Lisboa selection after winning Best British Asian Film award and BAFTA-qualifying nominations.

"beautifully atmospheric and a much-needed story from and for the South Asian diaspora - Jackie Lawrence"

Mumbai, October 30

The NFDC-backed film 'A Teacher's Gift' has been officially selected for screening at the Tribeca Festival Lisboa 2025, to be held on November 1 at The Theatre, Lisbon.

An immigrant British South Asian story has received international recognition over the past year, winning the Best British Asian Film for Bridging Cultures award at the 2025 UK Asian Film Festival. It was also nominated for Best Feature Film at the BAFTA and BIFA-qualifying Iris Prize Film Festival in Wales.

Produced by Eric Ollerenshaw OBE, directed by Artur Ribeiro, and co-written by and starring Rajdeep Choudhury, A Teacher's Gift follows the story of Rohan, a Hindi language teacher in London who develops an unexpected friendship with an Englishman. The film explores themes of identity, belonging, and cultural understanding, according to the press release.

The cast includes Anthony Calf, Paula Lobo Antunes, Anjali Patil, Dhruv Sehgal, Virgilio Castelo, and Varun Buddhadev.

Speaking about the selection, producer Eric Ollerenshaw OBE, who is also a former Member of the UK Parliament, said in a statement, "For an independent British film that started its journey in the UK with a predominantly South Asian crew, then received support from NFDC WAVES Film Bazaar, and is now selected for Tribeca, this has been an incredible journey."

At the Iris Prize Festival in Wales, noted television producer, writer, and director Jackie Lawrence described the film as "beautifully atmospheric and a much-needed story from and for the South Asian diaspora."

The Tribeca Festival Lisboa, co-founded by actor and director Robert De Niro, brings the New York-based festival experience to Europe. The 2025 edition will also feature appearances by Kim Cattrall, Giancarlo Esposito and Meg Ryan, along with the Portuguese premiere of Honeyjoon, winner of the 2024 Tribeca Festival AT&T Untold Stories Award.

The film's selection adds to the growing global presence of Indian and South Asian stories in international cinema circuits.

- ANI

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Reader Comments

R
Rohit P
NFDC supporting such projects is exactly what our film industry needs. More power to independent cinema that represents authentic Indian experiences abroad. Can't wait to watch this!
A
Anjali F
The cast looks interesting with Anjali Patil and Dhruv Sehgal. Hope this gets a proper release in India too. We need more films about the diaspora experience that aren't just stereotypes.
M
Michael C
While I appreciate the international recognition, I hope the film doesn't romanticize the immigrant struggle. Sometimes these films focus too much on cultural conflicts rather than everyday realities.
V
Vikram M
Tribeca Festival Lisboa selection is huge! This shows how Indian cinema is evolving beyond Bollywood. The collaboration between Indian and international talent is creating some amazing content. 🎬
S
Sarah B
As someone who has lived abroad, stories about Hindi teachers preserving our culture while building bridges with other communities really resonate. Looking forward to seeing this perspective on screen.

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