Ae Fond Kiss (15)

Director: Ken Loach
Starring: Atta Yaqub, Eva Birthistle, Ahmad Riaz,
Shabana Akhtar Bakhsh
UK, 2004, 1 hour 44 minutes

Hard to believe perhaps, but dour Ken has turned all romantic in this Romeo & Juliet type tale of the Catholic girl and Muslim boy torn between love and family responsibilities. Glasgwegian, second generation Pakistani Casim lives a double life – loyal son at home, cool club DJ outside – but when he falls for Irish teacher Roisin they soon feel the full force of the intolerance and prejudice in both Muslim and Catholic communities. Tremendously well written with great humour and compassion, Ae Fond Kiss features a memorable performance from Eva Birthistle as a wee bundle of Irish energy, naked emotions and inner strength. Loach has created a charming and humane portrait of contemporary Britain, but doesn’t shy away from showing the deep hurt the selfish lovers inflict on those around them, and the deep-rooted racism they both face.

“Excellent. A warm, entertaining and very human love story.” Time Out

Shabana Akhtar Bakhsh who stars in the film as feisty sister Tahara will be present to talk about working with Ken Loach

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