20/10/2023 - Ground-breaking British Kashmiri film comes to Luton in aid of Mayor’s charities

The screening of the film is being organised to raise awareness and funds for the Mayor of Luton's three charities:

• Luton Foodbank
• Luton All Women’s Centre
• Kids Out

Mayor of Luton, Councillor Mohammed Yaqub Hanif said: “I am very grateful to Zafar Iqbal and his team for their collaboration on this landmark event which will help me to increase the awareness of my three chosen charities and also raise the profile of my hometown Luton.

“I am also very grateful to Cineworld for supporting us to hold this event to benefit our local charities. The film has already had a successful World Premiere in July 2023 at the Reel cinema in Zafar’s hometown of Rochdale. The reviews and feedback for the film is brilliant and I am looking forward to watching this landmark film as it has a great message about our roots with family entertainment and featuring top stars.

“This will be the first event of its kind for the town and as Mayor I am delighted to be able to bring such events to my hometown for the people of Luton. Finally I would like to take this opportunity to invite everyone and thank my team for their tremendous work as always.”

Zafar Iqbal, actor and filmmaker said: “In 2023 we were approached by people in Rochdale who were developing a community project to show the current position of mixed generations and where we all stand together in terms of our migration and destination.

"This led to consultations and based on the results the movie idea and script was born. The project was supported by Rochdale Borough Council and Rochdale Township Fund.

“I believe it’s very important for the new generation to stay in touch with their roots and what a better way than to raise awareness through the moving image.

“We are looking forward to bringing this historical movie to Luton in support of Mayor’s charities, entertain all and meet the people of Luton."

To celebrate this landmark occasion The Luton Charity Premiere is free to attend but people are invited to donate generously to the three charities on the day.

A full house is expected and seats will be allocated on a first come, first served basis so advanced booking is recommended.

To reserve your seat, and for sponsorship inquiries please contact: Mayor’s Secretary, Town Hall, Luton LU1 2BQ Email: [email protected]

About the film

Miki Kharo Kashmir (2023) is believed to be the first ever Pahari-Pothohari British independent feature film. It features A-listers Shahzada Ghafar and Shahnaz Khan with British Kashmiri rising stars Sonia Khan and Zafar Iqbal along many other talented individuals.

It is the story and journey of a young man who desires of visiting Kashmir a country of his forefathers in search of his roots and tranquillity. It features great drama, comedy and family entertainment. Zafar Iqbal would like to thank Khawar Raja a talented individual and promoter for his association on this project.

The movie was shot on iPhone 12 in Rochdale and Bolton in Spring and Summer 2023.

Suitable for all ages. Running time: 46 minutes.

Miki Kharo Kashmir which translates ‘Take me to Kashmir’ is written, produced and directed by Zafar Iqbal and Co-Produced by Kashmiri Productions UK CIC.

In 2007 Pahari and Pothohari community received huge boost through a movie by Anjum Malik ‘Miki Kharo England’ (Take me to England).  This low budget independent movie raised the profile of Pahari and Pothohari languages. It had a star cast of Iftikhar Thakur, Shahzada Ghafar, Shahnaz Khan, Babar Hameed and Anjum Malik. It’s a story and journey of an innocent man with desires to move abroad particularly England to improve his life.

Miki Kharo England (2007) focuses on migrating and leaving your country for betterment while Miki Kharo Kashmir (2023) highlights reconnecting with your roots. It goes to show mankind isn’t satisfied anywhere.