Directed by Gurinder Chadha
4 Episodes
Best known for her breakout sensation BEND IT LIKE BECKHAM, prolific filmmaker Gurinder Chadha has been exploring the intricacies of British-Indian identity for more than three decades, bringing a playful and personal perspective to the experiences of women navigating questions of tradition and change within the South Asian diaspora. These early short documentary and narrative films—including I’M BRITISH BUT . . . , a firsthand look at second-generation Asians in late-1980s Britain, and A NICE ARRANGEMENT, a wry tale of a bride preparing for her arranged marriage—balance warm humor with thought-provoking insight in order to challenge and expand ideas of what constitutes “British” identity.
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30:38Episode 1
I’m British But . . .
Episode 1
Directed by Gurinder Chadha • 1989 • United Kingdom
Gurinder Chadha’s unique look at Asians in Britain offers intimate snapshots of second-generation immigrants, interwoven with archival footage and set to invigorating Bhangra and Bangla music. From Manchester rooftops to embattled Belfast and t...
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11:06Episode 2
A Nice Arrangement
Episode 2
Directed by Gurinder Chadha • 1990 • United Kingdom
Set in the London home of an Indian family on the morning of their daughter’s wedding, this film is a wry depiction of a central Indian tradition—the arranged marriage. As the young Hindu bride, Meena (Tania Rodrigues), changes into her bridal ...
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29:08Episode 3
Acting Our Age
Episode 3
Directed by Gurinder Chadha • 1992 • United Kingdom
This humorous and thought-provoking film documents the residents of a South Asian home for the elderly in Britain. Director Gurinder Chadha assists the residents in directing their own video. The result is an examination of politics, ageism, an...
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What Do You Call an Indian Woman Who’s Funny?
Episode 4
Directed by Gurinder Chadha • 1994 • United Kingdom
This humorous and thought-provoking documentary reveals the perspectives and aspirations of four Indian women cabaret performers in Britain while posing the questions: What is comedy and who defines it? Is it culturally specific, or can anyone ...