This summer, East London gains a vibrant new cinematic tradition, writes Francesca Lombardo

Starting Saturday 30 August, South Asian Film Nights will take over The Sourcein Stratford on the last Saturday of every month —with the exception of December – turning the venue into a regular meeting place for film lovers, storytellers, and the communities who call Newham home.

The launch film, the exuberant road-trip favourite Zindagi Na Milegi Dobara, will set the tone for a programme that moves between joyful blockbusters and intimate, heart-tugging dramas from across the Indian subcontinent and its diasporas. Future titles include Sanjay Leela Bhansali’s lavish epic Devdas, the quietly uplifting English Vinglish, the quirky romance Tanu Weds Manu, and the star-studded family drama Dil Dhadakne Do.

But this isn’t just about big-screen spectacle. Each evening begins at 6:30pm with short films by emerging London-based filmmakers, bringing fresh, local voices into conversation with the iconic features that follow at 7:00pm. It’s an inspired pairing that bridges grassroots creativity and global cinematic heritage.

“Newham is a borough shaped by South Asian life, culture and creativity,” says Kritee Gower, Executive Director of The Source. “Through South Asian Film Nights, we want to create a consistent space where stories from across the subcontinent — and its diasporas — can be shared, celebrated and reimagined together.”

Located in the heart of Stratford, The Source is fast becoming a cultural anchor for the borough, born from a partnership between Newham Council and the University of East London. With affordable tickets (£5 plus booking fee), excellent transport links, and refreshments from THE SOURCE Café, the series is designed to be as welcoming as it is inspiring.

It’s also built for longevity. While one-off film festivals come and go, South Asian Film Nights promises year-round access to cinema that is bold, beautiful, and rooted in community life.

So whether you’re reliving the stories of your youth, introducing friends to classics, or discovering contemporary gems for the first time, Stratford now has a space where identity, imagination, and community meet — on screen and off.

South Asian Film Nights — Launch Programme
Sat 30 Aug – Zindagi Na Milegi Dobara (12+) – A coming-of-age journey through friendship, fear, and freedom
Sat 27 Sep – Devdas (PG) – An operatic tale of doomed love and longing
Sat 25 Oct – English Vinglish (PG) – A moving story of self-worth and courage
Sat 29 Nov – Tanu Weds Manu (PG) – Romantic comedy at its quirkiest
Sat 20 Dec – Dil Dhadakne Do (PG) – A family cruise into dysfunction and awakening

THE SOURCE, Stratford, London E15 1BX
Doors: 6:30pm | Short films: 6:30pm | Feature Film: 7:00pm
Tickets: £5 + booking fee (available at thesource-stratford.co.uk or Eventbrite)
Refreshments: The Source Café

Follow @thesourcestratford on Instagram for updates and behind-the-scenes content.

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