‘Ish’ Has Resonated Widely Amid “Authoritarian Turn,” Says Its BAFTA Breakthrough Writer-Director

Imran Perretta’s debut feature film *Ish* has found an audience beyond the festival circuit, with screenings prompting discussion about racial profiling, police powers and surveillance. Perretta says the story’s themes have resonated internationally amid what he describes as an “authoritarian turn” in Western countries.

Set in Luton, the film follows two teenage best friends whose lives are affected by a police stop-and-search. It stars Farhan Hasnat, Yahya Kitana and Sudha Bhuchar, won the audience award at the 2025 Venice Critics’ Week, and has been shown at community and activist screenings in countries including Germany, the United States and Russia. Perretta was named to the 2026 U.K. BAFTA Breakthrough cohort, supported by Netflix.