A film review by Tessa Lwanga
Ish, is released in cinemas in the UK and Ireland on 31st July 2026, and on BFI Player from 7th September 2026. Here is why it’s worth a watch…
Shot entirely in black and white by cinematographer Jermaine Canute Edwards, also behind the camera on My Father’s Shadow, Ish is a poignant coming of age story that finds its power in monochrome.
Edwards’ cinematography distils the narrative, stripping away distraction and bringing the bond between two twelve year old best friends, Ish and Maram, sharply into focus. Through careful use of tone and contrast, he brings the emotions and consequences of Ish’s decisions vividly to life.
Set in the South Asian and Middle Eastern community in Luton, over a summer holiday, the film introduces us to how the boys keep themselves busy. The shared bike rides out of town into nature, building dens, playing games and meeting up with school friends. This is contrasted with the tension of growing up in an environment where stop and searches happen on a regular basis, personal loss, and the importance of family and community as a grounding force amidst these experiences.
A debut feature written and directed by Imran Perretta, Ish, draws on different life experiences he had growing up. The film explores the coming of age pull between the need for play and freedom, and the comfort and structure that family and community provide. Actor Avin Shah, portrays the responsibility of fatherhood in the face of a changing landscape well.
Real life friends and locals to Luton, Farhan Hasnat, and Yahya Kitana, portray Ish, and Maram, and it’s clear their bond runs deep. In the film, their friendship is tested when Maram is stopped and searched and Ish instinctively runs away. This film is a must watch to see how they handle it and how community and family play a part in their lives.
Edwards, plays with this narrative beautifully, shifting the tones that Ish, is portrayed in before, during and after the incident. Showing the weight of this decision and the next steps he takes.
The film is co-written by Enda Walsh, and influenced by the poetic realism of Satyajit Ray’s The Apu Trilogy, Vittorio De Sica’s Bicycle Thieves, François Truffaut’s The 400 Blows, and The Bill Douglas Trilogy.
Watch out for the powerful acting of Sudha Bhuchar, as Ish’s grandmother, and Joy Crookes’ acting debut as his sister Samira.
The film premiered at Venice Critics’ Week 2025, where it won the Audience Award, before going on to screen in competition for the Sutherland Award (for First Feature) at the BFI London Film Festival. In December 2025, producer Dhiraj Mahey, won the BIFA (British Independent Film Award) for Breakthrough Producer.
With Jermaine Canute Edwards’ striking black and white craftsmanship anchoring every frame, Ish is a must watch for the summer.
Ish, is released in cinemas in the UK and Ireland on 31st July 2026, and on BFI Player from 7th September 2026.