Our Lad

Ali stands out. He's one of the few British Muslims in the British Armed Forces. Returning home from duty in Afghanistan unexpectedly, he faces renewed tensions from his brother and community.

"Our Lad is a very well made film that bravely tackles a complex, contemporary scenario. The central performance is particularly moving and understated. I found it hugely insightful."
- Sarah Gavron, Director - Suffragette, Brick Lane

"This important film highlights the complex reality of life in the Armed Forces for British Muslims - it shouldn't be missed."

- General Sir David Richards, Former Chief of the Defence Staff, British Armed Forces

“I was 'Our Lad' and have felt the way he does. One fight I have consistently fought is to show that the British Army is a place for everybody, no matter their skin colour, religion or background. It was a real home for me and I miss it. Pakistanis in a British uniform should be something we see on our screens. Because it's the truth. I've been there.”
- Adnan Sarwar, former British Army soldier and writer

Winner of Shooting People Film of the Month
Feature on Short of the Week
Interview on Directors Notes

Official Selection 2013:

57th BFI London Film Festival
19th Encounters Film Festival
17th Los Angeles International Shorts Festival

Official Selection 2014:

11th London Short Film Festival 
40th Seattle International Film Festival 
22nd Raindance Film Festival  
Underwire Film Festival (Special Mention: Best Director Category)
Aesthetica Short Film Festival

Awards 2015:

Shooting People Film of The Month (Judge: Sarah Gavron)

Production Company

PEEK Films supported by Channel 4

Release

September 2013

Credits

Directed and Produced by Rachna Suri
Written by Ishy Din
  Based on an original idea by Rachna Suri  
DP: Dirk Nel
Editor: Miikka Leskinen
Music by Danny Bensi and Saunder Jurriaans
Co-Producer: Harriet Pennington Legh

Duration

14’23''

Format

HD

RACHNA SURI DIRECTOR