Luton on screen: New feature film Ish set, shot and cast in Luton arrives in cinemas from 31 July

Set and filmed in Luton, Ish follows 12-year-old best friends Ish (Farhan Hasnat) and Maram (Yahya Kitana), as they wrestle to hold onto their friendship following a police stop and search, navigating the challenges of growing up along the way.

The film was shot across 26 locations in Luton during summer 2024 with support from Luton Council’s film office and a number of council services. Featured locations include Bury Park, the Busway, Wardown Park, The Vale Cemetery and Kidney Wood.

The film’s young leads, Farhan Hasnat and Yahya Kitana, are both from Luton and childhood friends, making their screen acting debuts after an open casting call in the town, alongside fellow Lutonian newcomers, Is’haaq Hasan Haque, Arman Mohammed and Hasnain Shah.   

Deputy Mayor Councillor Fatima Begum supported the production as a cultural advisor, helping to ensure the authenticity of the film's Bengali dialogue and Arabic recitation. She also assisted the production team in engaging with local residents during filming. 

Ahead of its national release, Ish celebrated its premiere at Cineworld Luton on Tuesday 28 July. The event brought together the film's cast, director Imran Perretta, producers and invited guests, including Leader of Luton Council, Councillor Tahmina Saleem and Deputy Mayor Councillor Fatima Begum, who opened the premiere with a welcome address, reflecting on the importance of seeing the town and its communities represented on screen.

Councillor Basit Mahmood, Cabinet Member for Culture, Arts and Heritage at Luton Council, said: “Ish is a powerful example of what can be achieved when local talent, creativity and community come together. The film not only tells an important story rooted in Luton, but it also showcases our town’s people, places and potential to wider audiences. 

“The production brought significant investment into Luton by employing local actors and generating economic activity during filming. With this year marking 150 years of Luton, the film’s release is a timely celebration of the town’s culture, creativity and emerging talent. We are proud to have supported the production and to see Luton represented on the big screen.”

The release also aligns with wider investment in Luton’s creative sector, including BFI Film Audience Network’s Spotlight programme, led by The Orange Picture Club and Bute Street Festival, investing £127,893 of National Lottery funding in the town over the next three years to bring exciting films and new screening opportunities to Luton. 

Ish is released in cinemas UK-wide by BFI Distribution on Friday 31 July, including at Cineworld Luton in the Galaxy Centre. Tickets can be booked via the Cineworld website.

For further information about filming in Luton, please visit the council’s website.