by LAUREN CODLING
A new thriller set in Bradford that shows a collaboration between communities in a way “never seen before” hits UK cinemas on Friday (2). Lies We Tell centres around an underground world of crime, sex and violence within Bradford in which chauffeur Donald’s life intertwines with his deceased boss’s British Muslim mistress, Amber.
A story of violence, arranged marriage and honour killings ensues as danger approaches
the pair from every angle. Starring newcomer Sibylla Deen and veteran movie legends Gabriel Byrne and Harvey Keitel, the movie had its world premiere at the prestigious Raindance Film Festival last September.
Deen, who plays Amber, told Eastern Eye at the film’s premiere that the story is a true collaboration of Western and Asian communities coming together in a way audiences won’t have witnessed before on screen.
“I don’t think those communities mix much together, they have their own traditions, but Lies We Tell really shows the story of these two worlds colliding,” the actress explained. “It’s such an interesting world to get involved in.”
Director Mitu Misra agreed the film is a “photo snap” of the world today, that may be new to many viewers.
“It’s an interesting insight into a world [audiences] may not be able to see otherwise,” the Indian-born director said.
He added: “It will give the Asian cinema-goer the opportunity to see a home-grown film that has a contemporary, uncompromising story with a modern-day twist, but with a nod to family ties and values that they will recognise.”
Newcomer Jan Uddin stars in the film as bad-boy KD. Uddin, who is of Bangladeshi descent, said despite his character’s inner conflict and nasty persona, he understood
KD’s mentality.
“He’s from the Pakistani-Muslim community in Bradford, so, although he has been brought up in England, he has an old fashioned religious background,” Uddin explained
to Eastern Eye. “I know lots of people like KD and I was raised very similarly to him. I chose to be very different to him, although mentally, I do get him.”
The film stars respected actors Harvey Keitel and Gabriel Byrne, who have been in
the industry for decades. The pair were happy to be on hand for their co-stars
whenever they needed guidance.
“When they could give advice, they always did,” Uddin revealed. “They behaved like everyone else and gave us the confidence to roll with them.”
The film is Misra’s first time directing and he admits it was much harder than he initially
anticipated.
“It was much tougher than we envisioned,” he smiled. “But I’m so proud of what we’ve achieved.”
especially for Australian actress Deen.
“My tongue hurt at first because you have to talk really flat at the bottom of your
mouth,” Deen laughed. “People ask me all the time to do the accent, but I think I’ve
lost it now – it’s gone a bit Irish!”
Before filming, Uddin spent a month living in Bradford in preparation. He recalls the experience as one of the best in his life.
“I loved working in Bradford, it really came alive to me,” Uddin enthused. “It’s a really colourful community.”
Lies We Tell is released across UK cinemas from Friday February 2.
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