Skip to content
Search

Latest Stories

Western and Asian worlds collide in new Brit thriller 'Lies We Tell'

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.”

Set in Bradford, the actors had to adopt Yorkshire accents, which could be a challenge,

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.

More For You

K Anis Ahmed

K Anis Ahmed’s new novel Carnivore is as imaginative as it is provocative

AMG

K Anis Ahmed’s 'Carnivore' serves up satire, class war and moral rot

From the blood-soaked backstreets of Dhaka to the polished kitchens of Manhattan’s elite, K Anis Ahmed’s new novel Carnivore is as imaginative as it is provocative. A satirical thriller steeped in class tension, culinary obsession and primal survival, Carnivore follows Kash, a Bangladeshi immigrant-turned-chef who launches a high-end restaurant serving exotic meats – only to become embroiled in a sinister world of appetite and ambition.

But this is no simple tale of knives and recipes. Ahmed – a seasoned journalist, publisher, and president of PEN Bangladesh – brings a sharp eye to the grotesqueries of power and privilege. In this exclusive interview with Eastern Eye, he speaks about his passion for food, the moral murkiness of his characters, and why even the most ordinary people can spiral into extraordinary darkness.

Keep ReadingShow less
Mahima Sharma cricket

In an industry long regarded as a boys’ club, Sharma brings a refreshingly unapologetic approach

wclegends.uk

Mahima Sharma brings bold new energy to cricket’s old guard

As the world prepares for the second edition of the World Championship of Legends (WCL), one of its most exciting franchises, the Meteora England Champions, is being led by a compelling force. Mahima Sharma is not just making her mark in cricket – she is quietly redefining leadership in a male-dominated industry.

In an industry long regarded as a boys’ club, Sharma brings a refreshingly unapologetic approach. She is strategic, deeply rooted in her love for the game, and proudly feminine. “Cricket has always felt like home to me,” she says. “I come from a culture where cricket is an emotion, and stepping into this role carries a great deal of responsibility. Growing up, I saw very few women leaders in cricket. To now find myself in this position 15 years later feels like coming full circle.”

Keep ReadingShow less
Turkey wildfires 2025

The Turkey wildfires have not been limited to Izmir

Getty Images

Turkey wildfires disrupt travel as Izmir airport closes

Key points

  • Tourists stranded after Foça wildfire halts flights at Izmir airport
  • At least 550 people evacuated from homes in the region
  • Over 600 personnel deployed to contain the blaze
  • Strong winds and heat raise risk of further fires

Wildfires force airport shutdown in Turkish holiday hotspot

Hundreds of UK tourists, including several from Glasgow, have been left stranded after major wildfires swept through a popular holiday destination in western Turkey, forcing the closure of Izmir Adnan Menderes Airport.

The blaze broke out in the resort town of Foça, near Izmir, and was rapidly intensified by strong winds, prompting large-scale evacuations and flight disruptions. All operations at the airport were suspended from 4 pm local time due to ongoing extinguishing efforts, with multiple flights reportedly diverted.

Keep ReadingShow less
Covid inquiry begins probe into care home deaths

FILE PHOTO: A mother and daughter sit atop the Covid memorial wall on September 9, 2024 in London, England. (Photo by Carl Court/Getty Images)

Covid inquiry begins probe into care home deaths

THE Covid inquiry has started examining how the pandemic affected care services for older and disabled people, with families describing the crisis as one of the worst failures of the pandemic.

Nearly 46,000 care home residents died with Covid in England and Wales between March 2020 and January 2022, with many deaths happening in the first weeks of the outbreak.

Keep ReadingShow less
Scarlett Johansson

Scarlett Johansson attends the "Jurassic World Rebirth" photocall

Getty Images

Scarlett Johansson calls out Hollywood’s history of hypersexualising young women

Quick highlights:

  • Scarlett Johansson says early roles focused on “desirability” and male-centred narratives
  • Notes positive shift in how women are portrayed in Hollywood today
  • Recalls being hypersexualised and typecast as a young actress
  • Currently stars in The Phoenician Scheme, with Jurassic World Rebirth out on 2 July

Scarlett Johansson has reflected on how Hollywood roles for women have evolved, admitting that early in her career, most of her characters were written to serve male-driven storylines. Speaking in an interview, the actress said the landscape has changed, with more nuanced opportunities for women on screen.

Keep ReadingShow less