A Border Between Us’ moves to New York

“A Border Between Us” is set to make its mark at the esteemed BFI London Film Festival, featured in the ‘We Need to Talk’ programme on October 12 and 19. Following its London screenings, the film will have its New York premiere at DOC NYC as part of the Far From Home shorts programme, scheduled for November 18-19.

This poignant film draws from Director Riad Arfin’s own experiences in navigating an interracial relationship and the complexities of settling into a culture vastly different from his own. The narrative unfolds as a Bangladeshi man relocates to the UK to be with his partner, only to confront the unforeseen challenges that come with pursuing love across borders. The film poses critical questions about belonging and the complications of love in the face of visa regulations and cultural expectations.

The official synopsis captures the essence of the film: "As they grapple with the reality of their relationship, can they find a shared sense of home? Riad Arfin’s exploration challenges the notion that love alone is sufficient to overcome life's obstacles. Faced with loneliness and discrimination, the film delves into the mental health impacts of feeling like an outsider. When sacrifices seem lopsided, what does it truly take for love to flourish?"

“A Border Between Us” has garnered attention on the festival circuit, having premiered at the Edinburgh International Film Festival in 2023 and participated in the Scottish Mental Health Arts Festival and the Inverness Film Festival the same year. Notably, it received the Best Short Film Award at the UK Asian Film Festival in 2024, further establishing Riad Arfin’s reputation as a compelling storyteller.

Riad Arfin is a Bangladeshi filmmaker now based in the UK, whose artistic vision has been shaped by the nouvelle vague movement. Known for his poetic and thought-provoking cinema, Arfin has previously achieved recognition with his short film “A Bus Ride,” which won Best Film at the Dhaka International Short and Independent Film Festival in 2014. Additionally, his film “A Fishing Story” earned the jury award at the Chitrovasha Film Festival in 2020. Recently, Arfin was selected to participate in the prestigious Pedro Costa lab in Yucatan Peninsula, Mexico, joining fifty other filmmakers from around the globe.

With its heartfelt narrative and timely themes, “A Border Between Us” promises to resonate deeply with audiences, inviting reflection on the complexities of love, identity, and belonging.