film
ISH
directed by Imran Peretta, UK 2025, 89'
- Ish and Maram, two best friends, navigate childhood against a backdrop of cultural identity,personal loss and political tension in Luton. Ish, grieving his mother’s death,finds solace inMaram’s understanding, while Maram, deeply connected to his Palestinian roots, struggleswith the horrific news from Gaza.
- When the two boys hang out together they get to escapeeveryday realities. Their friendship is built on carefree moments—playing football, gaming,and sharing stories—but as they move into adulthood, the world around them begins tointrude. The presence of police surveillance, stop-and-searches, and the rising hostilitytowards their communities create an atmosphere of fear and alienatiThe inciting incident to the end of their friendship is a traumatic stop-and-search where Maram is searched, and Ish manages to run away.
- No longer friends, the two boys mustnavigate new friendship groups and the grief that breaking-up inevitably brings. Ish begins tolook for comfort at home, where his dad and sister remain in a state of mourning, andfindssolace with the kind words and wisdom of his grandmother, whose resilience andunderstanding shows him an alternative way of processing grief and identity that leadstowards acceptance over anger.
- The story explores themes of loss, belonging, and the tension between resistance andsurvival. Ultimately, the story is about the quiet and not-so-quiet ways young peoplenavigate identity, injustice, and the shifting nature of friendship.
