In a rapidly changing world, ‘A Teacher’s Gift’ arrives as a timely, heartfelt story that proves love knows no barriers — of age, culture or geography. Set between London and India, the new film explores identity, family and the courage it takes to be true to oneself at any stage of life. The film celebrates its gala screening today, May 6th, 2025, as part of the UK Asian Film Festival and promises to be one of the season’s most poignant offerings. At its core, ‘A Teacher’s Gift’ is a celebration of resilience across generations, shedding light on how traditions evolve and how personal liberation is a universal human right. “This is more than a coming-of-age story — it’s about quiet bravery, the struggle between heritage and individuality and the right to love and live openly,” says Rajdeep Choudhury, who leads the cast with a sensitive, layered performance. “I’m proud to be part of a film that honours human connection.”

‘A Teacher’s Gift’ follows the journey of a young British-Indian man as he navigates cultural expectations, societal pressures and his own awakening. Alongside him, an older man embraces his truth after decades of silence, highlighting the power of personal freedom and acceptance in today’s more tolerant world.

The project marks a truly international collaboration, with filming split between London and India. The production was supported by the National Film Development Corporation of India (NFDC), demonstrating how global partnerships can create intimate, universally resonant stories. Behind the scenes, ‘A Teacher’s Gift’ boasts a young, diverse filming crew, led by Gurjant Singh and New Lion Films from Wolverhampton, echoing the film’s themes of multiculturalism and new beginnings.

The film also features performances from some of the industry’s most respected talents, including Anthony Calf (‘Holby City’, ‘New Tricks’, ‘King Charles III Broadway’), Anjali Patil (‘Newton’), Dhruv Sehgal (‘Little Things’), Varun Buddhadev (‘RRR’), Virgílio Castelo (Portugal’s celebrated stage and screen actor), Jacinta Mulcahy (‘Emmerdale’, ‘Phantom of the Opera’), Anita Booth (Coronation Street, Holby City) and American/Portuguese actress Paula (‘Infernal Machine’).

Director Artur Ribeiro is a Portuguese writer-director, whose previous film Terra Nova won 3 Portuguese Academy Awards, was nominated for the Portuguese Golden Globes and winner of Best Ensemble Cast at the SoHo International Film Festival, NY 2020. He was also the author of Belmonte, a Portuguese TV show nominated for the International Emmys.

Meanwhile, the project’s producer, Eric Ollerenshaw OBE — a former MP and pioneer of Britain’s first Gay Pride in 1972 — sees the film as deeply personal. “We’ve come a long way since those early days of fighting for LGBTQ+ visibility,” says Ollerenshaw. “But stories like this are still so important. They remind us that the journey to acceptance is ongoing — and that love, courage and hope are universal.” Adding to its richness, ‘A Teacher’s Gift’ features a sweeping musical score by renowned Portuguese composer and conductor Nuno Côrte-Real and stunning cinematography by Luís Branquinho (‘Terra Nova’), capturing the beauty and emotional contrasts of its dual settings.

For anyone who has ever struggled to find their place in the world — or who believes in the quiet power of self-acceptance — ‘A Teacher’s Gift’ is a cinematic story not to be missed. The Cannes Marché du Film screening will take place on May 15th at the Lerins 3 cinema at 4:15 p.m.