A partnership between The London Borough of Tower Hamlets, Lee Valley Regional Park and Raindance - the UK's largest independent film organisation - Raindance East 2003 is showcasing over 20 features and 40 shorts from world-class filmmakers, as well as a hosting talks, special events, workshops and parties. Indian Cinema screenings include Rahul Bose's 'Mr & Mrs Iyer' and Asoka Handgama's 'Flying with One Wing'.

Raindance was established in 1992 by independent filmmakers seeking to provide information and advice on independent filmmaking to the then struggling British Independent Film Community. The Raindance East Film Festival is the latest addition to the excellent services for the industry that have been established over the past 12 years. It is the UK's biggest independent film festival, increasing in popularity year on year- total attendance has grown from 1,378 in 1993 to 15,953 in 2002.

At this year's festival, audiences will have the unique opportunity to see mind-blowing movies from Asia and East Africa alongside the best of local East London features and shorts, as well as officially selected cutting edge international films.

The festival kicks off with Mr and Mrs Iyer, a moving film which tells the story of Raja (Rahul Bose) a Muslim photographer and Meenakshi Iyer (Konkoka Sensharma), a traditional Brahmin wife who are forced to journey together to Calcutta. When the bus is stopped by Hindus out for revenge on Muslims, the two form a remarkable and unbreakable bond. Mr & Mrs Iyer will be screened on March 21st (7.00pm) at The Genesis Cinema, Mile End road, Stepney, London E1 4AQ (Tel: 0207 780 2000).

'Flying with One Wing', Asoka Handagama's tale of a male construction worker who is exposed as a female to male transvestite has been dubbed the must-see Asian film of the year. When Manju (Anoma Janadari) has an accident at work and loses consciousness he is rushed to the nearest clinic, which also doubles up as the local abortion centre. There the doctor makes a startling discovery about the young mechanic's sexuality.

Meanwhile the ethically challenged doctor (Wilson Jayasiri) develops an unhealthy obsession with Manju - one that eventually leads him to expose his secret and triggers a spiral of events which force the mechanic to reveal his true identity not only to his young wife but also to his macho, homophobic co-workers. 'Flying with One Wing' will be screened on March 25th (6.45pm) at The Stratford Circus, Theatre Square, London E15 1BX (Tel: 0208 279 1000).

"Raindance East builds on the overwhelming success of two pilot film festivals that ran in 2001 and we know that this year will be even better," comments Raindance Director Elliot Grove. "It's a fantastic opportunity to promote cross-cultural exchange by screening both east London films and the best of world cinema in one of the most culturally diverse areas in London."

"The East End is a hotbed for new filmmaking talent", comments Director in Residence Jeremy Wooding. "This is a wonderful opportunity to promote it. The festival will at the same time increase the diversity of films available to local audiences."

Festival Patron is Nitin Sawhney - one of Britain's most unique and gifted musicians. His album Beyond Skin (1999) won the South Bank Show Award and was nominated for a Mercury Music Award. He picked up last year's EMMA Award 2002 in the World Music category for his album Prophesy.

BRITISH INDEPENDENT FILM AWARDS

The British Independent Film Awards was founded by Raindance in 1998 with the full support of the British Film Industry to pay tribute to achievement, celebrate newcomers and promote British talent and filmmaking. Thankfully Britain's making enough great independent films to warrant these awards and to make the Awards the success that they are. The fifth annual British Independent Film Award were announced on 30 October 2002 and winners included:

• Best British Independent Film - Sweet Sixteen
• Best Director - Paul Greengrass (Bloody Sunday)
• Best Actor - James Nesbitt (Bloody Sunday)
• Best Actress - Samantha Morton (Morvern Callar)
• Most Promising Newcomer - Martin Compston (Sweet Sixteen)
• Best Foreign Film (English Language) - Lantana
• Best Foreign Film (Foreign Language) - Monsoon Wedding

RAINMAKER FOR RAINDANCE

London-based sponsorship, PR and marketing consultant Ardi Kolah has been nominated for two prestigious Hollis Sponsorship Awards 2003 for his work on the British Independent Film Awards 2002. An Indian Parsee, Ardi Kolah is Director of Media Reach Consulting a dedicated ethnic marketing consultancy. He is a Director of the Institute of Public Relations (IPR), Chairman of Membership for the IPR and a Board Member of the European Sponsorship Consultants Association.

Kolah has over 14 years experience in the industry and is author of best selling 'Essential Law for Marketers', a book recommended by the CIM. He is also a lecturer and work shop presenter to marketers.

The British Independent Film Awards, sponsored by Glasgow based financial services advisors, Park Caledonia, have been short listed for an award in the First Time and Low Budget Categories. The Hollis Sponsorship Awards have attracted a record number of entries from the sponsorship industry this year, according to the organisers.

The Hollis Sponsorship Awards will be presented by BBC Radio 4's sports presenter Garry Richardson at the Café Royal, London on Tuesday 1 April 2003.

Click here The Institute of Public Relations and The European Sponsorship Consultants Association websites. Click here for the Media Reach Consulting website.

The Raindance East film festival runs from 21 - 27 March 2003.

Click here to visit the Raindance East website.