"we aim to create a meaningful space that celebrates artistic excellence"
London played host to a new industry event spotlighting South Asian talent during the 2026 EE BAFTA Film Awards weekend.
Society O and Product of Culture brought together leading creatives across film and television, industry figures, and award nominees on February 20, 2026.
The gathering convened nominees, filmmakers, executives, and industry leaders at a pivotal moment in the global awards calendar.
Designed as a dedicated space within awards season, it reflected the growing international presence of South Asian storytelling while fostering meaningful industry connections.
Guests included Aziz Ansari, Daniel Francis, Adeel Akhtar, Varanda Sethu and Gurinder Chadha.
The event also marked a reunion of the legendary Goodness Gracious Me cast after a decade.
The first-of-its-kind gathering was led by Society O, a British platform celebrating Asian achievements in theatre, film, and television, founded by filmmakers Sukki Menon and Parvinder Shergill.
They partnered with Product of Culture, a US-based women-of-colour marketing and strategy platform founded by Archana Misra Jain and Monika Sharma Abbas.
The company is known for campaigns and initiatives that elevate South Asian entertainment globally.
Sukki Menon, Parvinder Shergill, Archana Misra Jain, and Monika Sharma Abbas said:
“This BAFTA weekend represents a moment where global storytelling converges, and this year’s nominations highlight the breadth and impact of South Asian creatives across the industry, from internationally distributed documentaries and award-winning British shorts to groundbreaking regional cinema reaching new audiences worldwide.
“By bringing together nominees, collaborators, and industry leaders, we aim to create a meaningful space that celebrates artistic excellence while strengthening the connections shaping the future of the screen industries.”
The award ceremony saw the Indian Manipuri-language drama Boong win Best Children’s & Family Film, beating the likes of Lilo & Stitch and Zootopia 2.
Directed by Lakshmipriya Devi and produced by Farhan Akhtar, the film centres on Boong, a boy who plans to surprise his mother with a gift.
In his innocence, he believes that bringing his father back home would be the most special gift. His search for his father leads to an unexpected gift – a new beginning.
Other recognised South Asian titles at the BAFTAs included The Perfect Neighbour and Magid/Zafar.
Product of Culture operates at the intersection of culture, commerce, and community, designing culturally fluent awards-season campaigns, distribution strategies, and industry convenings that connect South Asian storytelling to global audiences.
Over the past decade, it has partnered with Netflix, Universal Studios, Sony, HBO, and Meta, creating cultural moments such as the South Asian Women Oscars Brunch, Celebrating South Asian Excellence during Oscars week in Los Angeles, and the South Asian Film Festival of America.
Society O provides curated events and coverage to recognise achievement, elevate voices, and create visibility on a global stage.
Its mission is to foster belonging, honour the impact of South Asian creatives, and actively shape a more inclusive future.
Beyond celebrations, the platform aims to spark dialogue, collaboration, and long-term change across creative industries.
See more pictures of the event in our special gallery:
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