After Eight: The Story of Satpal Ram + Q&A

Despite Britain’s curry houses serving the nation’s favourite cuisine, they have often served as backdrops for racism and violence.

In 1986 Satpal Ram was assaulted in a racially motivated attack at an Indian restaurant in Handsworth, Birmingham. Stabbed in the face with a glass bottle, he defended himself, sparking a chain of events that would shape his life.

After Eight, directed by Mos Hannan and Usayd Younis, delves into the injustices of his trial, exposing biases and systemic shortcomings that led to a murder conviction despite clear evidence of self-defence. Through interviews, archival footage, and personal accounts, the documentary chronicles a decades-long global campaign for Satpal Ram’s freedom.

The screening will be followed by a panel discussion which will include director Mos Hannan, campaigner Helen McDonald and Steve Chandra Savale from Asian Dub Foundation.

This event will be part of Unite the People Festival by Kalaboration Arts and is supported by BFI Doc Society and in partnership with the Guardian.