A Blackburn filmmaker joined movie royalty at the annual BAFTA ceremony in London.
Sufiyaan Salam, alongside co-writer and director Luis Hindman, was nominated in the Best British Short Film category for their work Magid / Zafar.
The 19-minute film follows two Asian men, who were once childhood friends, confronting each other over their diverging futures inside the heat and pressure of a Pakistani restaurant.
Magid / Zafar won best British short at the British Independent Film Awards (BIFAs) in 2025.
Sufiyaan was joined by cast and crew from the film and his father, Shakil Salam, at the BAFTA ceremony over the weekend.
They rubbed shoulders with the likes of Leonardo DiCaprio, Jessie Buckley, Emma Stone and Paddington Bear at the glitzy ceremony.
Best British Short Film award on the night went to ‘This Is Endometriosis’.
Sufiyaan said: "It was an honour to be there and represent a British-Asian film and to take so many members of the cast and family."
Despite not winning, proud dad Shakil said the team were delighted to be at the ceremony.
He said: “It was a huge honour to represent Blackburn at the BAFTAs.
"For Sufiyaan, who was born and schooled here, this wasn't just about an award—it was about showing that talent from our town belongs on the world stage.
"To be surrounded by the industry’s best was a lifelong memory, and with his first book arriving in May, this is only the beginning.
"Attending the ceremony was a moment I will treasure forever.
"We were nervous, of course, but seeing Sufiyaan recognised among the best in the film industry was a privilege beyond words.
"It’s not always about winning; it’s about the journey from a local classroom to the red carpet.
"The exposure has been incredible, especially as he prepares for his book launch this May.
"From Blackburn to the BAFTAs—it has been an unforgettable experience. Representing our hometown among film royalty was a dream come true.
"We are so proud of Sufiyaan’s journey and can't wait for the world to see his book in May 2026."
Although the film was shot in London, the inspiration came from the takeaways and restaurants he grew up around in Lancashire.
Following the nomination, Sufiyaan said: “It’s a bit of a cliche to say, but when you grow up in Blackburn, in a working-class family, during times of austerity and reduction in arts funding, it’s very difficult to see any way into the film industry.
"But what Blackburn did give me is real stories, and a proper sense of community.”
The BAFTA ceremony at the Royal Festival Hall is the biggest night in British cinema, celebrating the outstanding film productions of the year.
The top award for Best Film went to One Battle After Another, with Hamnet claiming Outstanding British Film, and the Best Actor and Actress awards going to Robert Aramayo, for I Swear, and Jessie Buckley, for Hamnet, respectively.
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