Tony Matharu, Patron of LIFF
My support for and patronage of LIFF has been vindicated as the festival has grown into the world’s largest and most successful festival for South Asian films. Showcasing rich and exceptional talent, I am delighted to have been part of the recognition and exposure of Asian films to a UK audience, initially focussed on London, drawing attention and critical acclaim to filmmakers and the diverse range and depth of their films. You will always see insightful and thought-provoking films at LIFF: a wonderful addition to the vibrancy of London’s cultural and arts offering.
Tony Matharu
Tony combines his passion for hospitality with philanthropy, sport and community engagement; acting as Founder and Chairman of Integrity International Trust – assisting vulnerable people, particularly children, following natural and other disasters; as London Chairman of the Lord’s Taverner – “giving young people a sporting chance”; as Vice President of the Oracle Head & Neck Cancer Research Trust; as Deputy Chairman of the Corporation of London’s ‘City Together’; as Chairman of the City of London’s ‘Vibrant & Culturally Rich City Group’; and patron of London Indian Film Festival. Tony holds a number of Board and other positions in the Arts, charitable sector, and sport – particularly cricket and hockey, and he continues to play at representative and international levels .Tony has founded many successful start up organisations and companies. He was awarded ‘Hotelier of the Year’ in 2013; received a Special Recognition Award for his ‘Contribution to London’s Success’ and a ‘Technology and Innovation Award’ in 2014. He is the Founder of an international hospitality consultancy and Chairman of the London Chamber of Commerce and Industry’s Asian Business Association.
Adoor Gopalakrishnan, Patron of LIFF
Adoor Gopalakrishnan
Adoor Gopalakrishnan is an Indian film director, script writer, and producer. Adoor had a major role in revolutioning Malayalam cinema during the 1970s and is regarded as one of the most notable filmmakers of India. Adoor’s first film Swayamvaram pioneered the new wave cinema movement in Kerala along with “Olavum Theeravum” (1970) and “Athidhi” (1974).
Most of his films go to festivals around the world, and are released in Kerala. All the eleven films he directed, from Swayamvaram to Oru Pennum Randaanum (2008), were screened at several international film festivals and won him several national and international awards. He won National Film Awards 16 times, Kerala State Film Awards 17 times and also won several international film awards. He won the prestigious British Film Institute Award for Elippathayam (1981). Adoor received the Padma Shri in 1984 and the Padma Vibhushan in 2006. The Nation honoured Adoor for his valuable contributions to Indian cinema by awarding him the highest cinema award of India, the Dadasaheb Phalke Award for the year 2004.
Lord David Puttnam, Patron of LIFF
Lord David Puttnam
David spent thirty years as an independent producer of award-winning films including The Mission, The Killing Fields, Local Hero, Chariots of Fire, Midnight Express, Bugsy Malone and Memphis Belle. His films have won ten Oscars, 25 Baftas and the Palme D’Or at Cannes. From 1994 to 2004 he was Vice President and Chair of Trustees at the British Academy of Film & Television Arts (BAFTA) and was awarded a BAFTA Fellowship in 2006.
David was awarded a CBE in 1982, a knighthood in 1995, and was appointed to the House of Lords in 1997. In France he was made a Chevalier of the Order of Arts and Letters in 1985, becoming an Officer in 1992, and a Commander in 2006. He has been the recipient of more than 40 honorary degrees from Universities in the UK and overseas.
David retired from film production in 1998 to focus on his work in public policy.
