Cuppa Chai

After the death of her Nani Ji, eighteen-year-old Mira arrives back in her hometown and is confronted by the fact that she knows very little about the woman who passed away. She must learn more about her grandmother's life the only way she knows how, through the perfect cup of tea and halwa.

  • Amit Kaur
    Director
    A Suitable Boy (Post Coordinator), The Road Home - Oscar shortlisted (Assistant Director)
  • Radha Bhandari
    Writer
    For Heidi (Producer)
  • Kelly Wong
    Producer
  • Radha Bhandari
    Producer
    For Heidi (Producer)
  • Raya Dasgupta
    Key Cast
    "Mira"
    Royal Exchange Theatre
  • Meera Ganatra
    Key Cast
    "Mrs.Gupta"
    Blinded By Light (Gurinder Chadha)
  • Ruchika Jain
    Key Cast
    The Square Circle (Short)
  • Bhawna Bhawsar
    Key Cast
  • Omar Khan
    Key Cast
    Voices (Short)
  • Beatriz Delgado Mena
    Cinematographer
  • Hollie Buhagiar
    Composer
    White Ant (Sundance)
  • Tanupriya Sharma
    Editor
    A Suitable Boy (BBC)
  • Project Type:
    Short
  • Runtime:
    10 minutes 18 seconds
  • Completion Date:
    March 15, 2023
  • Country of Origin:
    United Kingdom
  • Country of Filming:
    United Kingdom
  • Aspect Ratio:
    4:3
  • Film Color:
    Color
  • First-time Filmmaker:
    Yes
  • Student Project:
    No
Director Biography - Amit Kaur

Amit Kaur is the director of the BFI-funded short 'Cuppa Chai' and an alumnus of the FILMONOMICS Feature programme (UK) along with RICKSHAW Film Foundation (US).

Her career commenced assisting on the Oscar-shortlisted short "The Road Home" before working with celebrated directors like Mira Nair on the BBC's "A Suitable Boy."Amit has extensive experience in the Indian film industry, directing one of its first web series "Life Sahi Hai."

Currently developing her debut feature, a female-led coming-of-age drama, as director and co-writer, Amit is an artistic force bridging India and the UK. A recipient of BFI and Arts Council funding, she serves on the UK Asian Film Festival board, championing diverse stories.

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Director Statement

'Cuppa Chai' is an ode to our foremothers who left their homelands for a better future for their children.

The film is a BFI NETWORK Funded short film created by a female led crew bringing together their diverse cultural experiences.

BAFTA-nominated and BIFA-winning producer Ameenah Allen (ROCKS) is the executive producer of the film. The crew includes award winning cinematographer Beatriz Delgado Mena (Stay With Me, Losing Grace) and composer Hollie Buhagiar (The Wick).

I came across Radha’s beautiful script in a virtual meet up during lockdown. We instantly connected over our shared cultural experiences and a desire to write fresh narrative about immigrant experiences.

With Cuppa Chai, we discover Britain’s multicultural fabric through Mira as she navigates her way to make a cup of tea led by a textured sound design. Simply the way she prepares a cuppa reveals how her identity and individuality is intertwined with that of her grandparent’s homeland. We go on a journey of self discovery with Mira as she transcends linguistic and cultural boundaries through the enchanting realms of magic.

While the film was shot against extremely challenging circumstances, the crew and cast has put their heart and soul into creating this .

I hope this film resonates with you, leaving a sweet aftertaste and inspires you to rewrite your own familial narratives.