Swindon film and media hub Create Studios is shining a light on the untold stories of South Asian communities who settled in the rural South West from the 1950s onwards.
Kahaani is a powerful new film, website, education resource and touring exhibition, created with support from The National Lottery Heritage Fund.
Kahaani (meaning “story” in Hindi, Punjabi and Urdu) marks the first time Create Studios has focused on a single community as part of its acclaimed civic pride heritage work.
Shahina Johnson MBE, CEO of Create Studios, said: “It’s been a privilege to document and share these remarkable journeys.
"We’re excited to see how Kahaani inspires audiences across the South West as the exhibition tours over the next six months.”
At a time when Commonwealth citizens were invited to rebuild post-war Britain, many South Asian families chose smaller rural towns across Wiltshire, Somerset and Dorset rather than major cities. Their stories of resilience, belonging, challenge and joy remained largely undocumented – until now.
Over four months of filming, Create Studios worked with regional partners to interview 50 first and second-generation South Asian residents, capturing their personal journeys and contribution to local industry, healthcare, culture and community life.
A 30-minute documentary now forms the heart of a touring exhibition.
The Kahaani project will:
- Create a permanent digital archive for future generations
- Be used in primary schools to support cultural understanding
- Inspire young filmmakers, including through work with a South Asian writer
- Provide a resource for social historians and community researchers
Frances Daniels from The National Lottery Heritage Fund said: “We’re proud to support Create Studios in preserving and celebrating South Asian heritage that has played such an important role in shaping the region.”
Stuart McLeod, Director of England - London & South at The National Lottery Heritage Fund, said: “Thanks to National Lottery players, we’re proud to support Create Studios to share these untold stories of South Asian communities.
"Kahaani is a powerful example of how heritage can connect generations and celebrate the rich diversity that shapes our heritage and we look forward to seeing these shared through the touring exhibition.”
The free public exhibitions will tour the South West over the next six months. Dates will be announced at createstudios.org.uk/events
People can explore the online archive at: www.kahaanionfilm.com
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