Thank You, Manchester

Manchester, you were great. Thank you to HOME — and to Nazma Knows for hosting us.

The cinema release of Before Nikkah was a whirlwind of great people, generous responses and full houses. The Manchester night was one of the best of them.

Why HOME matters

HOME is one of the UK’s most important independent cinemas outside London. Getting an independent British rom-com onto that screen, in front of a full room, is the kind of result that does not happen by accident — it happens because an audience turns up.

The film

Before Nikkah is a modern rom-com that challenges tradition and expectation. Inspired by Before Sunrise, it follows Sara and Isaam — two strangers fated to meet ahead of a possible marriage neither of them wants, who end up spending the day together to kill time.

Directed by Haider Zafar. The film went on to a BAFTA special screening and a National Film Awards nomination.