In My Own Words: Hanif Kureishi

One of the country’s most eminent and outspoken writers, Hanif Kureishi’s work encompasses fiction, plays, screenwriting and non-fiction essays. Now, in this definitive and intimate film directed by friend and fellow writer Nigel Williams, Kureishi reflects on his life and work – and with his characteristic honesty and wit gives a fascinating insight into how a life’s experience can be transformed into art.

Using personal photographs, family footage, his films and plays, Kureishi is prompted to recall the trajectory of the post-war immigrant experience in the UK, from his father’s arrival in Bromley via his screenplay for My Beautiful Laundrette and novel The Buddha of Suburbia, to the publication of Salman Rushdie’s The Satanic Verses.

Race is central to his work and his thinking, but spilling out of this film are funny stories and tender moments which show Kureishi the man both as a not only brave and challenging writer, but also an affectionate and loving father and friend.

Since his accident on Boxing Day 2022, Kureishi has needed 24-hour care, and he details his response to the shock of that experience, what it has taught him, and how he has had to reinvent his process of artistic creation.

In My Own Words: Hanif Kureishi is a Turbine Studios and Embankment Films production for BBC One and BBC iPlayer. The director is Nigel Williams and the producers are Tracey Scoffield and Kevin Loader. The commissioning editor for BBC Arts is Mark Bell.