Diwali Heritage Film

The We Bring Light Film follows the stories of three individuals, each representing a different era of Leicester’s Diwali festival - past, present, and future. Through their experiences, memories and stories, we see how the festival has grown, how it connects generations, and how it continues to shape Leicester's cultural identity. This documentary, created by Kieran Vyas and Rendah Films, is a celebration of community, tradition, and the power of light.

A note from the Director:

“For over 40 years, the Diwali celebrations in Leicester have been a dazzling spectacle of community, culture and enduring light. With this film, we set out to capture the history of where it all began, the scale of what it has become, and the hope it gives to future generations.”

Kieran Vyas, We Bring Light Film Director

BSL Version

Please enjoy this British Sign Language (BSL) version of the We Bring Light film, created with translation by Rinkoo Barpaga so that d/Deaf audiences can experience the powerful stories, memories, and celebrations at the heart of Leicester’s Diwali festival.

Film Credits

Interviewee - Ranjan Saujani

Interviewee - Jit Dhanji

Interviewee and Dancer - Chandni Premgi

Film Director - Kieran Vyas

Director of Photography - Rendah Films

BSL Translator - Rinkoo Barpaga 

Lead Researcher - Malini Chakraborty 

Community Researcher - Asha Krishna 

Producer - Jasmine Man

With thanks to our supporters and partners

Belgrave Neighbourhood Centre

Belgrave Library

The Emerald Centre

Leicester City Council

Leicester Hindu Festival Council

Navrang Arts

Mellor Primary School

Aakash Odedra Company and Desi Masti Studios

East Midlands Oral History Archives

Leicestershire Record Office

Leicester Stories

Leicester Museum 

Funded by Arts Council England and National Heritage Lottery Fund

Produced by Inspirate