Black Dog Films’ Priya Ahluwalia Premieres Bollywood and Nollywood Inspired ‘Beloved’

Priya Ahluwalia, the creative director, designer, and founder of clothing brand Ahluwalia, released her new short film ‘Beloved’, her first as a director with the Ridley Scott Creative Group’s Black Dog Films, during the ‘Bollywood to Nollywood’ film festival at the White City London branch of Soho House.  

The day celebrated the Ahluwalia ‘From Bollywood to Nollywood’ AW22 collection, with a pop-up shop to explore the collection, film screenings, and a dance hall curated by Girls Can't DJ.  

Influenced by the heady imagery and dramatic plots of traditional Indian and Nigerian storytelling, the collection launched at London Fashion Week in February. Autumn Winter 2022 explores Priya’s cross continental heritage and deep connection with both cultures, finding the most authentic representations of Black and Brown people, far-removed from a European gaze.  

With film being an integral part of the brand and collection, the one-day festival indulged in the past, present, and future of the two cultures with a mixture of brand films, guest screenings, and an intimate discussion on the themes of representation and identity in film; with host and MC, Miss Jason.  

“Bollywood and Nollywood films were one of the few places I could experience people like me in ways mainstream media didn’t represent us: love, joy, glamour, entertaining, passionate, vulnerable,” said Priya. “Now, film has become one of my favourite mediums to showcase stories from my community, as well as my collections. I love how film has the power to connect to its audiences, transport them and drive emotional engagement.”  

The premiere of Priya’s film ‘Beloved’, which was developed and produced with Black Dog Films, explores love in everyday life with an honest display of human connection.  

“’Beloved’ is a multifaceted display of Black and Brown love stories. An ode to the visualisation of love stories we love to watch in Bollywood and Nollywood cinema but rarely get to enjoy in Western media. I wanted to showcase variations of love and companionship whilst celebrating the incredible cinematography and soundscapes of Bollywood and Nollywood,” said the director. 

Martin Roker, Global Head of Black Dog comments “the world that Priya has constructed through fashion and culture only brings the ‘Beloved’ film to the forefront. This is Priya’s first film with Black Dog, and I’m delighted that Priya has signed globally for further projects. With Priya being a multi-discipline creative, not only is Priya a perfect fit for Black Dog but this only strengthens both brands going forward.”