Riz Ahmed collaborates with BBC for 'Englistan'

Riz Ahmed collaborates with BBC for 'Englistan'

Emmy Award-winning British Pakistani actor and rapper Riz Ahmed. (Photo: IANS)

Los Angeles, May 1 (IANS) Emmy Award-winning British Pakistani actor and rapper Riz Ahmed has collaborated with British Broadcasting Corporation (BBC) for the TV series titled "Englistan".

The project is produced by BBC Studios Drama London in association with Left Handed Films for BBC Two, reports hollywoodreporter.com.

The series had first been announced by Ahmed in 2016.

He has penned "Englistan" himself. It is a nine-part series telling the story of three generations of a British-Pakistani family, following them as they pursue their dreams over four tumultuous decades, navigating shifting circumstances and evolving loyalties.

"I'm excited to be working with BBC Studios executive producer Esther Springer and all the team at BBC Studios. 'Englistan' is an untold British story with universal themes and resonance. It's the story I always wanted to tell, and it's a privilege to have the opportunity to do so," said Ahmed.

BBC Drama controller Piers Wenger said: "Set against the familiar backdrop of the late 20th century but from a point of view which feels entirely new, Englistan is the story of the birth of multicultural Britain as seen from the inside. We are honoured to be working with Riz on this epic, deeply personal story."

In 2016, Ahmed said that he hoped to direct as "much as possible" of his drama, following up on his debut short film, "Daytimer", which premiered at the Sundance festival in 2015, but added that he didn't intend to cast himself.

--IANS

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