The screening on 19 September at 19:50 will be followed by a Q&A with the film's writer/ director Naqqash Khalid and lead actor Nabhaan Rizwan.

Twenty-something Aden (Nabhaan Rizwan) dreams of becoming a successful actor, but the nightmarish grind of the audition circuit, with its callous rejections and upsetting micro-aggressions, is starting to take its toll. His flatmate, junior doctor Bo (Rory Fleck Byrne) is also stressed to the point of burnout. But then, newcomer Conrad (Amir El-Masry) joins them, and - inspired by Conrad’s optimism and assurance - Aden takes it upon himself to find a new part to play.

The Garden Cinema View:

In Camera, Naqqash Khalid's debut film, is an audacious hybrid of satire, mystery, and science fiction that defies easy categorisation.

In the wake of American Fiction (adapted from Percival Everett's masterful Erasure), this thought-provoking film dares to transcend the usual clichés about diversity in the arts. Unlike simplistic depictions we often find in cinema, In Camera challenges binary thinking and opens up complex discussions about the impact that tokenising brown talent can have.

At the centre of the film is Nabhaan Rizwan's chameleon-like performance. With laconic precision, Rizwan embodies a character in an identity crisis, adding to the film's exploration of cultural authenticity. Complementing this is Amir El-Masry's mesmerising portrayal of Conrad, an opportunistic flatmate who embraces industry typecasting - but at what cost?

The influence of Yorgos Lanthimos seems apparent, especially when Rizwan is hired to act like a surrogate for a mother's deceased son, reminiscent of Alps (2011). Nevertheless, at no point does it feel like mimicry, but rather a well-integrated homage.

Despite In Camera's strengths, there are also a few narrative strands that feel superfluous, as well as a few on the nose moments. Yet, these do little to diminish the overall impact as they are overshadowed by the film's willingness to take risks with complex, topical issues, and interesting tonal contradictions. Here at The Garden Cinema, we can't wait to see what Naqqash Khalid will do next!

Cast:
Amir El-Masry Rory Fleck-Byrne Nabhaan Rizwan