A BRITISH film about one of Southall's most notorious drug gangs has won an award at the Cannes Film Festival and received a standing ovation.

Triads, Yardies and Onion Bhajees directed by local man Sarjit Bains and written by Manish Patel scooped the award for the Black and Asian Film Academy Best Picture Award at the Cannes Film Festival.

The film, which received it's world premiere at the UK Film Centre, Cannes last Thursday beat off stiff competition from another British film Anita and Me and the USA's Barbershop.

On receiving the award Sarjit Bains, the director of the film said: "This proves that independent filmmakers can come to Cannes and compete with the big boys.

"I am happy to accept this award on behalf of British cinema."

Triads, Yardies and Onion Bhajees is set to feature in the Ealing Film Festival and has already been confirmed for the Bradford Film Festival.

Although the film has not been given its official general release date, it has already caused a stir among British film lovers. Manish Patel, screenwriter and actor added: "This achievement would not have been possible without the dedication of the cast and crew who worked tirelessly and believed in the film."

May 29, 2003 11:30