About BIFF 2026: 52 Blue + Q&A

Award-winning director Ali El Arabi’s (Captains of Zaatari) poignant and heart-warming coming of age drama tells the story of Ashish, a reclusive young man, who dreams big, wanting to meet his idol, Messi, at the Football World Cup in Qatar. 

When he lies to his family, pretending that he was chosen as India's representative for the Football World Cup, he embarks on a journey that leads him from the peaceful and sheltered bubble of his idyllic Kerala home and doting parents (Adil Hussain & Neha Dhupia) to a stadium worker job backstage, where he learns to face both himself and the world for the first time. 

The screening will be followed by a BSL signed Q&A with director Ali El Arabi.

Booking info

To book Accessible tickets and free Companion tickets, please visit our Accessible Bookings page. Companion tickets will initially show a standard ticket price, but once your account is set-up and you are logged in, this will be reduced to £0 at checkout.

Duration includes trailers, adverts and any Q&A/panel. For events such as NT Live, Colour Box and Reel & Meal there will be minimal advertising. We do not admit latecomers after the main feature has started and we have a limited food & drink policy.

MAC’s cinema programme has been generously supported by BFI Film Audience Network and Film Hub Midlands.

Dates and times