Cannes Spotlight: Ish
As the film world turns its attention to Cannes, we’re delighted to see ISH - a bold and intimate debut feature by Imran Perretta - included among this year’s compelling new voices.
This striking coming-of-age drama explores friendship, identity and systemic injustice through the lens of two boys on the edge of adolescence. When a traumatic police stop tears their bond apart, Ish is left to navigate the emotional fallout in a world that doesn’t seem to see him, or those like him, clearly.
Produced by Primal Pictures in association with Home Team and Good Chaos, and supported by BBC Film and the BFI, ISH is as lyrically crafted as it is socially resonant. It marks a powerful transition for Perretta, whose moving image work has been exhibited internationally and acquired by major collections, including the Tate and Arts Council England. His work has been acknowledged through major accolades like the Turner Prize Bursary and the Paul Hamlyn Foundation Artist Award.
ISH will feature in the BFI's "GREAT 8" Showcase - a presentation of new UK feature films from some of the UK’s most exciting first-time and early career filmmakers to international distributors and festival programmers, taking place throughout this year’s Cannes Marché.
A Visual Language Rooted in Truth
Visually rich and emotionally layered, ISH continues Perretta’s practice of exploring marginalised experiences through sound and image. You might recognise his name from The Destructors, a short that toured major UK institutions, and his latest gallery work, A Riot in Three Acts, which is currently touring.
It’s been a privilege to support ISH through our secure image handling and cast approval tools - an often overlooked but vital part of protecting trust and integrity of film productions. We’re thrilled to see the film reach international audiences this season.
Photo: Zora Küttner
The Photographers & Publicity Team
Behind the Scenes, Through the Lens
None of this would be possible without the talented stills photographers, Khuram Mirza, Lara Cornell and Ikram Ahmed, along with seasoned publicity team at Christelle & Co. PR working quietly behind the scenes - capturing and promoting fleeting moments that become key to how a production presents itself to the world. On a project like ISH, where tone and authenticity are everything, their eye is instrumental in building trust with cast and crew, and delivering material that reflects the film’s spirit from the inside out.
From capturing powerful stills to navigating scenes with care, they’re a vital part of the image approval process - and we’re proud to support them to ensure their images move smoothly through approvals without losing their creative intent.
Click on the images below to explore the work of the unit photographers who contributed to the visual storytelling of ISH.
Unit stills support for your next production...
Whether you need help sourcing and scheduling your unit photographer, managing image delivery and talent approvals, or help with retouching or captioning, Image Approvals is your one-stop shop for all things stills.
