"It's a tender and, eventually, joyful film, powered by two extraordinarily lived-in performances from Akhtar and Rushbrook." Little White Lies

Cannes Directors' Fortnight
Toronto International Film Festival
BFI London Film Festival

Both lonely for different reasons, Ali and Ava meet through their shared affection for Sofia, the child of Ali's Slovakian tenants, whom Ava teaches. Ali finds comfort in Ava's warmth and kindness and Ava finds Ali’s complexity and humour irresistible. Over a lunar month, sparks fly and a deep connection begins to grow. However, the legacy of Ava’s past relationship and Ali’s emotional turmoil at the breakdown of his marriage begins to overshadow their newfound passion. Enveloped in music and imbued with humour, ALI & AVA is a deeply touching and compelling contemporary love story written and directed by BAFTA-nominated Clio Barnard.

UK - 2021 - 1h 34m
Directed By: Clio Barnard
Written By: Clio Barnard
Starring: Adeel Akhtar, Claire Rushbrook