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Afronauts + Supermen of Malegaon (15*)

Chronic Youth Film Festival 2026

,Cinema 3
Superman and a girl

In an industrial town, a ragtag group of “Mollywood” filmmakers defy the odds (and copyright law) to bring their community together, in Faiza Ahmad Khan’s heart-melting ode to the magic of DIY cinema.

Nasir Sheikh owns a video store in Malegaon, a working-class industrial town in India. He films his own low-budget shorts and screens them in his shop. 

Armed with a camcorder, a green screen and an unwavering self-confidence, Nasir takes on his most ambitious project yet - a Malegaon-set reinterpretation of Superman. The town rallies behind Nasir and his collaborators in a communal act of joy, expression and catharsis. 

Recently adapted into a feature film, Faiza Ahmad Khan’s 2008 documentary is a funny, honest and unexpectedly tender exploration of what it means to create, innovate and share stories with one another. 

This screening will be preceded by Afronauts, a short sci-fi tale about a Zambian outcast turned astronaut, preparing to beat America in the race to reach the moon.

Tagged with: Cinema Chronic Youth Film Festival 2026

Content Warnings: Mild dangerous behaviour and language. If you’d like a more nuanced description of what to expect, please get in touch with the programmers by emailing [email protected].

Film information
  • Release year   2008
  • Country of origin   India/Singapore
  • Director   Faiza Ahmed Khan
  • Runtime   Programme length: 1 hr 21 min

Programme

Supermen of Malegaon

India/Singapore, 2008, Faiza Ahmed Khan, 66 mins, PG

Afronauts

USA, 2013, Nuotama Bodomo, 14 min, 15

Explore the programme

Cinema 3

Location
Barbican Cinema 2 & 3 are located on Beech Street, a short walk from the Barbican’s Silk Street entrance. From Silk Street, you’ll see a zebra crossing that will take you across the road to the venue. 

Address
Beech Street
London
EC2Y 8DS

Public transport
The Barbican is widely accessible by bus, tube, train and by foot or bicycle. Plan your journey and find more route information in ‘Your Visit’ or book your car parking space in advance.