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"Victoria and Abdul" Set to Charm Audiences at KCET's Cinema Series September 19th

September 12, 2017
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For Queen Victoria, every day was the same, until an unlikely new friend helped her discover something different. Abdul Karim arrives from India to participate in Queen Victoria's golden jubilee where the young clerk is surprised to find favor with the queen herself. As Victoria questions the constrictions of her long-held position, the two forge a devoted alliance that her household and inner circle try to destroy. As their friendship deepens, the queen begins to see a changing world through new eyes, joyfully reclaiming her humanity.

This is the extraordinary true and unusual friendship between Queen Victoria and her Indian servant Abdul Karim based on the book by Shrabani Basu. The film stars Academy Award® winner Dame Judi Dench and co-stars Ali Fazal, Eddie Izzard, Adeel Akhtar and Michael Gambon.  The film is directed by Stephen Frears (“The Queen” and “Florence Foster Jenkins”). While the film had its world premiere in London, “Victoria and Abdul” will be released in theatres by Focus Features on September 22. Actor Adeel Akhtar will join KCET Cinema Series and Must See Movies host Pete Hammond for a Q&A immediately following the screening.

“At that time she was an indomitable character and quite cross, and she is a bit tired. Then she meets this young man and suddenly has a kind of interest again in things,” says Dame Judi Dench about her role as Queen Victoria. “There are so many remarkable things about this extraordinary friendship. I think it was like a wonderful injection of youth and enthusiasm, and something new to learn. It was vital for her.”

Deadline.com is the official media sponsor for the fall season of the KCET Cinema Series. The season began on August 15 and runs through October 3. Prorated season passes are available on Eventbrite and individual admissions for $25 each are available at the door. The film begins at 7 p.m. at the Aero Theatre in Santa Monica (1328 Montana Ave, Santa Monica, CA 90403). Nearby street parking is available.

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