<p><strong>"It's a rich and robust story, full of warmth and humour that reflects the changing face of Auckland's southern suburbs today." - producer Rachel Gardner</strong></p>

<p>The debut feature film from Sima Urale, <em>Apron Strings</em> explores the fine line between mothering and smothering through the sensory metaphor of food. <br /><br />As an Indian family confronts misunderstandings and secrets from the past that tore them apart, another family struggles to break free of a co-dependent stalemate. Three women form the heart of this domestic tale: Lorna, who runs an old-fashioned cake-shop; Tara in her no-frills curry house; and the glamorous Anita, who hosts an Indian cooking show on TV. <br /><br />Set within New Zealand's Sikh community, <em>Apron Strings</em> depicts a vibrant culture that, until now, has been under-represented on the big screen.<br /><br />Director Sima Urale is a guest of the festival.<br /><br />