MUMBAI: Hansal Mehta’s Aligarh is fast becoming a toast of international film festivals. Close on the heels of the announcement of its World Premiere at the Busan International Film Festival comes the news of its selection at the 59th BFI London Film Festival, which is scheduled to take place from 7 to 18 October.

The film will be screened as part of the Festival's Debate strand: Riveting films that amplify scrutinise and surprise.

Mehta brings a sensitive, humane story from small town India with Aligarh. Co-starring Manoj Bajpayee and Rajkummar Rao, the film draws from a real incident that took place in Uttar Pradesh.

 A professor was suspended by his University for being gay after he is caught on camera in a sting operation. A young journalist investigates his first breaking story. Set in the myriad dark lanes of a volatile and decadent society, the two strikes an unlikely friendship that will change them forever.

The invite from Clare Stewart Director of 59th BFI London Film Festival states, "Our programme team found the film to be daring and strong, telling an incredibly important story that London audience will definitely respond to."

Mehta added, "I am touched and very grateful that BFI has positioned Aligarh in such a relevant discussion. I think the recognition that international film festivals are giving us validates our reasons for making this film."

Eros International Media managing director Sunil Lulla said, “At Eros, we take pride in producing films like Aligarh that tell a story with a difference. Hansal Mehta has made a relevant and beautiful film and its screenings at the BFI Film Festival & Busan prove that such films will always find an audience.”