A critical and popular hit in England, "East Is East," the film version of Ayub Khan-Din's same-titled play, will make its New York City debut April 12 at the Village VII Cinema, with proceeds to benefit the New Group.

It's fitting the New York company should reap some rewards from the movie. After all, the New Group gave America the first taste of Khan Din's writing with the 1999 stateside premiere of East is East at Manhattan Theatre Club. New Group artistic director Scott Elliott directed.

"East Is East" is a chronicle of life in a mixed race family -- overseen by a domineering Pakistani father, a liberal English mother -- in England in 1970. Six siblings represent the family's conflicting traditions, mores and loyalties. Om Puri and Linda Bassett star in the film, directed by Damien O'Donnell.

Tickets to the premiere and benefit are $50. A reception at Chaos follows the screening. The Village VII is located at 66 Third Avenue. For information and reservations, call the New Group at (212) 643-6878.

-- By Christine Ehren