Mumbai, Celebrate Queer Narratives In Cinema At The Kashish Pride Film Festival 2024

Formerly known as the Kashish Mumbai International Queer Film Festival, Kashish has evolved into South Asia's and India's premier LGBTQIA+ film festival since its inception in 2010. Its vision is clear: to amplify the voices of Indian and international queer cinema, fostering understanding, empathy, and acceptance across all communities.

At the heart of Kashish's mission is the belief that art, particularly films, holds the power to catalyze social change. Through its annual festival, Kashish not only showcases a curated selection of LGBTQIA+ films but also takes Indian queer cinema to global platforms while advocating for equality, dignity, and visibility for all gender identities and sexual orientations.

The 2024 edition of Kashish Pride Film Festival unveils a tapestry of queer narratives, with each thread intricately woven to illuminate diverse experiences, struggles, joys, and triumphs. Among the festival's narrative centerpieces is Kaathal (The Core), directed by Jeo Baby. Set in India and spanning 114 minutes, the film delves into the intricacies of personal fulfillment, justice, and marriage dynamics within a tight-knit village community, as retired bank secretary Mathew navigates the realms of politics and personal life.

From international shores comes Housekeeping for Beginners, directed by Goran Stolevski. This 107-minute masterpiece paints a vivid portrait of an unconventional family, showcasing the resilience and strength of a multiethnic queer community facing life's complexities with courage and love.

In the realm of documentaries, Kashish shines a light on impactful stories through lenses that capture raw emotions and authentic experiences. Hues & Blues by Vinayakram C is a 46-minute exploration of individual journeys intertwined by a common thread of queerness; culminating in the creation of India's first queer camping festival, 'URU'.

The festival's international documentary centerpiece, Blue ID, directed by Vuslat Karan and Burcu Melekoglu, offers an intimate glimpse into Rüzgar Erkoçlar's struggle for self-realization and acceptance as a trans man in Turkey's traditional society. This poignant narrative underscores the challenges faced by individuals navigating personal identity amidst societal norms.

Kashish also presents special documentaries and narratives that peel back layers of personal truths and societal expectations. I Am Sirat, directed by Deepa Mehta and Sirat Taneja, follows the journey of Sirat, a transgender woman balancing societal roles and personal identity in New Delhi. Shot on smartphones, this film empowers Sirat to control her narrative and share her authentic self with the world.

In Kuch Sapney Apne (Dreams Such As Ours) by Sridhar Rangayan, relationships are tested and truths revealed; weaving a sensitive and heartwarming narrative about love, challenges, and resilience, regardless of sexual orientation.

As the curtains rise on the Kashish Pride Film Festival 2024, audiences are invited on a transformative journey, where cinema becomes a catalyst for empathy, understanding, and advocacy. Through a rich curation of narratives, Kashish continues to champion diversity, amplify queer voices, and pave the way towards a more equitable and inclusive society for all.

With each film, the festival reaffirms its commitment to celebrating diversity, empowering marginalized voices, and fostering a world where love, acceptance, and respect transcend traditionally defined boundaries.

Kashish Pride Film Festival is spread across 3 venues in Mumbai over 5 days from May 15 to May 19. You can check out the schedule of the films on their website.

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