The 9th edition of KASHISH Mumbai International Queer Film Festival – South Asia’s biggest LGBTQ film festival – will screen 140 films from 45 countries. India will be the ‘Country In Focus’ – 33 Indian LGBTQ films will be screened at the festival that is scheduled to be held between May 23-27 at two venues in South Mumbai – Liberty Cinema and Metro Inox. The theme this year is “Together, With Pride”.

 

“Out of the total of 140 films being shown at KASHISH, the Indian focus comprises almost 25% of the programming. Many of them are World Premiers or Indian Premiers. Indian LGBTQ films are pushing cinematic boundaries, not only in the content and story, but also in their narrative forms, as well as technical finesse. From films on bullying in colleges, to angst of coming out to oneself, to family, at workplace, to finding love and seeking parental acceptance, the films span the gamut of human emotions. What is heartening is that filmmakers are approaching the topic with diverse perspectives and more sensitive understanding,” said Sridhar Rangayan.

 

National Award winning filmmaker Onir who has also been on the jury member of Kashish, spoke about how important a platform like KASHISH is to nurture independent filmmaking, specially films focused on LGBTQ lives. Onir’s latest film SHAB will be one of the big-ticket films screening at KASHISH 2018 and he hopes that the non-stereotypical portrayal of a gay relationships in his film will resonate with KASHISH audiences.

 

Online registrations are open at https://in.bookmyshow.com/events/kashish-2018/ET00073838