Latest news with #WeAreFaheem&Karun
India.com
6 days ago
- Entertainment
- India.com
Indias First LGBTQIA+ Film Badnaam Basti To Screen At Indian Film Festival Of Melbourne 2025
Mumbai: India's first-ever LGBTQ film, 'Badnaam Basti' will open at the Indian Film Festival of Melbourne (IFFM). The organisers confirmed the news on Tuesday, stating that the screening will take place during the IFFM Pride Celebratory Night on August 22. The event aims to offer a "powerful tribute" to queer cinema and queer South Asian identity in Australia. Originally released in 1971, Prem Kapoor's 'Badnaam Basti' is dubbed as India's first queer-themed film, also a "lardmark" in LGBTQIA+ cinema. It focuses on the story of a bus driver and a cleaner, subtly redefining queer representation at the time. The festival organisers also confirmed the screening of filmmaker Onir's 'We Are Faheem & Karun"--another "tender queer love story. Navigating through a moving portrait of identity, friendship, and love, the film speaks to today's youth and breaks barriers with heart and honesty, the organisers added. Speaking about the same, IFFM director Mitu Bhowmick said, "At IFFM, we believe cinema has the power to connect and create conversations. It is our responsibility to reflect on the world we live in, with all its beautiful diversity." Reflecting on the Pride Night, she emphasised that it will not just celebrate queer identity but also reclaim the space that had been long denied to LGBTQIA+ narratives in Indian cinema. Bhowmick said that films like 'Badnaam Basti' and 'We Are Faheem & Karun' will honour the past and embrace a future of inclusive storytelling, as per the press release. The IFFM 2025 marks 16 years of the largest Indian film festival held outside the country. Officially backed by the Government of Victoria, Australia, the festival will screen nearly 75 films, spanning across themes of gender, race, sexuality, disability, and women's representation.
Time of India
10-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Time of India
Kashish 2025 opens with power, pride and performances
South Asia's biggest queer film festival kicks off with heartfelt tributes, strong stories and star presence. The opening night honored A. Revathi with the Rainbow Warrior Award and felicitated Dr. Trinetra Haldar Gummaraju. Actors Akash Menon and Tawseef Mir received the Rainbow Voices Award for 'We Are Faheem & Karun' The 16th edition of the Kashish Mumbai International Queer Film Festival opened to a packed house and thunderous applause, celebrating queer narratives, trailblazing filmmakers, and community solidarity. Held at Liberty Cinema, the opening night brought together acclaimed artists, industry veterans, and fresh voices, setting the tone for five days of cinema, conversation, and connection. Festival director Sridhar Rangayan welcomed an enthusiastic audience alongside a star-studded lineup that included Guneet Monga, Vikramaditya Motwane, Abhishek Chaubey, Shruti Seth, Onir, Sujata Mehta, Sudhanshu Saria, and Siddharth Menon. Advisory board members Arunaraje Patil, Meghna Ghai Puri, Renuka Shahane, and Viveck Vaswani were also in attendance. Vikramaditya Motwane, Guneet Monga, ,Abhishek Chaubey and Renuka Shahane with the Runner-Up of Kashish QDrishti Film Grant, Rayyan Monkey for the script 'Us Girls' Filmmakers Abhishek Chaubey, Vikramaditya Motwane, Onir and (right) actors Rajeshwari Sachdev and Rajit Kapur Sharing her excitement, Guneet Monga said, 'I feel extremely honoured to be a part of the jury this year. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Buy Brass Idols - Handmade Brass Statues for Home & Gifting Luxeartisanship Buy Now Undo Being a part of Kashish, reading these scripts has actually expanded my vocabulary. I got to know about more filmmakers—it really felt beautiful.' Vikramaditya Motwane echoed her thoughts: 'It was a pleasure to read all the LGBTQ+ scripts. We learnt a lot and it gave us great insight into the queer world.' Abhishek Chaubey added, 'It was an absolute privilege to be a part of the Kashish jury. All six scripts were great—it was tough to pick one. I wish we could award all of them.' One of the highlights of the evening was the Rainbow Voices Award presented to actors Akash Menon and Tawseef Mir for their performances in 'We Are Faheem & Karun', directed by Onir. Akash Menon shared, 'I'm deeply grateful and honored to receive the KASHISH Rainbow Voices Award. *We Are Faheem & Karun* was more than just a debut — it was a journey into truth, identity, and love. To be recognized by South Asia's biggest LGBTQ+ film festival, and to follow in the footsteps of incredible artists, is truly humbling. I'm especially grateful to my director, Onir, who was a guiding light during filming and continues to be one in life. This recognition affirms the power of storytelling to spark empathy and change.' Tawseef Mir added, 'This honor means the world to me. *We Are Faheem & Karun* isn't just my debut — it's a piece of my heart, rooted in the soil I come from. To be recognized for a story so close to home is truly overwhelming. I'm deeply thankful to Onir sir, the team, and everyone who believed in a boy from Srinagar with a dream.' Gay rights pioneer Ashok Row Kavi and trans activist, author, and artist A. Revathi Celebrated trans activist, author, and artist A. Revathi was conferred the prestigious Rainbow Warrior Award, which honors LGBTQ+ artists and activists whose work creates lasting impact in the mainstream space. The award was presented by gay rights pioneer Ashok Row Kavi, the first-ever recipient of this honour. In a moving speech, Revathi said, 'When my biographical documentary 'Naam Revathi' was selected and announced as a happy surprise at this film event, the senior social activists who guided us—especially Ashok Row Kavi—were honored with the KASHISH Rainbow Award in 2014. I consider it an honor to have been a voice for sexual minorities, especially as a writer, theatre practitioner, filmmaker, and artist—carrying the tools of struggle for over thirty years. I am especially grateful for this award given to me by my own LGBTQ community, and I extend my heartfelt gratitude to the organizers of the film festival. This recognition inspires me to continue and do even more.' Actor and activist Dr Trinetra Haldar Gummaraju Actor and activist Dr. Trinetra Haldar Gummaraju, best known for Made in Heaven 2, was also felicitated on opening night. 'I'm so deeply honoured to be felicitated by Kashish, a space that has empowered and celebrated queer creatives for 15 years. Since my move to Mumbai, to be held by your own community this way—there is nothing more beautiful. I'm committed to using my voice to tell more and more queer stories,' she said. The evening paid tribute to veteran filmmaker Shyam Benegal, with actors Rajeshwari Sachdev and Rajit Kapur sharing heartfelt memories from their work on the iconic Sooraj Ka Saatvan Ghoda, directed by Benegal. Cultural performances added to the festivities, including a graceful Bharatanatyam recital by Nalanda Kendra and an electrifying performance by drag icon Rani KoHenur / Sushant Divgikar. With 152 films from 48 countries, along with engaging panel discussions and live performances, Kashish 2025 promises to be a vibrant celebration of identity, storytelling, and the unshakable spirit of the queer community.
Indian Express
03-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Indian Express
Daniel Craig's Queer to open Kashish film festival's 16th edition tomorrow
Powered by actor Daniel Craig, Luca Guadagnino-directed Queer will open the 16th edition of Kashish Pride Film Festival, Mumbai's annual LGBTQ+ film festival, on June 4. The festival, which boasts of being 'diverse and inclusive with representation of the complete LGBTQ+ spectrum', will roll out an impressive line-up of 152 films from 48 countries. 'Earlier, we used to have lesbian, gay or transgender movies. Now, the other members of the spectrum, including non-binary and intersex people are making movies. So, the festival is more inclusive now,' says Sridhar Rangayan, the festival's founder director. Its closing film, 'Close To You', features transgender actor Elliot Page in the lead. The festival's opening ceremony will be held at Bandra's St Andrews Auditorium while the screenings will be held at Cinepolis, Andheri West, from June 4-8. It will also hold screenings at Alliance Francaise, Marine Lines, from June 5 to 8. Some of the major films selected for the festival include Shyam Benegal's 'Mandi', Onir's 'We Are Faheem & Karun', Dutch film 'Out' and 'Odd Fish', which is set in an Icelandic township. Director Deborah Alice Craig's 'Sally!', Mikko Mäkelä's 'Sebastian', Emanuel Parvu's 'Three Kilometers to the End of the World', Patricia Ryczko's 'Reset', and Marcelo Caetano's Baby are the other top picks. 'As the festival turns 16, the programming has become more dynamic. A number of films talk about queer parents and parenting challenges. We also have South Asian countries, such as Myanmar and Bhutan, participating this year,' says Saagar Gupta, the festival's artistic director. While holding the festival for 16 years has been a fulfilling experience, the team has also been dealing with several challenges. 'Across the world, it has become financially challenging to hold a film festival. Donald Trump's anti-LGBTQ+ stand and the UK's trans-phobic policies have made it even more difficult for us. We are supported by the diversity and inclusion budget of corporate companies in India. It's becoming tough to access that,' says Rangayan. Recounting the journey of Kashish, Rangayan shares that in April 2010, its inaugural edition was held at PVR, Juhu, with the aim of creating a 'mainstream space' where the members of queer community as well as their allies could mingle. 'During the pre-Kashish period, we had held screenings of queer films at National College, Bandra, and British Council or Alliance Française. The 2009 Delhi High Court verdict (which decriminalised homosexual acts), gave us the impetus to organise a festival that's more mainstream in nature,' he recalls and adds that it is the first Indian LGBTQ+ festival to be held with approval by the Information & Broadcasting Ministry. Apart from creating a mainstream feel, the festival's aim has been to provide a big-screen experience to delegates as well as make sure they enjoy watching queer movies with their partners, friends and family without 'a sense of shame or guilt', says Rangayan. The festival moved Liberty Cinema in 2014 to accommodate a large number of delegates. This year, the first phase of the festival is being held at Cinepolis and Rangayan hopes it will draw youngsters to the screenings there. The festival schedule and other details can be found at
Time of India
21-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Time of India
Daniel Craig's Queer and Elliot Page's Close To You to Bookend KASHISH 2025
Mumbai's KASHISH Pride Film Festival marks its 16th edition in June 2025, showcasing 152 LGBTQ+ films from 48 countries. Opening with 'Queer' and closing with 'Close To You,' the festival emphasizes 'Love = Peace' and celebrates diverse stories. The event features Indian cinema, including Onir's 'We Are Faheem & Karun,' and honors Shyam Benegal with a screening of 'Mandi'. Mumbai's iconic KASHISH Pride Film Festival returns for its 16th edition this June, once again asserting its place as South Asia's biggest LGBTQ+ film festival. The 2025 edition will run from June 4 to June 8, kicking off with an opening ceremony at St. Andrews Auditorium, Bandra, followed by screenings at Cinepolis, Andheri West and Alliance Française, Marine Lines. Global Highlights, Local Voices A total of 152 films from 48 countries will be screened, with entries from as far afield as Iceland, Peru, Serbia, Uzbekistan, Nigeria, and Palestine. The strong South Asian presence continues with films from India, Bangladesh, and Bhutan. India leads the tally with 37 films, followed by the USA (34) and the UK (19). This year's selection includes a dynamic mix of documentaries, short films, and narratives that reflect a broad and evolving LGBTQ+ experience. 'Queer' to open, 'Close To You' to close The festival opens with Queer, a film by Luca Guadagnino, featuring Daniel Craig, and concludes with Close To You, directed by Dominic Savage and starring Elliot Page, who also serves as producer. Other notable international titles include the Dutch documentary Out by Dennis Alink, and Odd Fish by Snævar Sölvason, set in an Icelandic coastal town. A Movement, Not Just a Festival 'KASHISH has always taken on challenges in its stride and emerged stronger,' said Sridhar Rangayan, Founder and Festival Director. 'With our move back to the suburbs and a line-up that appeals to younger audiences, the festival hopes to infuse new energy. Sixteen years ago, we laid the first bricks of Indian queer cinema . Today, we're witnessing an entire movement rising — brave, brilliant, and uncompromising.' This year's theme, 'Love = Peace,' carries added resonance. 'Peace isn't just the absence of conflict — it's the presence of love,' said Saagar Gupta, Artistic Director. 'Love for who we are, for each other, and for every identity that makes us whole.' Indian Cinema in Focus The Indian Narrative Centrepiece is Onir's award-winning We Are Faheem & Karun, while the International Narrative Centrepiece is Three Kilometers To The End Of The World by Romanian director Emanuel Pârvu. KASHISH will also pay tribute to its patron Shyam Benegal with a screening of his landmark 1983 film Mandi, featuring a star-studded cast including Shabana Azmi, Smita Patil, Neena Gupta, Naseeruddin Shah, and Pankaj Kapur. Open to All The festival promises a celebration of diverse LGBTQ+ stories and offers discounted registrations for students, senior citizens, and transgender persons. With a compelling mix of cinema, conversation, and community, KASHISH 2025 aims to be more than a festival—it's a space for visibility, pride, and cultural dialogue.
