Indian LGBTQ short films to get theatrical release in eight cities

Kashish Mumbai International Queer Film Festival is all set to create history.
This festival is South Asia’s biggest LGBTQ film festival, is creating a new landmark for Indian LGBTQ short films, with the theatrical release of four short films at a multiplex in Juhu on Jan 21and 22. The films will also be shown in eight cities: Mumbai, New Delhi, Kolkata, Bangalore, Hyderabad, Pune, Nagpur and Chandigarh.
Sridhar Rangayan, founder and festival director of Kashish said, “This is a historic moment in Indian LGBTQ movement – where Indian LGBTQ short films can be watched on the big screen as a ticketed event in a multiplex. We can feel the palpable excitement of the filmmakers who are finding a voice to reach across to audiences. We are thankful to online ticket websites and also the multiplex chain for making this dream come true. We sincerely hope audiences will fill the theaters and give this initiative a big push.”

Konkana Sen Sharma, lead actor of ‘A Monsoon Date’ said, “I’m so excited that our film ‘A Monsoon Date’ is releasing in the theater. This is the first time I’m playing a trans-character, but this definitely not the last. I think when we exclude LGBT from the society, from our films, we tell an incomplete story of the world. That’s why platforms like this are important… to share lives and experiences of a collective humanity. I hope the film and Kashish will spread love and spread pride.”
The directors and actors in the LGBTQ films are all thrilled. Tanuja Chandra, the director of ‘A Monsoon Date’said, “Who would’ve thought this is possible for an LGBTQ film! Audiences in eight cities who would not have attended film festivals can now watch four short films and gain a deeper understanding about people belonging to the LGBTQ community. Is there a bigger purpose that stories can serve or a bigger reason to make them. Fingers crossed, the halls get full for those two days so that we can make more and more of these films.”
Kashish has tied up with various organizations and film clubs to promote the screenings – Queer Azaadi March (Mumbai), FilmBooth (New Delhi), Prantakatha (Kolkata), Pride Circle (Bangalore), Cinephiles Film Club and Hyderabad Swabhimana Yatra (Hyderabad), Out & Loud Pune Queer Film Festival (Pune), Sarathi Trust (Nagpur) and Mangalmukhi Transgender Welfare Board (Chandigarh).

Rohan Kanawade, director of ‘U for Usha’, which has won several international awards said, "For a film aficionado like me, who has been watching films on the silver screen since childhood, this is truly a dream coming true and a milestone in my film-making journey. For a short film, after the film festival run, the only other platform usually is the OTT platforms. But Kashish MIQFF gave us one more platform, theatrical release, which was only reserved for feature films till now. This is not only exciting but also encouraging to me and all the other filmmakers. This initiative will surely encourage Indian short filmmakers to make more and more quality films."
Abhishek Verma, director of ‘The Fish Curry’, the animation short film said, "For us, release of animation short film ‘The Fish Curry’ is considered a major push towards bringing the original kind of content, the medium of animation and acknowledgement of the one of the important subjects in the country. Support and diversity acceptance of Kashish MIQFF is the key that helped in bringing ‘The Fish Curry’ to public in eight cities. It's very encouraging for a short film format. We are happy and honoured of being clubbed with other three important co-selections."
Sudipta Kundu, director of 'Ladli' said, "In a word, I can express my feeling, 'Super Excited'! The theatrical release of 'Ladli' along with filmmakers like Tanuja Chandra makes me feel very special. Moreover, it's a great opportunity for an indie filmmaker like me. The team and I feel proud that we have made a small contribution to this historical event. Such an initiative by Kashish surely helps new filmmakers to come up with in the future."
In Mumbai, the Best of Kashish Theatrical release is part of QAM Mumbai Pride Month activities.
Kashish is also organizing the day-long 3rd Kashish Chalchitra Utsav tomorrow, January 19, at Bombay Art Society, Bandra, where it will showcase regional language Indian LGBTQ films. This is free event open to everyone. It will screen two feature films – 'Kattumaram' (Tamil) and 'Njan Marykutty' (Malayalam), nine short films in various Indian languages, and will also hold a panel discussion: IT’S OUR LIVES!, a discussion about trans identities and Trans Bill.