14 May,2024 04:31 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondent
Image for representational purposes only. Photo Courtesy: iStock
Among many other things that Mumbai is known for, it is also popular for its arts and cultural festivals. KASHISH Pride Film Festival, one of the most celebrated film festivals in the country is back to the bay.
This year's theme is âUnfurl Your Pride', an invitation for everyone to come to KASHISH with their true and complete self, holding their head high with pride.
Sridhar Rangayan, festival director, says, "As with any international festival, there is a lot of buzz around some of the films. While we love each and every one of the 133 films we are screening, we have put together 15 films that are the buzziest in the 15th edition of KASHISH Pride Film Festival. They stand out either through their narrative approaches, or the unique standpoint the filmmaker takes; or some films that raise uncomfortable questions which are necessary, while others bring out the joys and triumphs of the community. Each of these films are a must see, and we hope you manage to catch them all."
If you have been planning to attend this film festival, we share some key highlights you must check out.
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1. The festival was first organised in 2010, this year being its 15th edition. The festival was also conducted during the pandemic years.
2. This year festival changed its name to KASHISH Pride Film Festival, from KASHISH Mumbai International Queer Film Festival, to be more inclusive of LGBTQ+ communities as well as allies who attend the festival, and to make it one of the film festivals to reckon with nationally.
3. KASHISH 2024 is being held from May 15-19 at three venues, Liberty Cinema and Alliance Francaise in South Mumbai and Cinepolis in Andheri West.
4. 133 films from 46 countries are being showcased this year with 33 feature-length narrative and documentary films.
5. 45 films in 11 competition categories, along with five screenplays are competing for a total cash award of rupees seven lakh - highest ever at KASHISH.
6. For the first time KASHISH will be hosting the Asia Pacific Queer Film Festival Alliance award to give away the Best APQFFA short film award with a cash prize of US $ 1000, supported by GagaOOLala, a Taiwanese OTT platform.
7. The festival has introduced a new category this year - Best Indian Film on Mental Health, supported by Keshav Suri Foundation.
8. The festival is set to screen 12 world premieres, 56 Asian premieres and 89 Indian premieres.
9. The festival will also see 10 films made by transgender-identifying filmmakers, including transwomen, transmasculine and non-binary filmmakers.
10. Some films will also focus on elderly queer persons with seven films about elderly gay, lesbian and trans folks.
11. Eminent jury panels will comprise award-winning filmmakers, popular actors and media personalities who will pick the winners on the closing night.
12. The famous Lola Kutty aka Anu Menon and Seductress Soniqa will host the opening ceremony on May 15.
13. Popular media personalities, Rohini Ramnathan and Rohan Joshi will host the closing ceremony.
14. Opening night will feature a stand-up act by Varun Grover and a Kathak-Lavani dance by Aditi Bhagwat and troupe; the Closing Ceremony will feature a classical dance by Sunil Sunkara and troupe, and a vibrant dance performance by the queer group Colour Positive.
15. Lastly, a chat with Nandita Das on May 18 and several other panel discussions will be held including a Sweekar The Rainbow Parents group meet.
