KASHISH Mumbai International Queer Film Festival

KASHISH 2012 Poster Contest

2012-02-25T02:45:00.003-08:00

Design the official poster for KASHISH 2012, India’s biggest international queer film festival. Test your creative instincts, get an international platform for your work and of course win exciting rewards.

KASHISH 2012 will be held between May 23-27, 2012 in Mumbai. Now, you can be a part of the festival by designing its official POSTER. The design will also feature on hoardings, print and online advertisements, catalogue cover, banners, cinema slides and delegate cards.

Entries will be judged by an eminent panel of artists and designers and a celebrity!

Award with benefits for winning entry!!

What to Enter

A Poster design that encompasses a sense of ‘queer / LGBT’ and ‘cinema’ in its broadest or subtle understanding

How to Enter

Poster Design must include the following:

- KASHISH logo (available at http://tinyurl.com/76vhsx3 )

- Tagline: India’s Biggest Queer Film Festival – For Everyone

- Date: May 23-27, 2012

- Space for logos of organizers and partners (to be inserted later)

Poster size: A2 size (420 x 594 mm or 16.5 x 23.4 inches VERTICAL / PORTRAIT)
Poster design must be sent in JPEG format. Upon selection it should be available as a Corel Draw, Adobe Photoshop, Adobe Illustrator file or as an uncompressed PDF file.
All images used in the poster MUST be free of copyright infringements

Design Competition FAQs

What is the deadline?

The deadline for submission of entries will be 15^th March 2012 at 12:00 PM (IST)

How many entries can I submit?

Participants are allowed to submit TWO (2) entries. Anyone found to have submitted more than that will be disqualified

Where do I submit or send my design?

Fill in the submission form and mail a high resolution jpeg (max 5mb) to info.kashishmiqff@gmail.com

How does the judging take place?

The panel of judges is a team of professional artists and designers and a celebrity! Their decision of the poster selection will be based on innovation, relevance, authenticity and charisma. Their decision will be the final verdict and cannot be disputed.

Can I re-use the design for other projects?

All submissions become the property of KASHISH.

Will I get any credit if my design is selected?

There will be credits to the designer.

Is there any other reward if my design is selected?

The winner will receive his award at the KASHISH 2012 awards ceremony. This will include a KASHISH award plaque, a copy of the poster, a KASHISH T-shirt and a Festival Guest Pass that allows entry to all festival events.

KASHISH 2012 - POSTER COMPETITION : Logo and earlier Posters

2012-02-18T00:35:00.002-08:00

KASHISH LOGO - JPEG

KASHISH LOGO - GIF

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KASHISH 2010 POSTER

KASHISH 2011 POSTER

KASHISH 2012: Call for film submissions

2011-11-01T23:16:00.000-07:00

We are back with a bang! India’s Biggest Queer Film Festival returns for its third edition in 2012. Submissions are now open for all categories, including for the competition section. Filmmakers from India and across the world can submit features, documentaries and short films that highlight/focus on Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual, Transgender, Queer themes and expressions.

KASHISH Mumbai International Queer Film Festival is the first and only gay & lesbian film festival in India to be held in a mainstream theatre and the only queer festival to receive clearance from the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting

KASHISH 2012 will be held in Mumbai from May 23-27, 2012 simultaneously at two venues - a mainstream multiplex theatre and at Alliance Francaise de Bombay. The festival is organized by Solaris Pictures and Bombay Dost in association with The Humsafar Trust.

While the landmark first edition was held at PVR Cinemas, Juhu, from April 22-25, 2010 and screened 110 films from 25 countries, the second edition was held at Cinemax, Versova between May 25-29, 2011 and proved to bigger, bolder and queerer. Both the years, the festival was held simultaneously in South Mumbai at Alliance Francaise de Bombay.

The second edition in 2011 screened 124 films from 23 countries over five days and had 67.5% capacity turnout with about 6225 audience footfalls. Seven films were awarded with the KASHISH 2011 trophies. The guests featured A-list Bollywood actors and actresses, eminent filmmakers and critics, young filmmakers and actors as well as four international filmmakers - Q.Allan Brocka (USA), Rikki Beadle-Blair (UK), Georgette Okey (UK) and John Badalu (Indonesia).

LAST DATE FOR SUBMISSION: JANUARY 15, 2012

Rules for submission:

· Filmmakers from India and across the world can submit features, documentaries and short films that highlight/focus on Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual, Transgender, Queer themes and expressions.

· There is no SUBMISSION FEE to submit the film. Also the festival does not pay Screening Fee since it believes in investing all its resources in showcasing the films to the best possible extent.

· All films, including those in the English language, SHOULD be subtitled in English.

· The festival has both competitive and non-competitive sections.

· Only films completed after January 1, 2009 can be submitted. Only films completed after January 1, 2011 will be eligible for Competition.

· LAST DATE FOR SUBMISSION: JANUARY 15, 2012 (postmarked).

· The festival encourages you to apply early since previews begin mid November.

How to submit your film?

This year we have tried to move into a paperless submission process. Please fill out the KASHISH 2012 ONLINE FILM SUBMISSION FORM at the following link:

https://www.surveymonkey.com/s/KASHISH2012-FILMSUBMISSION

After filling out the form, you will be advised where to send the DVD or Digital file of your film. We look forward to receiving your film and participation with your film in KASHISH 2012.

For information about the festival, please visit official website http://mumbaiqueerfest.com or official blog http://kashishmiqff.blogspot.com.

For inquiries email us at: kashish.miqff@gmail.com

KASHISH 2011 FESTIVAL CATALOG

2011-05-25T19:36:00.000-07:00

CHECK OUT THE KASHISH 2011 FESTIVAL CATALOG ONLINE
http://issuu.com/kashish/docs/kashish_festival_web

You can also Download Festival Catalog pdf here

KASHISH - Desiboys Contest

2011-05-22T22:55:00.001-07:00

KASHISH 2011 - SCHEDULE

2011-05-22T12:08:00.000-07:00

CINEMAX VERSOVA - SCREEN 1

Cinemax May 25, 26 Cinemax May 27

Cinemax May 28 Cinemax May 29

ALLIANCE FRANCAISE DE BOMBAY

Alliance May 26 Alliance May 27

Alliance May 28

Please click HERE to download FULL SCHEDULE

2011-05-11T11:48:00.000-07:00

KASHISH 2011 - FILM LINE UP

2011-05-11T11:47:00.000-07:00

INDIA'S BIGGEST QUEER FILM FESTIVAL announces its FILM LINE UP

124 ffilms / 23 countries

This year the KASHISH received 202 films from all over the world.

Out of which 124 films are short-listed to screen in this year’s edition.

Out of these short-listed films, 34 films are in competition which will be judged by a panel of eminent filmmakers, actors, and critic. While the names for this year’s Jury members will soon be announced, the list for this year’s short-listed films as well as the films in various competition categories is below.

Have you registerd yet? If not, please download the form at http://mumabiqueerfest.com/and ensure your delegate badge.

KASHISH 2011 FILM LINE-UP

Argentina

Let The World Know About Me - dir: Mariana Giordano 2010 /14’ 00” / International Short Fiction Competition

Plan B - dir: Marco Berger/ 2009 / 103’ 00”

Australia

Duck Soup - dir: Kathryn Goldie / 2007 / 3’ 36”

Healing Waters - dir: Nickolas Bird / 2011 / 8’ 35”

Honeypot - dir: Julien Leyre / 2010 / 5’ 32” / International Short Fiction Competition*

Projecting The Body - dir: Walter Mclntosh / 2008 / 55' 00''

Unmade - dir: Nick Atkins/Katie Amos/Patrick McCoy / 2010 / 12’ 00”

Belgium

Live A Bit Longer - dir: David Lambert / 2009 / 17’ 00”

Brazil

After Lunch - dir: Rodrigo Diaz Diaz / 2010 / 13’ 00” / International Short Fiction Competition

Five Minutes - dir: Ricky Mastro / 2008 /10’ 00”

From Beginning To End - dir: Aluisio Abranches / 2010 / 94’ 00” / Narrative Feature Competition

Professor Godoy - dir: Gui Ashcar / 2009 / 14’ 00”

The Strongest : dir: Ricky Mastro / 2009 / 15’ 00”

Canada

Confession - dir: Abby Lambert / 2009 / 1’ 56”

New Skin - dir: Bretten Hannam / 2008 / 19’ 00”

France

Birth (2) - dir: Antony Hickling / 2010 / 7’ 43”

The Bisexual Revolution - dir: Laure Michel/Eric Wastiaux / 2010 / 58’ 00”

Germany

Cakes And Sand - dir: Christoph Scheermann / 2010 / 15’ 42”

Fresh Air Therapy - dir: Christoph Scheermann / 2010 / 6’ 00” / International Short Fiction Competition*

Hermann - dir: Hana Geissendorfer / 2010 / 26’ 00”

India

Amen - dir: Ranadeep Bhattacharyya/Judhajit Bagchi / 2010 / 24’ 00” / Indian Short Fiction Competition

Challenge - dir: Pavan/Kiran/Christy_2010_4’30”

Creatures - dir: B.Ilangovan / 2010 / 29’ 00” / Documentary Short Competition

Credit - dir: Ankit Pahwa / 2010 / 27’ 00”

Diaries Of Transformation - dir: Anirban Ghosh / 2010 / 70’ 00”

Festival Of Love - dir: Gayathri/Bharathi/Rajesh / 2010 / 9’ 10” / Indian Short Fiction Competition*

The Flower Bud - dir: Shumona Banerjee / 2010 / 10’ 31” / Indian Short Fiction Competition*

I Am - dir: Onir / 2010 / 80’ 00” / Narrative Feature Competition

I Am A Woman Too - dir: V. Ramanathan / 2009 / 10’00” *

In The Closet - dir: Mathew Menacherry/Miriam Chandy Menacherry / 2010 / 5’38” / Indian Short Fiction Competition*

Let There be Light - dir: Som / 2010 / 18’ 00”

A Little Less Something - dir: Siddharth K. S. / 2010 / 47’ 00” / Indian Short Fiction Competition

More Than A Friend - dir: Debalina Majumder / 2010 / 35’ 06” / Documentary Short Competition

On The Prowl - dir: Henry/Charan/Sandeep / 2010 / 4’ 18” / Indian Short Fiction Competition

Oo! Fxxx!! - dir: Lokiish Tod / 2010 / 8’ 00” / Indian Short Fiction Competition

Through Our Viewfinder - dir: Jasmine K Roy/Avinash Roy / 2010 / 28’ 00”

The Truth - dir: Faraz Haider / 2009 / 20’ 58”

Umang_Honney Singh/Romeey_2010_100’00”

India/USA

I Am - dir: Sonali Gulati / 2011 / 71’ 00” / Documentary Feature Competition

Family In Frame - dir: Neelu Bhuman / 2010 / 7’ 00” / Documentary Short Competition

Indonesia

Boy Crush - dir: Sigi Wimala / 2009 / 12’ 00”

The Clown And The Bride - dir: Billy Christian / 2009 / 27’ 00”

The Game Kiss - dir: Paul Agusta / 2010 / 8’ 00”

Indonesia/Australia

Hypocrite - dir: Dirgayuza Setiawan / 2010 / 14’ 00”

Israel

Deep Red - dir: Eddie Tapero / 2009 / 19’ 00”

Ishihara - dir: Yoav Brill / 2010 / 6’ 04” / International Short Fiction Competition*

Play Was Over - dir: Dirgayuza Setiawan / 2010 / 14’ 00”

Shotgun - dir: Ronny Hirschmann / 2007 / 17’ 00”

Tryout - dir: Nimrod Rinot / 2007 / 16’ 00”

A Word - dir: Dirgayuza Setiawan / 2010 / 14’ 00” / nternational Short Fiction Competition

Israel/Germany

I Shot My Love - dir: Tomer Heymann / 2010 / 70’ 00” / Documentary Feature Competition

Italy / India

365 Without 377 - dir: Adele Tulli / 2011 / 55’ 00”

Nepal/USA

Other Nature - dir: Nani Sahra Walker / 2010 / 57’ 00”

Peru/Columbia/Germany/France

Undertow - dir: Javier Fuentes-León / 2009 / 100' 00"

Poland

Close - dir: Lucia Von Horn Pagano / 2008 / 8’ 12”

Russia

In The Theme - dir: Olga Popova / 2008 / 14’ 00”

Singapore

Masala Mama - dir: Michael Kam / 2010 / 9’ 00” *

Swing - dir: Leon Cheo / 2009 / 6’ 00”

Watching Pan - dir: Ho Rui An / 2010 / 22’ 03”

Spain

Equals? - dir: Javier De la Torre / 2008 / 14’ 00”

Sweden

Birthday - dir: Jenifer Malmqvist / 2010 / 18’ 00” / International Short Fiction Competition

Switzerland

510 Meters Above Sea Level - dir: Kerstin Polte / 2008 / 16’ 00”

Taiwan

The Best Is Yet to Come - dir: Eunice Wu / 2009 / 15’ 22”

The Chef’s Letter - dir: Sybil H. Mair / 2008 / 14’ 00”

Constable 027 - dir: Christopher Lee Ball / 2009 / 8’ 15”

Decoding Alan Turing - dir: Christopher Racster / 2008 / 17’ 00”

Fit - dir: Rikki Beddle-Blair / 2010 / 105’ 00”

Gently - dir: Rikki Beddle-Blair / 2009 / 15’ 00”

Kickoff - dir: Rikki Beddle-Blair / 2010 / 101’ 00”

Matchmaker - dir: Georgette Okey / 2010 / 9’ 00” *

Pictures Of Zain -dir: Faryal Velmi / 2010 / 17’ 00” / International Short Fiction Competition

USA

575 Castro Street - dir: Jenni Olson / 2008 / 7’ 00”

At Night I Was Beautiful - dir: Steven Wilsey / 2010 / 10’ 00” / Documentary Short Competition

Ajumma! Are You Krazy??? - dir: Brent Anbe / 2009 / 25’ 45”

The Back Room - dir: Greg Ivan Smith / 2008 / 16’ 13”

Bedfellows - dir: Pierre Stefanos / 2009 / 15’ 15”

Billy And Aaron - dir: Rodney Evans / 2010 / 10’ 08”

Bloomington - dir: Fernanda Cardoso / 2010 / 83’ 00” / Narrative Feature Competition

Blue Diary - dir: Jenni Olson / 1997 / 7’ 00”

Blueprint - dir: Kirk Shannon-Butts / 2007 / 75’ 00”

Boy Culture - dir: Q. Allan Brocka / 2006 / 88’ 00”

Broken Hart - dir: Michael Allen Angel / 2009 / 25’ 14”

Bullied - dir: Bill Brummel/Geoffrey Sharp / 2010 / 40’ 00” / Documentary Short Competition

Bullycides - dir: Jacqueline Gares / 2010 / 14’ 54”

Bye Bi Love - Giovanna Chesler / 2010 / 17’ 00” / International Short Fiction Competition

City Of Borders - dir: Yun Suh / 2009 / 66’ 00”

Cried Suicide - dir: Lauren Palmigiano / 2010 / 13’ 42” / International Short Fiction Competition

Curious Thing - dir: Alain Hain / 2009 / 9’ 00”

Eating Out - dir: Q. Allan Brocka / 2005 / 88’ 00”

Eating Out - All You Can Eat dir: Q.Allan Brocka / 2009 / 80’ 00”

Elena Undone - dir: Nicole Cann / 2010 / 111’ 00” / Narrative Feature Competition

Fixing Frank - dir: Michael Selditch / 2001 / 104’ 00”

Four Play: San Francisco - dir: Kyle Henry / 2010 / 26’ 00”

Gayby - dir: Jonathan Lisecki / 2010 / 12’ 00”

Gender Busters - dir: Sam Berliner / 2010 / 6’ 00”

Going All Out For Equity - dir: Gabriel London / 2010 / 2’ 00”

He She We - dir: Branden Blinn / 2010 / 10’ 17”

Heart Breaks Open - dir: Billie Rain / 2011 / 81’ 00”

I Saw U - dir: Maile Martinez/Lane Stroud / 2010 / 9’ 00”

The In-Between - dir: Alain Hain / 2010 / 10’ 00”

The Joy Of Life - dir: Jenni Olson / 2005 / 65’ 00”

A Lack Of Gravity - dir: Alain Hain / 2010 / 13’ 00” / International Short Fiction Competition

Last Address - dir: Ira Sachs / 2009 / 9’ 00”

Last Call - dir: Nick Corporon / 2009 / 18’ 00”

Legally Challenged - dir: Priti Narayanan / 2010 / 15’ 00”

Loop Planes - dir: Robin Wilby / 2010 / 11’ 07”

The Lusty Gypsies - dir: Nikki Lee Taylor / 2010 / 8’ 00”

Meep Meep! - dir:Jenni Olson / 2000 / 1’ 00”

Nothing Happened - dir: Julia Kots / 2009 / 9’ 56” *

Organism - dir: Nina Reyes Rosenberg / 2009 / 14’ 00”

Out In The Silence - dir: Joe Wilson/Dean Hamer / 2010 / 65’ 00” / Documentary Feature Competition

Public Relations - dir:_Gianna Sobol_2009_17’00”

The Queen - dir: Christina Choe / 2010 / 8’ 00” / International Short Fiction Competition

Remember Me In Red - dir: Hector Ceballos / 2010 / 15’ 21” / International Short Fiction Competition

Save Me - dir: Robert Cary / 2007 / 96’ 00”

Sometimes - dir: Jenni Olson / 1994 / 1’ 00”

Spiral Transition - dir: Ewan Duarte / 2010 / 6’ 00”

The Stranger In US - dir:_Scott Boswell / 2010 / 107’ 00” / Narrative Feature Competition

Three Minutes - dir: Jenn Garrison / 2009 / 3’ 30””

Three Veils - dir: Rolla Selbak / 2010 / 117’ 00”

Two Beds - dir: Kanako Wynkoop / 2010 / 8’ 00”

We Were Here - dir: David Weissman/Bill Weber / 2011 / 90’ 00” / Documentary Feature Competition

You Move Me - dir: Gina Hirsch / 2010 / 12’ 00” / International Short Fiction Competition

You Should Meet My Son - dir: Keith Hartman / 2010 / 86’ 00”

* Film is also part of KASHISH Coffee Break Online competition

http://indieflix.com/festivalsonline/

The synopsis and schedule will be up soon at http://mumbaiqueerfest.com.

KASHISH 2011 - REGISTRATION NOW OPEN

2011-05-07T21:28:00.000-07:00

Registration for KASHISH 2011 - 2nd Mumbai International Queer Film Festival is NOW OPEN.

The film festival will be held at Cinemax Versova (Infinity Mall, Andheri West) from May 25-29, 2011 and Alliance Francaise (Marine Lines) from May 26-28, 2011.

Entry to the festival is FREE OF COST. But everyone who wishes to attend the film festival HAS to be a Registered Delegate. They should fill out the Registration Form below and mail it to info.kashishmiqff@gmail.com

The Delegate Badges has to be picked up at the venue that you indicate in the form. However the badge would be valid for both venues on all days of the festival EXCEPT the Opening Night on May 25th at Cinemax Versova, which is ONLY by invitation.

CLICK HERE TO DOWNLOAD FORM
(a blank screen may appear, but look for the downloaded form in your download folder)
Please mail completed forms to info.kashishmiqff@gmail.com

KASHISH 2011 Poster

2011-05-07T21:21:00.000-07:00

Volunteering with KASHISH 2011

2011-04-26T00:30:00.000-07:00

KASHISH 2011 is looking for Volunteers.

Sign up as a volunteer and get a bird's eye view of the action - meet and interact with filmmakers and audiences from across India and the world, help run the venues, act as interpreters, work on the festival newsletter and in your spare time watch path breaking queer films.

Please read more about Volunteering Opportunities & Benefits : Download Here

To enlist as a Volunteer for KASHISH 2011 please fill out the Volunteer Form Download Here

If you have any queries, please write to: info.kashishmiqff@gmail.com

2011-04-13T03:07:00.001-07:00

KASHISH 2011 - Dates and Highlights announced

2011-03-31T20:43:00.000-07:00

KASHISH Mumbai International Queer Film Festival 2011, the second edition of India’s only mainstream LGBT film fest, promises to be BIGGER, BOLDER & QUEERER. The second edition will be held from May 25-29, 2011 at two venues in Mumbai, one of which will be a multiplex theater.

This year, the festival will showcase more than 130 films from over 25 countries.

The highlights this year:

- More feature length films than last year with some very sensitive lesbian themed features.

- Films from across the globe: from US to UK, Australia to Austria, India to Indonesia and even Argentina and Peru.

- This year, the ‘Country Focus’ will be on Israel with more than 8 films from there.

- ‘Spotlight on Filmmaker’ will shine on a US filmmaker and a UK filmmaker with their funny, sexy and thought provoking films.

- Special package of films on Anti-Bullying and gay bashing in schools followed by a panel discussion.

- Continuing KASHISH’s mission of showcasing and promoting Indian queer shorts and short filmmakers, this year would have a fantastic collection under its ‘Indian Masala Mix’ program.

- A competition section for Best Narrative Feature too, which would include both Indian and International films made in 2010 / 2011. This is in addition to the other competitive categories awarded last year: Best Docu Feature, Best Docu Short, Best International Narrative Short and Best Indian Narrative Short.

- The Best Indian queer short film at Kashish gets to compete for the Iris Prize in UK and a cash prize of 25,000 pounds.

- Also watch out for an eminent jury comprising of award winning filmmakers, actors and media professionals.

KASHISH 2011 promises to be an event to remember for both LGBT and mainstream audiences. It will be a time to watch loads and loads of LGBT films, engage in discussions, interact with celebrities and filmmakers, participate in cultural activities and just simply have a FABULOUS time!

For further updates and information on the festival, please check:

Website: http://www.mumbaiqueerfest.com/ | Blog: http://kashishmiqff.blogspot.com/

Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/Kashish.MIQFF | Twitter: http://twitter.com/Kashish2011

KASHISH 2011 - CALL FOR ENTRIES & ENTRY FORM

2010-11-18T23:40:00.000-08:00

It is time once again to get ready for India’s largest mainstream queer film festival: KASHISH Mumbai International Queer Film Festival .

The first edition of KASHISH Mumbai International Queer Film Festival 2010 organized by Solaris Pictures and Bombay Dost in association with The Humsafar Trust was held from April 22-25, 2010 turned out to be a milestone event in LGBT movement in India.

It had many first - the first ever queer film festival in India to be held in a mainstream theatre: PVR Cinemas; the first queer film festival in India to apply for and obtain an exemption from the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting and the first ever queer film festival in India to have competitive categories and cash awards.

KASHISH Mumbai International Queer Film Festival 2011 to be held in April 2011 intends to be BIGGER, BOLDER and QUEERER.

We call upon filmmakers, both in India and across the world, to submit shorts, features and documentaries that highlight / focus on gay, lesbian, bisexual, or transgender characters, communities and expressions.

Download CALL FOR ENTRIES AND ENTRY FORM here Doc PDF

LAST DATE FOR SENDING ENTRIES: JANUARY 15, 2011

KASHISH at Q! Film Festival, Indonesia

2010-11-11T22:07:00.000-08:00

KASHISH SHORTS I - ENGAYGING LIVES, SPEAK UP! IT IS NOT YOUR FAULT, XXWHY
Showing:

Jakarta:26 Sep, Subtitles 18.00 | 30 Sep, CCF 17.00

http://www.q-munity.org/?page=film&id=11

KASHISH SHORTS II - ASTITVA, BIRTHDAY, RONNIE, THE MISSING COLORS, FLYING INSIDE MY BODY
Showing:

Jakarta:25 Sep, Kineforum 14.15 | 29 Sep, CCF 17.00

http://www.q-munity.org/?page=film&id=12

Award Winning Gay Films from KASHISH – Mumbai International Queer Film Festival 2010 to screen in Mumbai again

2010-09-03T00:52:00.000-07:00

This weekend in Mumbai, award winning films from the largest queer film festival in India - KASHISH – Mumbai International Queer Film Festival 2010 will be screened again due to popular demand. Shorts films 'Steam' (USA) , 'Dirty Magazines' (USA), 'I am Gay' (Sweden) and the rom-com feature 'Oh Happy Day' (UK) will comprise the four film package to be screened as part of Bombay Dost's Sunday High screening series on September 5th. Four more award winning films will be screened on Sept 19th.

Kashish 2010 - Mumbai International Queer Film Festival 2010 turned out to be a milestone event in LGBT movement in India. It was the first ever queer film festival in India to be held in a mainstream theatre PVR Cinemas. It was also the first queer film festival in India to apply for and obtain an exemption from the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting.

The four days of the film festival drew an unprecedented audience turnout of over 1200 people who came to watch 110 films from 25 countries. The festival was supported by a host of Bollywood celebrities like Rahul Bose, Manisha Koirala, Zeenat Aman, Sanjay Suri, Purab Kohli, Celina Jaitley, etc. There was coverage in more than 200 news sites, ezines and blogs with exclusive spreads in several mainstream newspapers in India as well as leading international newspapers.

The panel discussions and interaction with filmmakers and resource persons highlighted several issues related to LGBT community. This not only mainstreamed queer visibility, but also presumably empowered the LGBT persons.

Kashish 2010 - Mumbai International Queer Film Festival 2010 was organized by Solaris Pictures and Bombay Dost in association with The Humsafar Trust. It was supported by UNDP, UNAIDS and Movies That Matter.

September 5^th

1. STEAM

(2009) 15.30 min / Short / USA / Dir: Eldar Rapaport

Two guys who are stuck in a steam room with no exits try to figure out the situation and each other.

Winner - Best International Short - Jury Citation: A compelling thriller, it encompasses a whole socio-political world with deft, cinematic brilliance.

2. DIRTY MAGAZINES

(2008) 39 min / Short / USA / Dir: Jay J. Levy

In the 1980s, a mother-son relationship takes a wild left turn after she finds adult gay magazines under her son’s bed on his birthday.

Winner -Special Jury Award - Jury Citation: An over-the-edge view of a real situation, that makes its point with sensitivity

3. I AM GAY (Jag Ar Bog)

(2008) 14.30 min / Short / SWEDEN / Dir: Nicolos Kolovos

A humorous glimpse into a young man’s dilemma about how to reveal his secret to his Greek-Swedish family which is quite orthodox. He finally designs his own unique way!

Special Jury Award - Jury Citation: A humorous look at the agonies of coming out in a traditional family

4. OH HAPPY DAY

(2007) 100 min / Feature / UK / Dir: Ian Poitier

In advertising, being true to oneself is a hard pill to swallow… Oh Happy Day is a comedic romp through London's white collar boardrooms n bedrooms. Jonathan and David meet at a formal black-tie dinner and end up spending the night together at Jonathan’s London flat. The budding relationship faces its first challenge the very next morning when Jonathan discovers that David is his “new client” at the marketing firm where he works.

Audience Favourite (based on survey feedback)

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Date: September 5, 2010

Time: 5pm to 8pm.

Venue: The Humsafar Trust's Drop-in Centre, 4th floor, Municipal Transit Building (Vakola Municipal Market Building), Near Raheja Point and Vakola Masjid, Santacruz (East), Mumbai.

Getting there: It's approximately minimum fare by auto-rickshaw from Santacruz station (East). You could also take routes 311 or 313. The same routes also operate from Kurla (West) station..

Programme Courtesy: KASHISH – Mumbai International Queer Film Festival

Space courtesy: The Humsafar Trust.

Links: http://bombay-dost.pbworks.com/ http://www.mumbaiqueerfest.com

Note: More KASHISH award winners will be screened on September 19, 2010

Kashish Award Winners Speak...

2010-05-05T06:22:00.000-07:00

Category: Best Documentary Short

Title: XXWhy

We would like to thank the eminent jury members of Kashih Film Festival and its well meaningful organisers who were bold enough to give the best short documentary award to a novice film maker like me.

In a fluid world of shifting boundaries and contested terrains of identity politics , XXWhy dreams a world sans constructed boundaries of class, caste, sex and gender.

We would like to dedicate this award to Sree Nandu- the protagonist of XXWhy, and his indomitable spirit which personifies his astonishing journey through the turbulent spaces of Kerala. .Three cheers to my friend Sree Nandu and all the cheers to more Sreenandus to exercise their rights, voice and visibility for democratisig the public domain .

The award is truly encouraging and its confidence is the capital to begin my next work.

Manjula Bharathy and the crew of XXWhy

Category: Documentary Short - Special Jury Award

Title: Flying Inside My Body

It feels great to see that Flying Inside My Body is still travelling the festival circuit after completing 2 years and picking up awards. To top it, winning at the Kashish Mumbai Queer Film Festival feels great, given that it's India's biggest LGBT festival, matched with a large number of international entries competing! Spaces for discussions on gender and sexuality are fast shrinking, so festivals like KMQFF present filmmakers an ideal platform to reach out to large audiences and initiate a such critical dialogues. I hope that the festival continues to grow in the coming years and is able to reach out to audiences across spectrums...

Sushmit Ghosh and the directorial team of Flying Inside My Body

Category: Documentary Short - Special Jury Award for Student Film

Title: Speak Up! It Is Not Your Fault

As students we were filled with apprehensions as our film- ‘Speak Up! It’s not your fault’, got screened for the first time for a film festival and that too of immense grandeur. The film includes the sweat, passion and single mindedness of 10 young aspiring students, guidance of professors and participants in the film. Our joy knew no boundaries when the film won the ’Special Jury Award for student film’ at the Kashish – ‘Mumbai International Queer Film Festival’. We were overwhelmed by the appreciation we received from the audiences, Jury and the fellow film- makers. We thank Kashish from the deepest of our hearts to provide us and our film the platform. Also, I wish more successful film festivals in the coming years for Kashish, where we can contribute as volunteers and film makers. Cheers for KASHISH !!!

Deepika Lal, Student Filmmaker, Speak Up! It’s not your fault

Category: Best Documentary Feature

Title: Prodigal Sons

I am absolutely thrilled that PRODIGAL SONS has won the award for Best Documentary Feature at your wonderful festival. It is quite an honor. On behalf of my family (especially my brother Marc) and all of the people who made this film happen (especially my partner Claire), it is a pleasure to accept your kind and generous recognition.

One of the greatest rewards of showing our film has been to see -- despite the specifics of my family or our culture -- how the film connects with audiences around the world. We all have so much more in common than we have separating us, and I am thankful that by sharing the story of my family we can touch hearts on the other side of the globe.

I really wish I could be there in person to show my gratitude, but please accept my most heartfelt thanks for the award for Best Documentary Feature. It will be treasured!
With warmest wishes from New York City,

Kimberly Reed, Director/Producer, Prodigal Sons

Category: Documentary Feature -Special Jury Award

Title: Holding Hands

We are honoured and delighted to receive a special jury award for Holding Hands. We hope this film will encourage people to speak out if they witness violence or are a victim of violence. In Australia, we were alarmed to discover that 85% of gay men and lesbians have experienced homophobic abuse; we wanted to reveal how one act of hatred can radically affect a survivor’s life, so that people can truly understand the devastating effects of hate crimes. We do hope that one day this film will be seen as a remnant of times gone by, and our community will be free to live their lives openly, without fear of homophobic violence. Thank you to Kashish Mumbai International Queer Film Festival for honouring our film with this award.

Tonnette Stanford and Katherine Wilkinson, Co-Directors, Holding Hands

Category: Best International Short

Title: Steam

It's been a pleasure and honor to be included in the first Kashish Mumbai International Queer Film Festival let alone win the top prize. It's been my goal as a filmmaker to create films that make people think and feel and to reach as broad an audience as possible. I am glad that message was heard all the way to India. I thank you very much for this award and I wish you best of luck and many prosperous years with the festival and I hope one day to come visit. Thank you!

Eldar Rapaport, Director, Steam

Category: International Short - Special Jury Award

Title: Dirty Magazines

Hello Mumbai, Thank you so much I just found out that I won this Jury Award. Thank you it’s so exciting. I wish I could be there to accept it. Thank you so much for honoring my work and everyone’s work in this way. I made a film to hopefully to make people laugh no matter what country they are from and it apparently has achieved that. Actually I was just commissioned to write a Bollywood film so hopefully I can see you again with my Hollywood-Bollywood crew. Hope all is going great in your part of the world and really thank you a very-very deeply for this recognition that means a lot. Thank you!

Jay J. Levy, Writer/Director/ Producer, Dirty Magazines (transcript from the video message)

Category: International Short- Special Jury Award

Title: I Am Gay

I could not in my wildest dreams ever think that my film would travel all the way to India. I am extremely proud and pleased that the jury and the audience appreciated my film. The first thing I will do tomorrow is to visit an Indian restaurant here in Sweden and celebrate with spicy food and Indian beer. Thank you very much!

Nicolas Kolovos, Director, I Am Gay

Category: Best Indian Short

Title: Lost & Found

I'd like to thank the organizers of Kashish MIQFF 2010 for creating this wonderful space for LGBT cinema that people in our country have little access to, the selection committee for having given me a chance to share my films with the audiences and the jury for making this so special for me. This is so encouraging and I hope to make many more films and be a part of future Kashish film festivals

Shrenik Jain, Director/Producer, Lost & Found

A Note of Thanks from the Festival Programmer

2010-04-29T02:05:00.000-07:00

KASHISH has raised so many questions for me, it is going to take some time to sort them all out. For now I find myself wanting just to share my deepest gratitude with all the filmmakers who became a part of our journey, sharing their work at this very first edition of KASHISH.

I also thank our total team of volunteers, projection-room technicians, venue managers and core committee members without whose cohesive support we could not have had the seamless screenings of the programmed films. A special thanks also to our venue partners - Alliance Francaise de Bombay and PVR Cinemas who contributed to realize our dream of mainstreaming queer cinema. And how can we not mention our ever-enthusiastic and eager Jury, who gave us their valuable time and viewed not only the ‘in competition’ films but even the non-competitive ones too. We thank them for their supportive and encouraging gesture throughout.

My greatest thanks go to the delegates. Following the record registration figure of 900 plus, seeing the large crowds attending even the allied events, braving the presence of media flash, queuing up patiently for the screenings many a times to be turned back because there were no more seats available, the several houseful shows at the112 seater PVR Audi-5 especially on the last day – all combined was the true ‘kashish’, the true allurement, at this Festival

Thank you dear delegates! Hope we continue to receive your love and support to make KASHISH grow bigger and bigger. Esi ummeed ke saath ki Kashish ke liye aapki kashish aisi hi bani rahegi, see you all and everyone at KASHISH 2011.

~ Saagar Gupta

Four days of Films-N-Fun at Kashish: A report

2010-04-29T01:45:00.000-07:00

Kashish 2010 - Day 1: What you missed (and we wish you hadn't)

Kashish - Mumbai International Queer Film Festival had a star-studded opening on Thursday with some of the cast of 'I Am' inaugurating the four-day fest.

Director Onir led his cast members, Manisha Koirala, Rahul Bose, Sanjay Suri and Purab Kohli in lighting the traditional lamp at PVR Juhu to declare the film festival open. This is the first queer film festival in India of international stature. It is also probably the first in India to be held at a mainstream venue.

"I am really proud that Mumbai is hosting an international queer film festival of this stature," said actor Manisha Koirala. Sanjay Suri, who is also producing I Am, echoed this sentiment. "I wish this film festival had happened five years ago so that we could have premiered 'My Brother Nikhil' here," said Sanjay, who thanked the UNDP and Humsafar Trust for their support for 'I Am'.

Onir said he was proud to be part of the opening of Kashish. Actor Rahul Bose dwelled on the fact that everyone is a victim of discrimination and stereotyping at some point of time. Onir’s latest film is based on true incidents and is truly a community-owned film, with funds raised through social networking sites and over 400 contributors worldwide coming together in common cause. Four stories of marginalized individuals who are forced to struggle against society, shot in four cities, dealing with four issues never dealt with by so-called mainstream cinema: I AM AFIA, I AM OMAR, I AM ABHIMANYU, I AM MEGHA.

Earlier during the opening ceremony, anchor Neha called upon festival directors Sridhar Rangayan and Vivek Anand and Ashok Row Kavi, Technical Officer Sexual Minorities Desk at UNAIDS India and the founder of Humsafar Trust to take the stage and set things in motion.

"We always wanted to get a queer film festival of international standards to Mumbai," said Sridhar. "This year the screenings are at Audi 5; I have a dream that at next year's edition of Kashish all five screens at PVR would screen the film festival," said Vivek. Ashok said that UNDP and UNAIDS would continue their support of Kashish.

Sridhar introduced the jury members: theatre person DOLLY THAKORE; actor SUHASINI MULAY; playwright MAHESH DATTANI; actor RAJIT KAPUR; and film critic MEENAKSHI SHEDDE. Dolly Thakore expressed her unflinching support for the cause. Mahesh commended the Kashish team for "visibilising the invisibles.' Suhasini Mulay and Rajit Kapur said they were amazed at the talent reflected in the films, including the Indian entries, many of which were first-time efforts.

The screenings began at 10 am simultaneously at PVR Juhu and Alliance Francaise, Manine Lines, to packed audiences.

The highlights of Day 1 were 'Flying Inside My Body' - a documentary on photographer Sunil Gupta; two documentaries by Sophia College students `Engayging Lives’ and 'Speak Up, It's Not your fault'; and a panel discussion on cinema and censorship with panelists censor board member Nandini Sardesai, anti-censorship activist Gargi Sen, filmmaker Vinta Nanda and Ashok Row Kavi, moderated by Paromita Vohra.

Nandini and Gargi took diametrically opposite stands on the issue while others questioned the need for censoring films in the age of mobile MMS/online videos. Ashok Row Kavi held the audience enthralled with his unique take on queer representation in cinema.

Photos:

To view pictures of the opening ceremony, please click on this link to get into an online folder containing the images (no sign-in required): https://docs.google.com/leaf?id=0B4aUlkRoQ5jgOWY2NGU2NmMtY2NkZi00M2QzLTllN2QtMDIwMWY4NzY1MDYy&hl=en_GB

To view pictures of the opening gala held at Vie Lounge Juhu on the eve of the festival (ie 21 April), please click on this link that will take you to the online folder (again, no sign-in required) https://docs.google.com/leaf?id=0B4aUlkRoQ5jgNzE3NTczNDQtNTU3Ni00NTBiLThkMWEtZjI4ZGJlZGIxNDAx&hl=en_GB

Day 2 of Kashish - Friday, April 23, 2010

It was a day for the girls. At PVR Juhu, there were two special film packages for women in love with women and a retrospective of lesbian filmmaker Pratibha Parmar.

Films in the `Love stories for Girls' and `Girls Talk' packages were all about the first kiss from the girlfriend, blind dates and caring but bitchy lovers.

"The intention was to make it a sort of community outing so that a whole group of girl friends could come to the theatre together to meet, watch the films and talk," said festival director Sridhar Rangayan.

The highlights of the day were `The Other War' - a tale from Israel about three women caught in the middle of a war, 'U-Haul: The Music Video' and 'Jodie: An icon'.

The T in LGBT was represented through two poignant movies, 'The Amazing Truth About Queen Raquella' and 'Unraveling Michelle', a journey through the male to female transition of a filmmaker.

In the afternoon, Onir, Prince Manvendra Singh Gohil, Mahesh Dattani, Meenakshi Shedde and Ashok Row Kavi came together for a discussion on role of the media and celebrity in advocacy, moderated by Parmesh Shahani.
The discussion began with a brief flashback into queer representation in Indian cinema in recent years.

Mahesh said that being at Kashish has brought home the fact that 12 years after writing the play 'A Muggy Night in Mumbai' on a gay theme, it's good to know that one is not alone on the subject of gay love, that there are other writers using this theme.

Meenakshi Shedde, who was asked about 'Dostana' said that the movie was intelligent in the way the many layers of queer issues were represented in a movie that reached the mass market, hence the film is precious in its own way.

However, she praised 'Sancharam' for being a bold film that gave such dignity to same-sex love, in contrast to 'Dostana'. She also said that the upcoming 'Just Another Love Story' is also very sophisticated and brings out a nuanced discussion on alternate sexuality.

Ashok Row Kavi said that the last 15 years of the LGBT movement have been marked by fear and anxiety connected to Section 377. Carrying over from the panel discussion on cinema and censorship the previous day at the Alliance Francaise venue of Kashish, he said that why should only Karan Johar be allowed to make money on a Dostana -- why are film festivals like Kashish barred by the government from charging their delegates? We must have sustainable models for festivals in India.

Manav revealed that while being an out gay man and belonging to a royal family at the same time has brought him much love and respect abroad, he feels a great sense of responsibility from both these identities and he has had to keep a balance between the two. Manav said that he can't help it if he was born into a royal family but he would prefer being known as an activist. He tells other gay royals who are unwilling to come out to at least support the LGBT community in other ways.

Onir revealed how 'My Brother Nikhil' was his first film so it was important to position it. He had to 'cheat' the mainstream audience into watching his HIV-themed film by not highlighting the fact that a gay couple was at the centre of the film. After the theatrical release, the film went to gay festivals and events everywhere. Five years after that film, he finds himself more confident as a filmmaker and has a film 'I AM' with the 'I AM OMAR' story highlighting police harassment of and social discrimination against gay men. Incidentally, the trailer of 'I AM ' was premiered at the Kashish opening ceremony on Thursday.

Parmesh raised various questions related to celeb culture and the commoditization of culture including identities like 'queer'. Why are there not enough celebrities supporting the queer cause? Why are there very few queer celebrities? Ashok Row Kavi said that four of Bollywood's biggest directors are gay but closeted. They better be ashamed. At least I have Onir on my side. He added that we must not completely depend on celebrities; what's needed is a mass movement that walks on the feet of activists.

Onir said it is important to have the right kind of celebrities endorsing queer issues, people who really believe in what they are saying. For example, we should not have an actor doing a pretend-gay role. Meenaskshi said there was no way of avoiding celeb culture but one way of taking advantage of it is to sensitize the intelligent celebrities about queer issues. Another way is for the queer community to take a stand on the other large issues that concern society which will open up our connections with it.

The discussion was punctuated with a lot of humor thanks to Ashok Row Kavi and Manav.

Kashish started distributing among its delegates complimentary copies of a booklet of extracts from a new shorty story collection called 'Quarantine' by debutant Rahul Mehta, thanks to publisher Random House.

Day 3 of Kashish - Saturday, April 24, 2010

A year and a half after director and playwright Chetan Datar's death, his path breaking play ‘Ek Madhav Baug’ was translated into Hindi. A play reading by Mona Ambegaonkar brought the roof down at PVR Juhu.

An emotional Vivek Anand, CEO of Humsafar Trust and a close friend of Datar, who translated the play into Hindi, said it was a huge moment for him personally. ‘EK Madhav Baug” was staged in Marathi and English and there were plans to always do a Hindi version, which never happened during Datar's lifetime," said Vivek.

A tale about an unconventional mom's discovery of her son's sexuality and her efforts to deal with it, got a standing ovation from the audience for Mona.

"Society may not be there to always support you and agree with your choices, but you have to go ahead with your journey irrespective," said Mona. Asked about how should parents deal with a lesbian or gay child, she replied, "It should be a hands-off approach, but be there to support them."

Mona's performance not only got a standing ovation but brought tears into many eyes.

Saturday also saw the houseful sign going up for four consecutive sessions at the 112-seater PVR Juhu.

The other highlights of the day were ‘Suddenly, Last Winter’ - about how a couple deals with a wave of homophobia sweeping through Italy; ‘Prodigal Sons’ and ‘Amnesia: The James Brighton Enigma’.

There were many transgender-themed films at the Alliance Francaise today and the highlight there was a panel discussion called 'Trans Gaze -- the world of transgenders through the lens'. The panelists were the makers of a film called 'Our Family', Dr. Anjali Monteiro and Dr. K. P. Jayashankar, who belong to Tata Institute of Social Sciences; Prasanth Kanatur, whose film 'The Missing Colours' is being shown at the festival, and Urmi, head of the 'Care and Support' unit of Humsafar Trust. The discussion was moderated by Dalip Daswani.

Author R. Raj Rao attended some of the sessions at the Alliance Francaise along with friends from Pune.

Final day of Kashish- Mumbai International Queer Film Festival 2010

Zeenat Aman at Kashish

`Chura Liya Hai Tumne Jo Dil Ko' - the audience could well have sung to her as Zeenat Aman traipsed down the red carpet at PVR Juhu on Sunday. The occasion was the closing of Kashish - Mumbai International Queer Film Festival 2010, just before the screening of the festival closing film ‘Dunno Y... Na Jaane Kyu’.

"In the '70s, I was at the forefront of the hippie moment with 'Hare Ram Hare Krishna'; 'Dunno Y...' will similarly lead the new wave of queer films in the country," said Zeenat Aman, who led the cast and crew of the yet to be released film, including Mahabanoo Mody-Kotwal and debutants Yuvraaj Parashar and Kapil Sharma.

"When Kapil came to me with the story of 'Dunno Y…' I thought it was different, multi-layered with many shades," said Zeenat while speaking about the movie. "Bollywood has for years had dress designers, make-up artistes and hair dressers who were open about their sexuality and were accepted," she said, but in answer to an audience question she said, "I personally don't know of any gay actors who are in the closet."

Zeenat said that though Bollywood has fleetingly touched upon queer issues in films like 'Dostana', there was a change afoot to deal with the issue sensitively. Asked about the secret of her beauty, she replied modestly with a smile, "Beauty is in the eyes of the beholder."

Sanjay Sharma, the director of 'Dunno Y…', said that he was proud that it was the festival's closing film. The film's writer and actor Kapil Sharma said: "Our film is on a sensitive issue. We hope it entertains you and leaves you with a smile."

‘Dunno Y…’ is a film about an Anglo-Indian family living in Goa that goes through many crises – from a father who deserts the family to a son who comes to terms with his sexuality after his marriage. The film is a contemporary take on what it means to be gay in India where social taboos and family pressures do not allow a person to fulfill his need for love.

‘Lost and Found’ wins Best Indian Short at Kashish

Delhi-based filmmaker Shrenik Jain's `Lost and Found' won the Best Indian Short Film Award at the Kashish - Mumbai International Queer Film Festival 2010. ‘Lost and Found’ is an 11-minute film about a comedy of errors that follows when two strangers meet in a crowded bus.

The awards were handed out at a ceremony at PVR Juhu on Sunday evening. The Best Short Documentary award went to Bharathy Manjula's Malayalam film 'XXWhy' about Kerala's first out female-to-male (F2M) transgender.

'Prodigal Sons' directed by Kimberly Reed, and 'Steam' directed by Eldar Rapaport, both from the USA, won Best Feature Documentary and Best International Short Film awards, respectively, at the festival.

Special jury cash awards were also handed out to 'Flying Inside My Body' (Short Documentary),

'Holding Hands' (Feature Documentary) and 'Dirty Magazines' (International Short Film), and a special jury award to a media student's film - 'Speak Up! It Is Not Your Fault'.

The jury was effusive in their praise for the films screened at the festival. "I enjoyed my four-day journey with Kashish," said Dolly Thakore, a theatre personality. "I wish these films could reach out and be shown to a wider audience," she said.

Reaching out to a larger audience should be the aim was also the view of another jury member and a film critic, Meenakshi Shedde. "The quality of the Indian films shown at Kashish was jaw dropping. They dealt with a spectrum of issues and were multi-layered. Even at international film festivals like Cannes and Venice, out of the many films screened, there are four of five that remain with you. At Kashish too, there are four to five films that I will take home and remember, said Meenakshi.

Jury member and nation-award winning actor Rajit Kapur credited Kashish with broadening his horizons and widening his perspective. "I do consider myself educated, liberal and modern. I am leaving Kashish after four days as a richer human being," said Kapur, adding, "These films should be a part of any mainstream film festival. This is a part of you, me, us."

Another jury member and again a National Award winning actor, Suhasini Mulay, also heaped praise on the films. "The caliber and craftsmanship of the filmmakers just got me...," she said. "The Indian entries were sensitive and well-made. They may have been made without much money, but conveyed what they wanted to say. That is the core of a good film."

Over the last four days, over 500 people came to watch the over 110 films that were screened simultaneously at two venues - PVR Juhu in suburban Mumbai and Alliance Francaise, Marine Lines in South Mumbai.

"We never expected the film festival to get such a huge response," said Sridhar Rangayan, festival director.

The audience too was all praise for the film festival. Jehangir Jani, an artist known for alternative themes in his sculptures and paintings, commented on the platform that Kashish provided for the community. "When I came out in the '80s I never knew anything about gay culture, except in snatches. Kashish is a landmark event because something like this has got a mainstream venue and is in the public eye."

As Dolly Thakore told Ashok Row Kavi, founder of Bombay Dost and Humsafar Trust, co-organisers of Kashish: “Little did one know that when we met in the early ’80s, you would start a [gay] movement of such dimensions [in

India

]. What a wonderful team you have orchestrated… so disciplined and professional. You have to be proud of your success. I can’t begin to tell you how privileged I feel to have participated in your maiden venture. Congratulations. More power to you.”

-- By the Kashish 2010 News Desk

KASHISH ROCKS

2010-04-26T07:53:00.001-07:00

KASHISH - Mumbai International Queer Film Festival rocked and how. Houseful shows, jam packed audiences, world premiers, star attendance, media coverage, etc.

We thank each and everyone who supported KASHISH in so many different ways and all those who came to see films, participate and made KASHISH an event to remember.

We will be uploading information of all the events, behind the scene action, etc on the site soon.

A BIG THANKS to everyone!

KASHISH Award Winners

2010-04-26T05:20:00.001-07:00

The following films received awards at KASHISH MIQFF2010.

The jury were extremely kind to pool in Rs.85,000 to award cash prizes for the main winners of the four categories as well as special jury awards for a few other deserving films.

Category: Documentary Short

Best Documentary Short - XXWHY by Dr Bharathy Manjula, India

Jury Citation: For a moving film made with fluidity, honesty, superb cinematography and restrained emotions

Award: Kashish plaque and jury cash award of Rs.15,000

Special Jury Award - FLYING INSIDE MY BODY by Sushmit Ghosh, Rintu Thomas, Sumit Sharma and Ajeeta Chowhan, India

Jury Citation: For a stark film exploring sexuality and identity, with honesty and first-rate cinematic values

Award: Jury cash award of Rs.10,000

Special Jury Award for Student Film - SPEAK UP! IT IS NOT YOUR FAULT by Deepika Lal, India

Jury Citation: For a focused, mature approach to child sexual abuse, made with sensitivity and personal courage

Award: Jury cash award of Rs.5,000

Category: Feature Documentary

Best Documentary Feature - PRODIGAL SONS by Kimberly Reed, USA

Jury Citation: For weaving a range of sexual and personal challenges cohesively, and with courage

Award: Kashish plaque and jury cash award of Rs.15,000

Special Jury Award - HOLDING HANDS by Tonnette Stanford and Katherine Wilkinson, Australia

Jury Citation: For a touching film, intimately conveying the struggle, and hope, of living with homophobia

Award: Jury cash award of Rs.10,000

Category: International Short

Best International Short - STEAM by Eldar Rapaport, USA

Jury Citation: A compelling thriller, it encompasses a whole socio-political world with deft, cinematic brilliance.

Award: Kashish plaque and jury cash award of Rs.10,000

Special Jury Award - DIRTY MAGAZINES by Jay Levy, USA

Jury Citation: An over-the-edge view of a real situation, that makes its point with sensitivity

Award: Jury cash award of Rs.5,000

Special Jury Award - I AM GAY (Jag Ar Bog) by Nicolos Kolovos, Sweden

Jury Citation: A humorous look at the agonies of coming out in a traditional family

Award: Jury cash award of Rs.5,000

Category: Indian Short

Best Indian Short - LOST & FOUND by Shrenik Jain

Jury Citation: For sensitively capturing in a few minutes an entire gamut, and the vulnerability, of cruising.

Award: Kashish plaque and jury cash award of Rs.10,000

In addition to the above awards, three films received special awards sponsored by ACCORD EQUIPS, Mumbai.

ACCORD AWARDS

Film: XXWHY by Dr Bharathy Manjula, India

Award: Complete HD camera shooting kit (consisting of 1 HD camera, 1 mic, 1 light) for their next short film for 2 days.

Film: LOST & FOUND by Shrenik Jain, India

Award: Complete HD camera shooting kit (consisting of 1 HD camera, 1 mic, 1 light) for their next short film for 2 days.

Film: SPEAK UP! IT IS NOT YOUR FAULT by Deepika Lal, India

Award: Complete HDV camera shooting kit (consisting of 1 HD camera, 1 mic, 1 light) for their next short film for 2 days.

2010-04-10T22:30:00.001-07:00

SEE A DIFFERENT WORLD

2010-04-10T21:53:00.000-07:00

The Latest and the Best of Indian and International Queer Cinema

Solaris Pictures & Bombay Dost in association with the Humsafar Trust presents

KASHISH – MUMBAI INTERNATIONAL QUEER FILM FESTIVAL 2010

110 Queer Films | 4 Days | 2 Venues

PVR Cinema Juhu – April 22-25, 2010

Alliance Francaise, Marine Lines – April 22-24, 2010

KASHISH FESTIVAL HIGHLIGHTS

KASHISH - Mumbai International Queer Film Festival , April 22nd to April 25th, 2010 promises four days of queer celebration across many platforms of artistic expressions.

KASHISH presents 110 films from 25 countries. It brings together film makers, writers, intellectuals, academicians, activists, stars and celebrities with both queer and mainstream audience in an interactive celebration of the queer experience.

All the films screened highlight gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender characters and stories, exploring issues, dilemmas, joys and sorrows that make up queer experiences and expressions in India and globally.

KASHISH will be held simultaneously at two venues -

PVR Cinemas, Juhu in the Western suburbs - April 22-25, 2010.
Alliance Francaise in South Mumbai - April 22 - 24, 2010

Apart from film screenings, KASHISH will also feature Panel Discussions, Music Video launch, Filmmaker Interfaces, etc.

KASHISH - REGISTER TO ATTEND

Only persons ABOVE THE AGE OF 18 can register to attend the festival
Festival Entry is ONLY for pre-registered Delegates
Registration is FREE OF COST.
A valid Photo ID and Proof of Age is to be carried for admission to all screenings.

To register you need to fill out the Delegate Registration Form and submit it to obtain aDelegate Pass.

ONLINE
Delegate Registration Forms are available for downloaded at www.mumbaiqueerfest.com

OFFLINE
Delegate Registration Forms are available at

1. KASHISH Festival Office - Centre for Excellence & Research (CEFE), No.2, Riviera, 15th Road, Santacruz (W), Mumbai - 400 054 Phone: +91. 22. 6576 0357, Contact Person: Gautam Yadav

2. Azaad Bazaar, 16th/33rd Road Bandra (West), Mumbai, Opp Mini Punjab , in the same lane as KFC , Mumbai, India; email: mail@azaadbazaar.com , Phone: +91.9930212636

KASHISH ORGANIZERS

Kashish - Mumbai International Queer Film Festival is organized by Solaris Pictures and Bombay Dost in association with The Humsafar Trust. The festival is supported with grants from UNDP, UNAIDS and Movies That Matter (an initiative of Amnesty International).

KASHISH CONTACTS

Email: kashishmqff@gmail.com | info.kashish2010@gmail.com
Website: http://www.mumbaiqueerfest.com | Blog: http://mqff2010.blogspot.com

Twitter: http://www.twitter.com/kashish2010 | Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/Kashish.MIQFF

KASHISH Venue Announced

2010-04-08T21:14:00.000-07:00

KASHISH - Mumbai International Queer Film Festival will screen at PVR Cinema Juhu and Alliance Francaise

PVR Cinemas, Juhu - April 22-25, 2010
Alliance Francaise, Marine Lines - April 22-24, 2010

To attend, you need to register as Delegate. Please see details below.

DELEGATE REGISTRATION -To Attend KASHISH MIQFF

2010-04-08T21:06:00.000-07:00

Kashish - Mumbai International Queer Film Festival, 2010 welcomes persons only ABOVE THE AGE OF 18 to attend the festival by filling out the Registration Form and submitting it to obtain a Delegate Pass. Festival Entry is ONLY for pre-registered Delegates. Registration is FREE OF COST. A valid Photo ID and Proof of Age is to be carried for admission to all screenings.

Delegate Registration Forms may be downloaded here

DELEGATE REGISTRATION FORM [Doc] [Pdf]

Delegate Registration Forms are also available at

1.KASHISH Festival Office - Centre for Excellence & Research (CEFE), Ground floor, Riviera, 15th Road, Santacruz (W), Mumbai - 400 054
Phone: +91. 22. 6576 0357, Contact Person: Gautam Yadav

2. Azaad Bazaar, 16th/33rd Road Bandra (West), Mumbai, Opp Mini Punjab , in the same lane as KFC , Mumbai, India
email: mail@azaadbazaar.com , Phone: +91.9930212636

Dostana Outreach - Economic Times

2010-04-05T09:25:00.000-07:00

3 Apr 2010, 0015 hrs IST

Vikram Doctor, ET Bureau

Film festivals and sex have a dubious reputation. There have been too many cases in the past when serious film enthusiasts have found themselves being swamped by viewers whose enthusiasm seemed to lie more in the uncensored nature of the films on view at festivals. So it’s heartening to know that sex and films can interact in a more positive way - when the issue is not just sex, but sexuality and the diversities that exist there.

Film festivals showcasing gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender-themed films are becoming popular events for the queer community in India. In February this year, over three days, the Bangalore Queer Film Festival showcased 46 features, short and documentary films, including A Single Man, Tom Ford’s Oscar-nominated film. This weekend in Mumbai, Queer Nazariya kicks off with a range of queer films, including eight Indian ones, and a special showcase of films from South Africa. And at the end of this month another Mumbai-based festival, Kashish - the Mumbai International Queer Film Festival - will be screening 110 films from 25 countries in two locations, one downtown, one suburban, with the aim of reaching out to as large an audience as possible.

These are not the first queer film festivals to be held in India. Some years ago, in Mumbai a festival called Larzish ran for two years. For several years now a festival named after the pioneering gay activist Siddhartha Gautam has been having a one-day festival, and queer rights groups across the country like Nigaah, the Humsafar Trust, Gaybombay and many more have regularly organised events based on the screening of queer films.

Films are an effective way for engaging with a community. People who are still in the process of coming out about their sexuality and still nervous about engaging with other gays and lesbians, can find film screenings a useful way to take part in a queer event, without putting an unnerving spotlight on themselves.

Vinay Chandran, one of the organisers of the Bangalore fest notes: “There are so many issues facing this community and it can be hard dealing with all of them, and sometimes activists themselves have problems with the issue of how to articulate them. But at a film festival you can show films on all these subjects and it helps people get familiar with them and start talking.”

Film festivals also allow the screening of films from outside Hollywood releases that distributors mostly get in. There’s been a recent upsurge in queer films being made in Asia, particularly from countries like Taiwan, Thailand and Philippines, and these are often of more relevance to Indian audiences since many of the subjects, like dealing with families, tend to be the same. But there’s little dissemination of these in India, which is where film festivals can play a role.

“At Queer Nazariya we clearly wanted to show films that reflected more than the Western influence which is why we got the South African selection,” says Smriti Nevatia, a scriptwriter and one of the organisers. This sort of engagement is not just among gays and lesbians, but also with society at large.

Many events for the queer community are meant for queer people alone - understandable when so many people are still nervous about revealing their identity, but it does result in the exclusion and change for education of other people. Film festivals, while technically usually private events, by their nature do allow a wider interaction.

Nevatia explains that in the run-up to the festival they did curtain raisers at colleges across the city, usually going through campus film societies, and showing a selection of films and using them to talk about queer issues. Students of Subhash Ghai’s Whistling Woods showed much keenness in attending Nazariya’s sessions.

“At these sessions, we can get very mixed reactions, including some negative ones,” she says. “But these are often countered from people with that class, and what’s important is that you are getting these discussions going.”

One reason there’s been particular interest in such discussions is, of course, the decision of the Delhi High Court last year decriminalising consensual homosexuality. All the film festival organisers say that this did not directly affect their plans, which were often long brewing, but it probably did have an indirect effect, especially in the interest being generated by the festivals. “The verdict has become a catalyst for many queer activities across India,” says Sridhar Rangayan, one of India’s first openly gay filmmakers, and one of the organisers of Kashish. “The increasing focus on queer issues in the media has not only brought in a greater comfort level among queer persons, but also about queers in mainstream society. So what better place than a film festival to bring them all together?”

In the past, film screenings were often informal, using films sourced from friends travelling abroad, without obtaining formal permission from the filmmakers. With all these three festivals, the organisers were careful to get full permissions, even though this made it a much more lengthy exercise. “We started last September and it really took a lot of effort, finding interesting films, tracking down directors, getting permissions and requesting DVDs,” says Chandran.

A particular coup for the Bangalore fest was getting permission for A Single Man, in the news because of the Oscars and likely to get a commercial release in India. PVR, the distributors, clearly felt there was some value in giving the film publicity at such a targeted event. “There is an understanding at both ends that like LGBT, film festivals will soon be a market for filmmakers and distributors and audiences to see queer films,” says Vivek Anand, another one of the Kashish organisers. Rangayan adds tantalisingly, “We have lined up a sneak preview, with its stars in attendance, of a very important Indian film that will be released later this year.”

Big film festivals like Cannes or Berlin are, of course, also monetarily important for filmmakers, since they will have a chance to sell their film, can compete for substantial prize money and can usually expect a screening fee. Much smaller community film festivals like these still can’t offer anything like that (although Queer Nazariya has managed to raise funds for a token fee), so one can wonder why filmmakers send their films, often at their own cost. As a filmmaker himself, Rangayan admits that it can be a tough decision whether to send the film, but he settles for a mix of sometimes going with it for reach, and other times for money.

It helps that, as Chandran notes, most queer filmmakers are also activists, and have had the experience of organising similar events, and realise the need to support fledgling events. “As the festival grows over the years we do intend to pay filmmakers a token screening fee,” says Rangayan. “Or at least reward them with other possibilities - like hosting them at the festival and interacting with the audience.” In the end filmmakers do want their work seen, and as Nevatia notes, a film festival can be seen as analogous to a library, a way to get visibility that could ultimately help both you personally, and the cause you’re interested in.

Perhaps the toughest issue for organisers is that always lurking issue of sex. Queer activists have always had to fight against attempts at marginalisation, often on grounds of ‘morality’, so they are particularly allergic to the need to censor. Yet most acknowledge the need for a practical accommodation with the need to self-censor particularly explicit material and also, set standards for basic quality. Rangayan says that Kashish applied for the usual blanket permission given for festivals by the I&B ministry, but he admits that this puts some responsibility on organisers: “Though it means self censorship of sort, it is necessary for us at this stage of the queer movement to be a little cautious.”

Still, Rangayan stresses that the overall aim of the film festivals is visibility and asking people to engage, if not necessarily approve. He remembers something a professor in a college said when one of his own films was being shown. “He told his students, ‘You will see some images on screen that could make you uncomfortable, because you have not seen them before. You have two options - you may close your eyes and walk out, or you may stay and watch it and question what is it in the film that makes you uncomfortable?’ 90% of the students stayed back and we had an hour-long lively discussion.” It is that appeal to being seen, and that response, that the organisers of Indian queer film festivals are seeking.

UPDATE about KASHISH

2010-03-21T00:45:00.000-07:00

Information about Venues and how to Register to ATTEND the festival will be available here by 1st week of April. Please check back. We also will soon have Media Accreditation and Guest Accreditation information available here. In the meanwhile please write to info.kashish2010@gmail.com for any information.

Volunteering With Kashish

2010-03-06T21:05:00.000-08:00

KASHISH- Mumbai International Queer Film Festival being held between April 22nd to April 25th, 2010 in Mumbai promises to be four days of non-stop queer celebration across many platforms of artistic expressions.

Apart from over 80 Indian and International films, the festival has a range of allied activities - exhibitions, book launches, Q&A with filmmakers, panel discussions and of course parties! The festival expects to draw a huge audience from queer as well as non-queer community during its events spread across multiple venues in Mumbai.

We are looking for volunteers to work both before and during the festival. Volunteering for KASHISH can be a great opportunity to meet & interact with people and get involved in something momentous!

Volunteers are very much the face of the festival. They meet and greet audiences and guests, they assist by - answering questions, helping to run venues, acting as interpreters, distributing publicity materials, working at the festival office, writing for festival newsletter, and being part of the festival documentation team.

Please mail info.kashish2010@gmail.com for any other information (after you read the details in the files below!)

Read more about Volunteering with Kashish doc / pdf

Download Volunteer Form doc / pdf

A bit longer wait...

2010-03-01T21:33:00.000-08:00

To filmmakers and agencies who have submitted films to our festival - We have received so many films, all beautiful and wonderful... that we are having a tough time shortlisting them. Afterall we have only four days of the festival. Hence our announcement of shortlisted films is a bit delayed. We will surely mail you by mid-March. Ciao and Cheers till then.
Saagar Gupta, Festival Programmer

Gaylaxy - February

2010-02-25T00:24:00.000-08:00

http://www.gaylaxymag.com/issue.aspx

The Queer Chronicle_February

2010-02-25T00:21:00.000-08:00

http://issuu.com/thequeerchronicle/docs/the_queer_chronicle_-_february_2010

Kashish MIQFF 2010 Logo symbolism

2010-01-31T12:03:00.000-08:00

Manoj Khiyani who designed the logo has some interesting thoughts to share about the logo's symbolism -

Red - The color of Love, Passion & Excellence. The Brighter Warmer side of Gay/Lesbian/Trans. people.
Why Butterfly - In its lifecycle, a butterfly goes through tremendous changes. It cucoons itself and finally comes-out with great struggle. Once out, it sees the brighter side of life with lovely shades of its wings. The same applies to many of us from the LGBT Community.
Different butterflies with Rainbow shade - represent different people from LGBT community, just like no 2 fingers are alike.
How does it relate to Kashish - Kashish means attraction. Butterflies are attracted to the flowers. The theme goes well with the name too. Gay men love everything thats beautiful. Flowers & Gardens are simply beauty divined.
Why no LGBT Icons - circle arrows or M-F signs or rainbow flag. We are all one. Why show m2m, f2f or why divide between gay or lesbians etc. We have shown all 7 colors as different butterflies. To Each its own.
How could this theme be okay of a LGBT event - Its bright, it's relevant, it speaks for itself. It doesn't have any potential to create problems from various anti-gay or religious groups.
How does it relate to LGBT India - The theme shows gardens emerging, butterflies flying high.. happy n gay.. as the country slowly embraces LGBT Community with its acceptance & Understanding. The color of love - read adds warmth. The white text shows peaceful acceptance to the Kashish between same sex people.

HT Cafe Story January 19, 2010

2010-01-19T02:13:00.000-08:00

HT Cafe Cover January 19, 2010

2010-01-19T02:11:00.000-08:00

Time Out

2010-01-19T02:08:00.000-08:00

Entries for 2010 closed

2010-01-11T11:20:00.000-08:00

Submissions for the 2010 edition of the festival is closed now.
We have received an overwhelming number of entries. Thanks to all those who have sent their films. The final list of filsm would be out in February.

Mark your 2010 calendar with four days of Queer Close-Up

2009-12-29T23:04:00.000-08:00

Mark your 2010 calendar right away with one of the most exciting events coming up:
Kashish – Mumbai International Queer Film Festival being held between April 22-25 at two venues in Mumbai. Four days of Film screenings, Panel Discussions, Exhibitions, Meet-the-Director/Actor interfaces and parties!

Kashish – Mumbai International Queer Film Festival is organized by Solaris Pictures and Bombay Dost with support from Movies That Matter and The Humsafar Trust.

Kashish – Mumbai International Queer Film Festival has already received gay/lesbian/transgender docus, shorts and features from India, US, UK, Canada, Sweden, Germany, New Zealand, Singapore, Taiwan, Indonesia and Egypt.

If you have a film that you want to screen at the festival, you can send it before January 10, 2010. Please visit www.mqff2010.blogspot.com for entry form and requirements.

If you would like to support the festival in any way or have any queries, please mail kashishmqff@gmail.com

Get set for a queer close-up in 2010. Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!

From ‘Kashish MQFF’ team

Kashish – Mumbai Queer Film Festival 2010 - Call for Entries

2009-11-19T09:19:00.000-08:00

Kashish – Mumbai Queer Film Festival 2010

CALL FOR ENTRIES

It is time for Mumbai to celebrate with its own queer film festival : Kashish – Mumbai International Queer Film Festival to be held April 22nd – 25th, 2010 in Mumbai, India.

The festival, organized by Solaris Pictures and Bombay Dost, intends to showcase and support films with gay, lesbian, bisexual, transgender and queer themes, relevant to Indian and Indian Diaspora. It aims to provide filmmakers, artists, activists, media persons and audiences with a space to communicate, share diverse experiences and explore the multiple ways in which 'queer' is interpreted and expressed.

The festival will also include curated packages of international queer films as well as workshops, discussions and a photo exhibition.

We call upon artists and filmmakers, both in India and across the world, to submit shorts, features and documentaries that highlight / focus on gay, lesbian, bisexual, or transgender characters, communities and expressions. We welcome films / videos of any length and in any language made after 2007. All films must be subtitled in English.

Selection will be made by an eminent jury of both film professionals and Indian queer community leaders. There are competitive sections with awards for Best Feature, Best Short and Best Documentary. Distribution deals for short films through Glimz, Sweden and Amazon, North America are also on offer, subject to conditions.

THERE IS NO ENTRY FEE.

Requirements-

* Submissions should be on gay, lesbian, bisexual, queer or transgender themes.

* Submissions should be provided in DVD in either PAL or NTSC format. We preview film entries only on DVD. Please do not send your master tape. Preview DVDs cannot be returned and will form part of festival archives.

* Preview submissions must be labeled with film title, running time, director’s name and full contact information (email address, cell number, postal address)

* Submissions in languages other than English must be subtitled.

* Please include supporting material, such as a brief synopsis and reviews, wherever possible.

Closing date for entries is January 10, 2010. Selected list of films will be announced by Feb 2010.

Entry forms can be found on the right hand side of this blog. You can download a doc or a pdf file. In case you need any information, do mail us at kashishmqff@gmail.com

KASHISH Mumbai International Queer Film Festival

KASHISH 2012 Poster Contest

How to Enter

Design Competition FAQs

KASHISH 2012 - POSTER COMPETITION : Logo and earlier Posters

KASHISH 2012: Call for film submissions

KASHISH 2011 FESTIVAL CATALOG

CHECK OUT THE KASHISH 2011 FESTIVAL CATALOG ONLINEhttp://issuu.com/kashish/docs/kashish_festival_web You can also Download Festival Catalog pdf here

KASHISH - Desiboys Contest

KASHISH 2011 - SCHEDULE

KASHISH 2011 - FILM LINE UP

KASHISH 2011 - REGISTRATION NOW OPEN

KASHISH 2011 Poster

Volunteering with KASHISH 2011

KASHISH 2011 - Dates and Highlights announced

KASHISH 2011 - CALL FOR ENTRIES & ENTRY FORM

KASHISH at Q! Film Festival, Indonesia

KASHISH SHORTS I - ENGAYGING LIVES, SPEAK UP! IT IS NOT YOUR FAULT, XXWHYShowing:

Jakarta:26 Sep, Subtitles 18.00 | 30 Sep, CCF 17.00

http://www.q-munity.org/?page=film&id=11

KASHISH SHORTS II - ASTITVA, BIRTHDAY, RONNIE, THE MISSING COLORS, FLYING INSIDE MY BODYShowing:Jakarta:25 Sep, Kineforum 14.15 | 29 Sep, CCF 17.00

Award Winning Gay Films from KASHISH – Mumbai International Queer Film Festival 2010 to screen in Mumbai again

Kashish Award Winners Speak...

A Note of Thanks from the Festival Programmer

Four days of Films-N-Fun at Kashish: A report

KASHISH ROCKS

KASHISH Award Winners

SEE A DIFFERENT WORLD

KASHISH Venue Announced

DELEGATE REGISTRATION -To Attend KASHISH MIQFF

Dostana Outreach - Economic Times

UPDATE about KASHISH

Volunteering With Kashish

A bit longer wait...

Gaylaxy - February

The Queer Chronicle_February

Kashish MIQFF 2010 Logo symbolism

HT Cafe Story January 19, 2010

HT Cafe Cover January 19, 2010

Time Out

Entries for 2010 closed

Mark your 2010 calendar with four days of Queer Close-Up

Kashish – Mumbai Queer Film Festival 2010 - Call for Entries

CHECK OUT THE KASHISH 2011 FESTIVAL CATALOG ONLINE
http://issuu.com/kashish/docs/kashish_festival_web

You can also Download Festival Catalog pdf here

KASHISH SHORTS I - ENGAYGING LIVES, SPEAK UP! IT IS NOT YOUR FAULT, XXWHY
Showing:

KASHISH SHORTS II - ASTITVA, BIRTHDAY, RONNIE, THE MISSING COLORS, FLYING INSIDE MY BODY
Showing:

Jakarta:25 Sep, Kineforum 14.15 | 29 Sep, CCF 17.00