Whoever said gay films don’t have an audience… had to eat their words. The Mumbai International Queer Film Festival stands testimony to the fact that queer is just a word and it means nothing close to what Oxford, Cambridge define it as. Though I was sure that India has woken up, awakened and truly shining in her spirit and all her glory, what I saw at Kashish shocked me. (pleasantly – that is)
Firstly let me be shamelessly and brutally be honest about my presumptions. When Sridhar Rangayan – one of the karta dharta’s of Kashish, was speaking about “looking at 2 venues” in which one was probably a theater- I thought Sridhar was either drunk or just simply bahut jyaada ambitious. How could a “Queer” festival find supporters and an audience? and why would anyone at all give their venue to a “Queer” film festival? Definitely not someone who is not queer—my mind had gone bonkers thinking about all this, I thought this event will be nice, and is the need of the hour. But was certain that it wouldn’t cause the flutters that Sridhar thinks it would. Sridhar kept throwing numbers like “20 countries”, 100+ films, 2 venues, so many languages.. vagaira vagaira.. I belittled them in my little mind . Sridhar had invited me to the prevent launch party and I couldn’t make it as I was stuck at work overnight. A cinema lover, that I am, I wanted to attend the fest nonetheless. I went to the website of Kashish, and saw a registration form there. I was too lazy to fill it. And I thought, it is just a formality, I could spread my feet on 4 seats and sit comfortably. No one was going to attend this anyway. I didn’t register online. Luckily though, since I featured In one of the documentaries (speak up! it’s not your fault) The director had taken 2 extra passes. A colleague of mine and I were the lucky two to avail of them. I thought the theater would be empty. But as I moved in, I dint find space to sit, and rather had to sit down for lack of seats. Was I complaining – NO. Was I excited – YES YES YES. I the film Speak UP! … and interacted with the audience, where I spoke about child sexual abuse and homosexuality. It was a spirited session, and a wonderful audience. I wanted to leave, I had to go back to office, but I just couldn’t leave, the high spirits at kashish, were just impossible to selfishly leave after watching the film featuring me. I stayed back and glad I did. For the films that followed were just fantastic, especially this musical called “fruit fly”… (a total unique way of film making- and so perfect in all departments- cinematography, edit, acting, sound etc etc).I stayed back till 9 pm. I was so wrong. I made a mistake. These were not just numbers that were achieved. It was sheer passion and compassion and the collective energies of entire team of Humsafar Trust and Sridhar that made this dream a reality. Now venues, sponsors and brands have no reason to shy away from a Queer Film Screening by saying “niche” audience. Well honey, if this is niche, then niche means a crowd. Let me end by being brutally truthful. – I envy every one of you, who got to see even one movie more than me… and those who loved films and thought like how I initially thought- kashish, isn’t a koshish… it is an achieved dream. And I was a part of it. I am sorry Sridhar for my negative feelings (though then, I never shared it with you). Today, I am glad I am wrong. And proud of you Vivek, Sridhar, Nitin and the entire family. Kashish Mumbai International Queer Film Festival is lovely guys. I’m going for my second helping today. You have registered? Then join me… !! -- In joy :-) Me Web Abode : www.hiyer.net Twitter : www.twitter.com/hiyer Facebook: www.facebook.com/HarishIyer GTalk : people.n.nature Yahoo/MSN/Windows (chat) harish.i...@hotmail.com Press: www.slideshare.net/hiyer ------------------------------------ Email: modera...@gaybombay.in Web Sites: www.gaybombay.in www.gaybombay.info www.gayindia.org E Groups: http://groups.yahoo.com/group/gay_bombay http://groups.google.com/group/Gaybombay GB Radio www.gaybombay.in/gbradio Gaybombay breaking news and annoucements http://labs.google.co.in/smschannels/subscribe/Gaybombay Emergency Helpline number 9820565885 Orkut: http://www.orkut.co.in/Main#Community.aspx?cmm=22091955 Blogs: http://gaybombay.blogspot.com http://gaybombay.wordpress.com Twitter http://twitter.com/gaybombay Yahoo! Groups Links <*> To visit your group on the web, go to: http://groups.yahoo.com/group/gay_bombay/ <*> Your email settings: Individual Email | Traditional <*> To change settings online go to: http://groups.yahoo.com/group/gay_bombay/join (Yahoo! ID required) <*> To change settings via email: gay_bombay-dig...@yahoogroups.com gay_bombay-fullfeatu...@yahoogroups.com <*> To unsubscribe from this group, send an email to: gay_bombay-unsubscr...@yahoogroups.com <*> Your use of Yahoo! Groups is subject to: http://docs.yahoo.com/info/terms/
