KASHISH 2023 Festival Report

KASHISH 2023

14th KASHISH Mumbai International Queer Film Festival

Check out complete KASHISH 2023

Festival Catalog HERE

KASHISH 2023 Overview

 KASHISH 2023, the 14th edition of KASHISH Mumbai International Queer Film Festival, South Asia’s biggest LGBTQIA+ film festival, was held as a hybrid edition, with physical screenings at Liberty Cinema & Alliance Française de Bombay from June 7-11th 2023 and online screenings from June 16–25th 2023.

 We are happy to state that the KASHISH 2023 event was the most successful edition of KASHISH till date, in every way - with a good attendance, and engagement from people across the world.

 The LGBTQIA+ diversity in the programming of films, the panel discussions and opening & closing ceremonies were appreciated by everyone.

 The in-person and online edition of the festival spanning almost a month-long event celebrating June Pride Month, was a good strategy in terms of press and social media.

 The online festival was an extension of the physical festival, with most of the films from the physical festival playing online too, with additional films being screened online too.

KASHISH 2023 Highlights

4 ½ Days of Physical Festival

10 Days of Online Festival

6Panel Discussions 32Filmmaker

Q&As

127Films from 45Countries

65* Indian & International Cast & Crew Attendance

48 Female Filmmakers 32 Queer/ Nonbinary Filmmakers

2215* INDIVIDUAL Registrations for In-Person & Online Festivals

9985* Seats filled at In Person Festival

594 Total Film

KASHISH 2023 Highlights

Around 507 K Impressions across FB, Insta & Twitter

Around 102 K People reached

1,238 K per day impressions on Twitter 99 K Reach on

Social Media

KASHISH 2023

Key Highlights

 127 films, from 45 countries. Check out complete KASHISH 2023 Festival Catalog HERE

 The in-person festival was held June 7-11th at Liberty Cinema and June 8-10th Alliance

Française de Bombay, and the online festival was held June 16-25th on Xerb.tv. The festival theme was “Be Fluid, Be You!”

 28 Indian LGBTQ+ films were screened at the festival comprising narrative & documentary features and short films. India was the country with highest number of films at the festival.



46 films competed for top awards at the festival in 10 categories for total prize of Rs 6.50 lakhs.

 There was fantastic celebrity presence with RAVEENA TANDON present at the Opening Night, alongwith Sanjay Suri, Sudhir Mishra, Shishir Sharma for Onir’s film Pine Cone; Simone Singh for her film Maja Ma; Pulkit Samrat for film Taps, etc.

 Also performers like Rani KoheNoor, Sunita Bhuyan, Dancing Queens and Singapore drag performer Opera Tang rocked the shows.

 Well known hosts like Sucharita Tyagi, Priya host SeduQtress SoniQa were the MCs for

KASHISH 2023

Key Highlights

 Actors MADHURI DIXIT & SIMONE SINGH were felicitated with the Rainbow Voices Award for their film Maja Ma.

 National Award filmmaker Onir was honored with the Rainbow Warrior Award, and the Rainbow Champion Award was given to Kinnar Asmita, an NGO working for the welfare of the transgender community in Kalyan.

 Jury members comprised of acclaimed actors Lillete Dubey & Anup Soni and festival curator

Jitin Hingorani (Narrative Jury); filmmakers & DOPs Nandan Saxena & Shanti Bhushan Roy and curator Aanchal Kapur (Documentary Jury); producer Rucha Pathak, screenwriter Atika Chohan and filmmaker Samarth Mahajan (Student Shorts Jury); Nargis Wadia & Roy Wadia (Riyad WadiaAward Jury); and Ashish Sawhny (Ismat Chughtai Award Jury)

 62 Filmmakers / Producers from India and abroad participated in the festival, with 12 International and 14 Indian Filmmakers from outside Mumbai in addition to of Local filmmakers.

KASHISH 2023

Key Highlights

 KASHISH 2023 celebrated the diversity of the LGBTQ+ spectrum by its engaging line-up of films as well as showcasing the richness of Indian regional languages by screening films in Assamese, Bengali, Kannada, Marathi, Hindi and English.

 KASHISH 2023 presented several panel discussions – ‘D&I Roadmap – Experience Sharing’ supported by Morgan Stanley; ‘Creating LGBTQIA+ Inclusive Workplaces: Policies, Practices, and Perspectives’ supported by KelpHR; ‘LGBTQ+ Rights in Asian Countries – Nepal, Singapore, Lebanon & India’ supported by Consulate General of Canada; ‘The Language of Respect‘ supported by Disney Star and ‘Keep Walking With Pride – Emerging Indian Filmmakers Interface’ supported by Walker & Co.

 KASHISH 2023 presented an interactive High-Tea session with all participating filmmakers, in collaboration with the Consulate General of Canada.

 The screening of the Indian Narrative Centerpiece film Maja Ma followed by Q&A with director Anand Tiwari, and actors Simone

Shrivastava and other crew members.

KASHISH 2022

Key Highlights

 Several companies, consulates, and organizations came together to support KASHISH including Walker & Co, Skybags, KPMG, Disney Star, Morgan Stanley, Axis Bank, Consulate General of Canada, General Mills, TIAA, KelpHR, Quebec Government in Mumbai, MUBI, Lotus Visual Productions, K.F.Patil Charitable Trust, Wadia Movietone, Whistling Woods International Jerome Marrel, Abhay Kulkarni,Ashish Sawhny and Renuka Shahane.

 Industry & Community Partners were Accord Equips, The Daily Eye, Digital Fix, Festivals From India, The QKnit Foundation, The Gay Gaze, etc.

 KASHISH Arts Foundation, the organizer of KASHISH Mumbai International Queer Film Festival, is a registered charitable trust and from this year onwards is offering 80G tax benefits to all its donors.

 Donations can be made at https://pages.razorpay.com/KASHISH

KASHISH 2023 in Pics Celebrities

KASHISH 2023 in Pics

Celebrities

KASHISH 2023 in Pics Celebrities

KASHISH 2023 in Pics

Queer Leaders

KASHISH 2023 in Pics Red Carpet Fashion

KASHISH 2023 in Pics

Housefull Crowds

KASHISH 2023 in Pics

Jury Members

KASHISH 2023 in Pics

Filmmakers

KASHISH 2023 in Pics Partners

KASHISH 2023 in Pics

On-Site Branding

KASHISH 2023 in Pics

Performances

Performances

KASHISH 2023 in Pics Panels

KASHISH 2023 Jury Panels

KASHISH 2023 Partners

KASHISH 2023 Sponsors Speak

"Walkers & Co is a community platform fuelled by enabling collaborations that have the power to inspire. The partnership with KASHISH Film Festival is a celebration of authentic and bold walkers who take the power of film and drive collective progress via their work."

Shweta Jain, Chief Business Development Officer Luxury, Reserve, Craft Diageo India

“We believe that cinema has an unparalleled ability to ignite conversations, challenge norms, and promote inclusivity. Skybags, since the beginning, has been a flag bearer of freedom of expression and is honoured to partner with KASHISH - an initiative where the magic of cinema paves the way for understanding, acceptance, and unity. We join hands with KASHISH in their efforts to amplify LGBTQ+ representation and foster a more inclusive world”

Radhika Piramal, Vice Chairperson & Executive Director, VIP Industries Ltd.

“At KPMG in India, we look at inclusion and diversity as a moral, social and business imperative that builds trust and compels us to stand up for what is right and what matters. We are proud of our people and work towards ensuring that our culture is one where everyone regardless of gender or sexuality”

Sunit Sinha, Partner and Head – People, Performance

Walker & Co

Celebration Partner KPMG

Skybags

Angel Partner

KASHISH 2023 Sponsors Speak

“At Morgan Stanley we continue to be focused on making the Firm an employer of choice for LGBT+ talent, by providing recruiting opportunities, career development, policies and benefits and networking activities to promote inclusion, and belonging. We are proud to sponsor KASHISH for the fifth consecutive year and very excited to see the increased participation from the community and allies. The festival is a great platform and we hope it will continue to make a positive impact for the LGBT+ community.”

Rajat Mathur, India Head of Human Resources, Morgan Stanley

"As we evolve to recognize genders and relationships, both socially and legally, the onus is on organizations to ensure equity and practice inclusion every day. Cinema plays the important role of a catalyst in this evolution, and we are grateful for the partnership with KASHISH Mumbai International Queer Film Festival“

Rajkamal Vempati, President and Head - Human Resources, Axis Bank

“As India’s preferred broadcaster and streaming platform, we at Disney Star truly believe that we are a better company when our stories reflect the life experiences of our audiences, and we thrive when ideas and suggestions from all people are valued and encouraged. In line with this thought, we are thrilled to be associated with the KASHISH Film Festival that celebrates fraternity and society at large and look forward to quality and more for the community.”

Rishi Gaind, Head - Human Resources, Disney Star

Morgan Stanley Angel Partner Disney Star

Axis Bank Angel Partner

KASHISH 2023 Sponsors Speak

“Canada is honoured to support the KASHISH Mumbai International Queer Film Festival for the 10th consecutive year. As South Asia’s largest queer film festival, KASHISH is an important platform to raise awareness and advocate for the rights of the LGBTQI+ community. We are excited to support a panel discussion on LGBTQI+ Rights in Asian Countries along with film screenings and interactive sessions. Join us in celebrating stories of identity and inclusion with this year’s theme: Be Fluid, Be You!”

Diedrah Kelly, Consul General of Canada in Mumbai

“General Mills is proud to announce our partnership with KASHISH Mumbai International Queer Film Festival as Venture Partner in 2023 for the fourth consecutive year. At GIC, we are committed to building a safe, sustainable and inclusive workplace for our employee to grow professionally and be respected for who they are.”

Atulaya Goswami, Director HR, GIC & India Site Operations, General Mills

“The Government of Québec is dedicated to advancing the rights of LGBTQ people. It is committed to promoting the legal and social equality of sexual minorities at home and abroad. It is keen to support the creative initiatives of this community to express themselves to the public Hence it is an honour to partner with KASHISH Mumbai International Queer Film Festival

Francis Paradis, Director & Consul, Quebec Government

KASHISH 2023 Sponsors Speak

“Embracing your true self can be costly, as we often hide behind masks out of fear and insecurity. KelpHR is proud to partner with KASHISH for the second consecutive year. By actively participating, we aim to contribute to the visibility and understanding of LGBTQ+ experiences, fostering an inclusive society that celebrates individuality, builds acceptance and empowers everyone to be their authentic selves. Let’s embrace fluidity and be ourselves unapologetically.”

Smita Shetty Kapoor, CEO & Co-founder, KelpHR

"MUBI aims to provide a platform for a diverse selection of films and stories, as well as elevate the voices of suppressed, overlooked and under-represented filmmakers from around the world. Our partnership with KASHISH Film Festival, the largest queer festival in South Asia, continues our commitment to showcasing these narratives and we are pleased to be collaborating with the team."

Apeksha Vakharia, Director of Marketing, APAC at MUBI

“KASHISH QDristhi film grant provides an opportunity to LGBTQ+ voices to tell their own stories. It promotes movie making that goes beyond token representation that uses the queer or trans narrative for profit mongering by differentiating between tokenism and authentic storytelling ”

Neeraj Churi, Founder, Lotus

Visual Productions

KASHISH 2023 Sponsors Speak

“To be an award partner of KASHISH is a natural extension of my support to the LGBTQIA+ community that faces new challenges every day. KASHISH is a powerful platform of self-expression and I feel this platform needs to be protected and supported morally as well as financially. I'm glad my contribution helps a few creative minds from the LGBTQIA+ community to feel appreciated for their artistic work.”

Renuka Shahane, Actor

“Shri K.F.Patil Charitable Trust in the name of my father who was a freedom fighter, stands for Unity in Diversity. As an award partner we are proud to be associated with KASHISH Film Festival which year after year has been promoting freedom and inclusivity for all human kind. When the world is going through so much upheaval, its time to accept people exactly as they are and exactly as they are not. The documentary awards are to encourage filmmakers to create awareness, inform and educate people from all parts of the world to open their hearts to the LGBTQIA+ community and learn to live in peace and harmony with every kind of person.”

Arunaraje Patil, Chairperson, K.F. Patil Charitable Trust

“The legacy of Wadia Movietone’s pioneering founder JBH Wadia and of his grandson - and my beloved brother - Riyad Wadia lives on through the KASHISH award constituted in Riyad’s name. Inspiration, Innovation, Inclusion - All these qualities are reflected proud to continue supporting the award and KASHISH

Roy Wadia, Director, Wadia Movietone

Wadia Movietone

Renuka Shahane Award Partner

K.F.Patil Charitable Trust Award Partner

KASHISH 2023 Sponsors Speak

"Whistling Woods International has always extended its support towards encouraging talent and creativity in aspirants and students. Throughout the recent years, our collaboration with KASHISH Mumbai International Queer Film Festival has grown stronger, and I am thrilled to continue our partnership this year. I firmly believe in the power of films and creative arts, and through these mediums instill the importance of diversity & inclusion. By sponsoring the Student Short Award, we hope many talented youth will find their expression and be encouraged to find courage in creativity. Wishing KASHISH 2023 all the success.“

Meghna Ghai Puri, President, Whistling Woods International

“It is an honor to support the Best International Narrative Short Award. GagaOOLala provides a platform for all to present diversity and different forms of love, and we aim to connect talented creators around the world. Short films are the perfect vehicle for young and experienced filmmakers to showcase their talent and find their voice. We want to help queer Indian directors find their audience, and with this partnership, we are glad to welcome great films to be on GagaOOLala.”

Jay Lin, Founder, GagaOoLala

“Awards are not just about prize money or trophy, it’s an appreciation and respect given to the qualitative hard work of a writer and creator. I wanted to institute an award for best writing in memory of my late father Dr. Arvind Vaman Kulkarni, who was a well-known Poet and Writer in Marathi literature, and thought KASHISH is the best platform for this award. KASHISH has always believed in quality, and this best screenplay award is for quality. My best wishes to Team

Abhay Kulkarni, son of Shri. Arvind Waman Kulkarni

Whistling Woods International Award Partner

Québec Supporting Partner

GagaOoLala Award Partner

Abhay Kulkarni Award Partner

KASHISH

2023

Sponsors Speak

“I am delighted to partner with KASHISH, after 13 years of having many of my films screened, being part of panels and supporting the festival as best as possible. It was my Nani - Ismat Chughtai, the liberal feminist writer & filmmaker who gave me my wings to fly. Hence, the idea to institute an award, especially for women filmmakers in her honour seemed like a great match, and I hope this encourages more diversity and representation amongst our filmmakers.”

Ashish Sawhny, grandson of Ismat Chughtai

"With the poster contest at KASHISH 2023 I want to keep the legacy of my beloved partner Wendell Rodricks alive, by recognizing the best in design that is suited to this year’s theme. I am happy to be the Jury to pick the final winner, keeping in mind what Wendell would have liked, and how he would have chosen, but applying a practicality that is totally my own“

Jerome Marrel, husband of Wendell Rodricks

Ashish Sawhny Award Partner

Jerome Marrel Award Partner

KASHISH 2023 Award Winners

ReadaboutKASHISH2023Winners

KASHISH 2023 Award Winners & Jury Special Mentions

ReadaboutKASHISH2023Winners

KASHISH 2023 Press

FullPressClipsDocket HERE

KASHISH THROUGH THE YEAR

KASHISH INITITAIVES

Best of KASHISH for Corporates

KASHISH has been conducting online/offline screening and discussion programs with corporate houses, to create awareness and sensitize their employees to LGBTQ+ issues as part of their D&I initiative. Typically it is a 1 ½ hour session with 1 hour of screening and ½ hour of discussion. We have already done such events for Morgan Stanley, General Mills, IBM, Goldman Sachs, Nomura,Accenture, Ford, etc. We can customize the event to the company's needs and objectives.

KASHISH Forward

KASHISH Forward is India’s first Campus LGBTQ+ Film Festival where we take a set of campus-friendly LGBTQ+ films to screen at colleges and universities. We have already done 50 such screenings across India in not only Metro cities, but also Tier 2 and Tier 3 cities.

KASHISH We Care Fund

Through KASHISH We Care Fund, we try to support other community based organizations working for the welfare of LGBTQ+ community through donations and resource sharing. We have contributed to 6 organizations and also adopting 2 colleges in India.

Youcanwritetousatpartners.kashish@gmail.comtoenquireaboutthe involvedtocarryouttheseinitiatives.

KASHISH 2023

Stay Connected

FestivalWebsite: http://www.mumbaiqueerfest.com

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http://www.facebook.com/Kashish.MIQFF

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