KASHISH 2021 Festival Report

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KASHISH 2021 FESTIVAL REPORT Kashish.MIQFF

KashishMIQFF

KashishFilmFest

KASHISH 2021 12th KASHISH Mumbai International Queer Film Festival

Check out complete KASHISH 2021 Festival Catalog HERE

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KASHISH 2021

Overview ▪

KASHISH 2021, the 12th edition of KASHISH Mumbai International Queer Film Festival, South Asia’s biggest LGBTQIA+ film festival, was held as an online version this year too from August 19th to September 5th 2021.

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The move to a virtual event was necessitated due to the continuing COVID19 pandemic which made the on-ground event scheduled in May 2021 not feasible. Being online helped us in reaching to audiences outside Mumbai and even India. It also boosted international participation of the filmmakers and speakers via online engagements with celebrity speakers like Mira Nair, Ruth Vanita, Jonas Gardell, David Paternotte, etc.

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We are happy to state that the KASHISH 2021 event was a success with a good attendance, and engagement from people across the world. There was a drop in registrations, which can be attributed to online viewing fatigue over the past 2 years by people locked down.

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

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It is envisaged that in future KASHISH will have a hybrid festival – with both on-ground and online 3 components complimenting each other

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KASHISH 2021

Highlights

23

Days of

Festival

12

Days of

Film screenings

42sessions of Filmmaker Q&As

8Panel Discussions

221

Films

from

53

Countries

1280 Registrations

24 Indian LGBTQIA+ films

5470 Tickets Issued

80Female Filmmakers

10Non-binary Filmmakers

4266 Total Film Views

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KASHISH 2021

Highlights Trans/ Queer 8.7%

New Audience 21.7%

Returning Audience 73.9%

Around

63.3 K People reached thro IGTV videos

NonLGBTQ audience 26.1%

150% increase In Facebook Daily Reach compared to 2020

LGBTQ audience 73.9%

Female 26.1%

Male 65.2%

1.6 million Impressions across FB, Insta & Twitter

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KASHISH 2021

Social Media

For full Social Media Report please visit: SOCIAL MEDIA DOCKET

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KASHISH 2021

Program Highlights ▪

We are very happy that 221 filmmakers from 53 countries stood with us and consented to their film being screened online over 12 days of film screening over 23 days of the festival, making KASHISH the largest LGBTQIA+ film festival in South Asia. Full schedule with links to individual programs at https://mumbaiqueerfest.com/kashish-2021-schedule/

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55 of these films were in competition in 9 categories for a total cash award of close to Rs.1,90,000.

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39 LGBTQIA+ films from the Asian continent - from India, Bangladesh, Pakistan, Myanmar, Iran, Lebanon, Turkey and Indonesia

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Festival Catalog can be viewed HERE

24 of the 221 films were from India, making India the highest in number of films, followed by Spain and USA.

The KASHISH 2021 also enabled several Panel Discussions with international participants that can be viewed at https://mumbaiqueerfest.com/allied-events-at-kashish-2021/ alongwith the Opening Ceremony and the Closing & Award Ceremony.

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KASHISH 2021

Audience Speak “Always better than last... I never get enough of KASHISH ..

I want this to continue on and on.... I am a movie buff and this year it was a treat to me... I watched all beautiful movies at my home on my big screen projector... I only missed the crowd & my friends... Overall a lovely experience.”

“I loved watching the festival.

This time I felt there was a good representation of lesbian issue films than ever before.”

“Overall it was a great festival, with a diverse set of films. There were especially a lot of films focusing on marginalized communities within the LGBTQ community, such as trans, interracial, etc.”

“I loved the set of films. They have left a lasting impact on me. I would have loved to go to theatre and watch them all, but I can understand unfortunately it isn’t possible.”

“It was better than any Bollywood or Hollywood festival!!”

“We are all tired by online festivals by now, but it is a necessary alternative to keep the tradition going and you guys managed to grasp the live event festival feeling through an online event!

Awesome!”

“Virtual mode was very good, more flexibility as to when to watch the films.

But missed the crowds though!”

“Very satisfying and diverse programming.”

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KASHISH 2021

Audience Speak “Loved the diversity in LGBTQAI+ movies and this time there were a lot of movies that highlighted on the mental health struggle as well as the other side of the parallel story about the parents and in general people around us which helps others and not just the community to grow and get an exposure as a whole.”

“It was a beautiful experience witnessing so many LGBTQIA films on a single platform. The quality of films were way better this year than the last. Thank you!”

“It is a wonderful festival. My congratulations to the team of organizers for putting together such an excellent and very inclusive festival. May there be many more in the future. All the best.”

“I'm getting hooked to the big advantages of virtual, which mainly are that I can cut my time short if I don't like a movie.

I loved the Q & A's on YouTube.”

“The range of films is really awesome and so is the quality. Excellent and wide selection of films.”

“I think KASHISH has been able to turn the tables in this virtual environment for good only. The experience of virtual screening and comfort to participate at our own pace has helped the viewers and given them more flexibility and choice.”

“KASHISH was only at few cities before the lockdown. But it has given opportunity for people belonging from different part of India to watch films which are not available anywhere else, not even in other OTT platform.”

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KASHISH 2021

Audience Speak “Want to express my heartfelt gratitude for organizing the amazing festival. I had always always wanted to attend the KASHISH Festival, after hearing & reading about it so much over the past years.

I love stories, films, and have attended a couple of other film festivals. But this was more special since it spoke and represented the community I am part of. Having already watched an umpteen number of narrative feature films over the years, I looked forward to and immersed in the documentary series completely and was left aware and amazed by the movements that have led to liberties today.

I have always felt that stories are the best way to inspire and influence people and films are able to do it really well. To be able to become part of this movement, sitting at home was an unasked for blessing. The scheduling, cost, selection of films, bucketing them into three themes over three weeks – everything was well thought of and executed and I got a chance to devour films with ease.”

“Thank you so much for doing this.

You guys are responsible for changing and saving so many lives.”

“I am not sure if this is how the team wanted it to be, a virtual showcase, and what the future editions will look like, but I would request to please do consider running it online as well.”

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KASHISH 2021

Audience Speak KASHISH has exposed me to the depth and variety that exists in the community.

Acknowledgement of, acceptance of and empathy with the community has greatly increased.

Learnt about issues faced by the community in many other countries I feel it has highlighted how diverse the LGBTQIA+ community is and how lucky we are to be part of such a wonderful community. May out tribe grow and prosper!

To an immense level. I can say that from my personal experience as KASHISH is the platform where I opened to my family. All thanks to KASHISH and huge thanks to Sridhar & Saagar.

I have accepted my child and all others in Sweekar group, all people should understand this .

The queer struggle in Western or Eastern cultures is still painfully different. I learn more about cultures than people (which create culture of course...). Loved also the Religiously Queer section. Bravo!

It has always enriched my understanding of the diversity under the Rainbow flag.

This year I particularly loved the new insights into the intersectionality between queer and religious identities.

Helped me in my coming out, and definitely helped remove certain misconceptions I had earlier, as also a better and more empathetic understanding of various gender identities Learned some struggles of the Trans community through the documentaries and films

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KASHISH 2021

Jury Panels

Read Jury Bios HERE

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KASHISH 2021

Panel Discussions

For more details please check: https://mumbaiqueerfest .com/allied-events-atkashish-2021/

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KASHISH 2021

Partners

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Sponsors Speak “At Morgan Stanley, we have always been focused on diversity and inclusion and last year announced it as a new core value to make explicit our commitment to cultivating and supporting a diverse workforce, representative of the society we live in. We are proud to sponsor KASHISH for the third consecutive year and hope the festival provides a platform and opportunity for everyone from the LGBTQ+ community to be heard and represented as equals.”

Rajat Mathur, India Head of Human Resources, Morgan Stanley

Morgan Stanley Angel Partner

"Fostering a culture of diversity and inclusion is important to our company’s success. The events of the past year have reaffirmed IBM’s commitment to address long-standing social injustices, accessibility gaps, and growing socioeconomic differences. Diversity and inclusion can help propel innovation and expand access to opportunity. Our association with KASHISH Mumbai International Queer Film Festival every year showcases and demonstrates our shared values & vision towards diversity, equity and inclusion.“ Prachi Rastogi, Diversity & Inclusion Leader, IBM Asia Pacific

IBM Venture Partner

“General Mills is proud to be associated with KASHISH International Queer Film Festival. KASHISH has been our key partner in creating awareness, compassion, respect and allyship for the LGBTQ+ community amongst our employees and we are excited to take our engagement to the next level. Art and Cinema are powerful mediums that transcend boundaries and break down societal barriers, so I am glad that this platform shines a light on the LGBTQ+ community, inspires us to embrace our differences and create a more equitable and inclusive place for all.”

Nupur Bedi, HR Director, General Mills

General Mills Venture Partner

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Sponsors Speak “Canada is proud to support the KASHISH Mumbai International Queer Film Festival for the eighth consecutive year.

While the pandemic has led to tremendous loss & uncertainty, it also presents the world with an opportunity to build back better. We believe that KASHISH is an important forum to build awareness and promote the rights of lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) people. This year we are excited to present Canadian films as part of the festival line up.

We hope to see everyone enjoy these stories of diversity & inclusion from Canada at this year’s edition of KASHISH.” Amanda Strohan, Deputy High Commissioner of Canada to India

Canada Venture Partner

“Québec is committed to LGBTQ rights and fights to recognize, confront and denounce all violence and discrimination against LGBTQ people. That's why the Québec Government Office in Mumbai is proud to partner with the KASHISH Mumbai International Queer Film Festival for the 4th consecutive year, with the screening of the short film package 'Queerment Québec' in association with the Image+Nation Montreal Queer Film Festival. We need to work together to advance LGBTQ rights. Hence, international mobilization is important!”

Francis Paradis, Consul & Director, Québec Government Office in Mumbai

Quebec Venture Partner

“Whistling Woods International is thrilled to announce its continued association with the KASHISH Mumbai International Queer Film Festival. This past year brought along challenging times, not just for us and our loved ones, but for the world as a whole. During these times, it was creativity and diversity that gave all of us the hope for a brighter tomorrow. This belief is at the core of everything that WWI and KASHISH stand for, and by showcasing this wonderful festival through the virtual platform, we prove that the power of creativity is unstoppable, even during these unprecedented times. Like previous years, WWI is privileged to sponsor the Best Student Film Award, inspiring and encouraging the future filmmakers to bring to fore phenomenal stories of one love.”

Meghna Ghai Puri, President of Whistling Woods International

Whistling Woods International Supporting & Award Partner

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KASHISH 2021

Sponsors Speak “AtEase, an inclusive mental health platform by Lilac Insights, is proud to support KASHISH Mumbai International Queer Film Festival and engage in a dialogue around mental health for LGBTQIA+ individuals, specifically queer cis-women, transwomen and non-binary individuals. We recognize the systemic factors that interact with our mental health and we aim to create a safe, trauma-informed and queer affirmative space for LGBTQIA+ individuals.”

Richa Vashista, Chief Mental Health Expert, AtEase

AtEase Supporting Partner

“We are proud supporting partners and look forward to this years’ edition of the KASHISH International Queer Film Festival. Promoting equal rights and respect for LGBTI persons is an important part of Sweden’s global Drive for Democracy. The right to be who you are and love who you want is key to freedom. Love is love.”

Anna Lekvall, Consul General, Consulate General of Sweden in Mumbai

Sweden Supporting Partner

“We are very excited to present an Israeli documentary film Marry Me However and several other films at the KASHISH Mumbai International Queer Film Festival. Israel, especially Tel Aviv is considered the LGBTQ capital in the region and we are proud to participate in this festival. We hope you will like these films.”

Kobbi Shoshani, Consul General of Israel in Mumbai

Israel Supporting Partner

“It gives me great pleasure that we in Belgium can look back at our track record. We were the second country to allow gay marriages in the world, and one of the first to legalize homosexuality. This move has ensured that gay people in Belgium have the same marital rights as anyone else. This sentiment is even reflected in Belgian society, as it was one of the first countries to have an openly gay Prime Minister. We are happy to support the panel discussion ‘Marriage Equality’ at KASHISH 2021.”

Pierre-Emmanuel Brusselmans, Consul General, Consulate General of the Kingdom of Belgium in Mumbai

Belgium Supporting Partner

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KASHISH 2021

Sponsors Speak “Emergence from these trying times have shown us the vital role filmmakers play in keeping us entertained, engaged, and expanding our minds. The KASHISH QDristhi award empowers the members of the LGBTQIA+ filmmakers to own their narrative and boldly bring their own stories on their own terms to the world. The award celebrates the optimism, courage, and indomitable spirit of these visionary risk-takers on their mission to open our hearts to new experiences and possibilities towards shaping a fairer humankind through acceptance and pride.”

Neeraj, Founder, Lotus Visual Productions

Lotus Visual Award Partner

“It was an honor and a great pleasure to be on the KASHISH QDrishti film grant jury. The five stories pitched to us were diverse, rich and unique in their representation of particular aspects of the LGBTQIA+ world experience. The jury discussions were also very enriching where the final decision was made with a lot of considered deliberation and mutual respect among us. I am really thankful to all the writers and directors from the LGBTQIA+ community who have delved into their personal experiences to share a part of themselves with us. I am happy to offer Rs.50,000 to the other 4 short listed filmmakers to make their films and realize their dreams.”

Renuka Shahane, Actor

Renuka Shahane Award Partner

“Anticlock Films is happy to sponsor the Award for Best Indian Narrative Short for the next three years, beginning KASHISH 2021. We believe that KASHISH has played a very pivotal role in providing a safe space for more than a decade to the LGBTQIA community to celebrate Queer cinema and a place where the community to meet and interact.

KASHISH has also been actively promoting queer content and talent through various competitions and we are happy to be a small part of it. Thank you for allowing us to be a part of this beautiful journey and hope in the coming years to support more such initiatives here.”

Onir, Director, Anticlock Films

Anticlock Films Award Partner

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KASHISH 2021

Sponsors Speak “Shri K.F.Patil CharitableTrust stands for Unity in Diversity. When nature celebrates the many-splendoured expressions of itself, why can’t human beings do the same and be inclusive of all people? The LGBTQ community has been marginalized for a long time and we thank KASHISH for creating this platform to inform, educate and enlighten people.

We are happy to partner with KASHISH in this endeavor. Our awards for the documentaries are to empower the space, to have a world that works for everybody and this is just a small step in that direction.”

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

K.F. Patil Charitable Trust Award Partner

“Kudos to KASHISH for bringing us yet another online stellar festival amid the ongoing challenge of the pandemic, for the second year in a row, and for making the event accessible to so many. Wadia Movietone admires this tenacious spirit of KASHISH, matching the fearless personality of my brother, the late filmmaker Riyad Wadia, in whose memory we are proud to continue supporting this important event for the 10th year in a row.”

Roy Wadia, Director, Wadia Movietone

Wadia Movietone Award Partner

“Best Screenplay Award has been instituted in the memory of my father, Shri Arvind Waman Kulkarni who was a renowned poet and author. We truly hope that this award will encourage the scriptwriters to put their best foot forward.

May the best screenplay win. All the very best to all of you and thanks to KASHISH.” Abhay Kulkarni, son of Shri. Arvind Waman Kulkarni

Abhay Kulkarni Award Partner

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KASHISH 2021

Wendell Rodricks Poster Design Contest

“I have picked this design as the winning design as it is very minimal, but carries the message clearly. Wendell was the guru of minimalism in fashion so it carries forward his legacy as well. And I am sure it would have been his choice.”

Jerome Marrel, Businessman and husband of (late) Wendell Rodricks

Jermore Marrel Award Partner

“For the past year, 'Unlock' has become a familiar word used by people worldwide. When I saw the theme for this year, 'Unlock with Pride,' the idea resonated very strongly with me. I knew this is a tough competition as the festival poster would receive submissions across the globe. And yet, I wanted to share my ideas for a movement that needs all the support it can get. I attempted to design a minimalist poster yet meaningful. Happy that my entry has been selected for the second time. My good wishes to all the participants and KASHISH 2021 film festival.”

Ajoy Kumar Das, Designer

Award Recipient

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Award Winners Speak

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Award Winners Speak

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Award Winners Speak

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KASHISH 2021

Press

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KASHISH 2021

Press

Check out complete Press Coverage HERE

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KASHISH 2021

Press

Check out complete Press Coverage HERE

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KASHISH 2021

Press

Check out complete Press Coverage HERE

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KASHISH 2021

Demographics

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KASHISH 2021

KASHISH Experience

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KASHISH 2021

KASHISH Experience

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KASHISH 2021

Outreach to LGBTQ community during COVID As per KASHISH’s commitment to support the LGBTQIA+ community during the times of the pandemic, like last year KASHISH Arts Foundation will donate 60% of the money collected through registrations (minus platform fees) to 4 diverse organizations working with the community:

Pictures from KASHISH 2020 We Care Fund donation

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KASHISH 2021

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