Short Films Package

Indian Masala Mix 1

Total Duration: 57 min

The first part of this year’s Indian short films package showcases five films about various relationships and connections one builds with friends, families, and partners - or even with strangers; that can change or challenge lives of the people in question.

MANU

Dir: Shinku C.

18 min | 2021 | India | English, Hindi |

Mumbai Premiere

Manu is an introverted, repressed boy who loves art, and belongs to a middle-class religious family in India. On this particular day, a series of events brings him finally to confront himself, and in the end, leaves him in a dilemma to bring the change in his life or not.

Dir: Kapil Joshi

6 min | 2022 | India | Hindi | Indian Premiere

It's a story of two souls who want to live happily ever after and want to blend in with the crowd.

LAVISHKA

Dir: Pinaki Janardhan

18 min | 2022 | India | Kannada |

A film, which is as simple as just two primary characters talking throughout, is led by an Idea that, these two characters will never be seen together in any of the frames. Their love story unfolds in cafes, over long drives in cars, etc.

Dir: Anisha Sharma

15 min | 2023 | India | English, Hindi |

World Premiere

In Ismat Chughtai Award Competition

Liberty

Karan is a transman, who recently had a gender affirmation surgery and something as trivial as going to the beach shirtless has been a dream and an act of liberation for him.

2.45 PM

Neelo Phool (Dusadhay maathiko prayaas)

40 min | 2023 | Nepal | Nepalese | Featurette | Indian Premiere

Tilak is a gentle and reserved young man. His elder brother is married with a child. Tilak’s mother forces him to marry Urmila, a school-teacher. Despite their challenging context, the couple become friendly. One day, Urmila happens to meet social workers from Kathmandu who inform her about sexual and gender minorities. Tilak eventually moves to the capital to work with that NGO.

*Filmmaker & Key Cast in Attendance

Followed By

KASHISH QDrishti 2022 Shorts*

Total Duration: 36 min

*Cast and Crew in Attendance

Since 2016, KASHISH QDrishti Film Grant sponsored by Lotus Visual Productions has been a consistent platform helping the emerging filmmakers to make their first or next LGBTQ+ themed film. Till date EIGHT Indian LGBTQ+ short films have been able to shine on screen through this grant.

To give more visibility and access to Indian queer filmmakers, from 2021 this grant has been made specifically available to directors of Indian origin based in India, who identify as a LGBTQ+ person. A Jury panel comprising of the film industry professionals select the most viable project on the basis of the scripts and live pitching by the filmmakers.

In 2022, the grant has been increased to Rs.2,50,000 by Lotus Visual Production. Renowned actress Renuka Shahane supports it with an additional grant of Rs 50,000 each for the two Runner-ups. The presented two films are made with the support of this grant, awarded last year.

Dir: Preeti Kanungo

(Runner-up KASHISH QDrishti Film Grant'22)

20 min | 2023 | India | Hindi |

Narrative Short | World Premiere

In Ismat Chughtai Award Competition

In Riyad Wadia Award Competition

Coming of age story about two sisters Malwa and Khushan exploring and experiencing sexuality and attraction in their adolescent years. Khushan looks up to Malwa for her outspoken nature and courage. Soon a new girl arrives at their school for a short period of time and Khushan begins to develop feelings for her.

TAPS

Dir: Arvind Caulagi

(Winner KASHISH QDrishti Film Grant'22)

17 min | 2023 | India | English |

Narrative Short | World Premiere

In Riyad Wadia Award Competition

A simple misunderstanding puts Akshay and Rohan’s domestic idyll on shaky grounds. Set over the course of an evening, Taps offers an intimate look at how the couple navigates their way back to each other.