Short Films Package

Total Duration: 96 min

A package of five poignant stories from across the LGBTQ+ spectrum, covering a variety of themes like mental health, adoption, selfdiscovery, families and finding love at the ‘fag’ end!

Dir: Sophie Black

14 min | 2022 | United Kingdom | English | Asian Premiere

Set within the confines of her hotel room, forty-something Evelyn embarks on a journey of self-discovery with Cleo, a younger woman who exudes the kind of confidence Evelyn has only dreamed of. They share a drink, a smile, an instant connection, and an unforgettable night that Evelyn cannot ignore nor fully encompass.

Dir: Benjamin Colbourne

8 min | 2023 | United Kingdom | English | World Premiere

Liam discovers true love at the height of the pandemic, finding colour in a previously colourless world.

*Filmmaker in Attendance

HAPPY

Dir: Keshav Shree

20 min | 2022 | United Kingdom |

English | World Premiere

Liberty

After 30 years at a white-collared job an introverted man is thrown into the isolation of retirement. This resurfaces obsessive desires. He must either come out to his iron-willed wife or continue an unfulfilled marriage of 35 years.

LOOK LIKE YOU

Dir: Snigdha Kapoor

13 min | 2022 | USA | English |

Mumbai Premiere

While visiting the adoptive family of her eightyear-old biological son, Tara overcomes the hesitation of his parents to relay advice she gathered from growing up as a queer outcast.

LOVE LINGERS

(Amar Nunca Seca)

Dir: Washington Calegari

23 min | 2022 | Brazil | Portuguese | Mumbai Premiere

Isolated at home, Jonas reflects on his relationship with his boyfriend and best friend, who are hospitalized during the pandemic.

Dir: Saim Sadiq

126 min | 2022 | Pakistan, USA | Punjabi, Urdu | Narrative Feature

As the happily patriarchal Rana family craves for the birth of a baby boy, the youngest of the Rana men secretly joins as a backup dancer in a Bollywood-style burlesque and quickly becomes infatuated with the strongwilled trans woman who runs the show. Their impossible love story slowly illuminates the entire Rana family’s desire for a sexual rebellion.

The first Pakistani film to screen at Cannes, Joyland was also shortlisted for Academy Awards 2023 as Pakistan’s official entry.

Festivals & Honors:

• Jury Prize Un Certain Regard - Cannes Film Festival, 2022

• Winner Queer Palm - Cannes Film Festival, 2022

• Winner Best Indie Film - Indian Film Festival of Melbourne, 2022

• Winner Best Screenplay - Athens International Film Festival, 2022

• Winner Young Cinema Award - Asia Pacific Screen Awards, 2022

• Winner Independent Spirit Award for Best International Film, 2023

• Winner Directors to Watch - Palm Springs Int'l Film Festival, 2023

• Winner New Direction Competition - Cleveland Int'l Film Festival, 2023

Saim Sadiq is a Pakistani screenwriter and director with a background in anthropology. His earlier documentary work was showcased by various national networks on television, went viral on social media in Pakistan, and was featured by BBC's Free Speech Stories. His first short film Pasban screened at numerous festivals around the globe. His next short Nice Talking to You was awarded Vimeo's Best Director along with five other awards at the 2018 Columbia University thesis film showcase.