KASHISH 2024 unfurls Diversity with Gender-Queer and Transman focused films as its Opening & Closing films, reports the #Newsdesk

South Asia’s biggest LGBTQ+ film festival to screen 133 films from 46 countries in its 15th edition

French film ‘Spirit of Ecstasy’ about a gender-queer stock-market trader is the Opening Film, and American film ‘Mutt’ about a trans-masculine person is the Closing Film.

The 15th edition of KASHISH Pride Film Festival, South Asia's biggest LGBTQ+ film festival will open on May 15th at Liberty Cinema with the French film ‘Spirit of Ecstasy’ about a gender-questioning stock-market trader who is determined to make it in the world of finance; not for the glory or wealth, but because it’s leading her on the path to freedom.

Queer singer and actor Pomme who plays the lead character of Jeanne, when asked by her ex-boyfriend "You're lesbian, right?" says she is ‘non-sexual’, "neutral, like numbers”!

‘Spirit of Ecstasy’ director Helena Klotz said, “I am honoured to open the KASHISH Pride Film Festival with our film, and I am also very happy for the film to travel to you. All the more that my desire to make films arose in Calcutta when I was 7, I was there with my father who was directing his first film... I hope you will appreciate Jeanne as much as I did. I wish you all an excellent festival!"

The closing film of KASHISH 2024 on May 19th at Liberty Cinema, is the American film ‘Mutt’, in which a trans man goes through an emotional roller-coaster over a 24-hour period in New York City, bumping into his ex-boyfriend, sister and dad for the first time after having lost touch with them since his gender transition.

Speaking about the name of the film, director Lungulov-Klotz, a transman himself, has said in an interview, “I just wanted to take a word that was usually seen as negative and use it as armour. I think “mutt” also speaks about different intersectionality and the in-betweenness of being trans”.

The lead actor is aptly cast, with Feña being played by Lio Mehiel, a Puerto Rican transmasc, non-binary writer, actor, and filmmaker based in LA. He won the U.S. Dramatic Special Jury Award for Best Acting at Sundance Film Festival.

Sridhar Rangayan, founder festival director said, “The Opening and Closing Films this year speak of the rapid evolution of our consciousness around identities, to be mindful of diversity, and to recognize the intersectionality of gender and sexuality. These films also aptly resonate with this year’s theme ‘Unfurl Your Pride’, an invitation for everyone to come to KASHISH with their true and complete self, holding their head high with pride.”

KASHISH 2024 will screen 133 films from 46 countries at Liberty Cinema (May 15-19th), Alliance Française de Bombay (May 16-19th) and Cinepolis, Andheri West (May 17 & 18th).

Celebrating its 15th edition, the festival is bringing a slice of the festival to the western suburbs of Mumbai, holding a two day event at a multiplex in Andheri West.

The festival will also feature panel discussions, performances by the queer community and allies, workshops, interactive sessions and a film pitching session for your LGBTQ+ filmmakers to make their next short film.

Film Programs, Schedules and other details can be found on the festival website http://mumbaiqueerfest.com