The fifth edition of the Kashish Mumbai International Queer Film Festival is set to start on Wednesday. The five-day festival which is South Asia’s and India’s biggest LGBT film festival will screen 154 films from 31 countries.
The theme of the fifth edition of the festival will be transgender rights. On April 15, 2014, the Supreme Court of India granted recognition to hijras and transgenders by creating a 'third gender' status, deeming them a socially and economically backward category.
Sridhar Rangayan, director of the festival said that this year's theme for Kashish 2014: 'Dare To Dream' reflects this emerging change. “Every year we program a large number of films on transgender issues from across the world and they have been greatly appreciated. This year too there is a spotlight on transgender films as well as a panel discussion planned to discuss the current scenario”, said his statement on the website of the festival.
Highlighting the key transgender films, director of programming Saagar Gupta said, “Films on Transgender issues to watch out for at Kashish 2014 are Will This Change from Bangladesh, My Mother from UK, Sexicas from Spain, as well as Rainbows Are Real , I'dentity from India, among several others.
Can You See the Real Me about the life of work of celebrity transgender hairstylist Slyvie is sure to touch many hearts and offer hope,” he added.
