All the films by south Asian creatives at LGBTQI+ film festival, Flare
Flare Festival is the British Film Institute’s (BFI) springtime celebration of queer cinema and this year, the 12 day programme is packed with plenty of exceptional films by south Asian creatives. Read on to see what’s on.
Queer Parivaar
This bright and colourful short film would fit right in, in Bollywood. Written, directed, produced by and staring Shiva Raichandani, a multidisciplinary non-binary performance artist and content creator, it tells the story of a mysterious gate-crasher who appears at the wedding of Madhav and Sufi, who are then forced to face past secrets and reflect on what makes a family. Featuring a wedding and a musical number, it ticks the desi entertainment boxes whilst showcasing positive imageries of interfaith and intergenerational queer love.
The Protector or Muhafiz
This deeply powerful short film written, directed and produced by outspoken and powerful trans activist in India, Pradipta Ray, is shot in India against the backdrop of sectarian violence and asks the question, can a gay Hindu man find the courage to help a Muslim?
Trinity
This stirring and poetic short film, written and directed by Hetain Patel, beautifully tells the story of a women’s struggle between familial responsibility to get married and personal responsibility to herself. And it’s all played out as martial arts fight that is explored lyrically.
Coming out with the help of a time machine
This humourous short film written and directed by Naman Gupta and starring the brilliantly talented Karan Soni, tells the story of Sid, who uses a time machine to try to find the perfect way to come out to his parents again, and again, and again. Hey, it’s not easy!
Yaha Waha
What is it to be a second or third generation British Asian in 2021? Anthony Pius is a classically trained Bharatanatyam dancer and drag queen from London who is producing and starring in shows with a full cast of Asian Queens. Almass Badat is a DJ with a residency on BBC Asian Network, her dream is to show people a world through her lens; that of an independent, Muslim, queer woman. Fresh out of lockdown, we follow them as they transform their own deeply personal learnings of British Asian identity into work which asks to be understood and demands to be celebrated.
The Syed Family Xmas Eve Family Game Night
This short film comedy written by actress Kausar Mohammed and directed by Fawzia Mirza, and tells the story of Noor who brings her south American girlfriend Luz over for her family’s annual game night on Christmas Eve, putting all cards on the table. You can read our interview with Kausar about how her own coming out story influenced the film, here.
Noor & Layla
This short film is also directed and written Fawiza Mirza, who'se interview with us you can read here and the first piece to be created through her production company Baby Daal Productions, asks what happens to two women Noor and Layla, when they are drawn to one another by their shared Muslim faith.
Sunday
This film made in India by Arun Fulara tells the charming story of Kamble who goes to the barber every Sunday. But it’s not for his hair, it’s for the man who cuts it.