Celina Jaitley inaugurates Queer Film Fest

Celina Jaitley, Actor

It's the first of its kind film festival in India where Queer is the keyword. Somen Mishra tells you more.

110 films from 25 countries and all Queer themed - it's the first edition of an International Queer Film Festival in Mumbai called Kashish. To be held between April 22-25, these films deal with stories revolving gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender characters and their issues. And championing the cause is actress Celina Jaitley.

"We love cinema. we eat, sleep, drink cinema and nothing could be better than that for integrating people. And it's so sorry that we live at a time when we use the word minority for human beings."

And though Humsafar Trust had such LGBT film-screenings earlier, never before has the scale been so big. So much so that its making the core members a tad skeptical about its public reception.

Vikram Anand, Festival Director

"My belief is that law exists and so we need to take necessary precautions. Yes, there is a fear that there could be a backlash. Some of the groups may turn hostile."

In its first year, the entry to the festival has been kept free to reach out far and wide. So, just log on towww.mumbaiqueerfest.com and mark your calendar for the International Queer Film Festival.

By Somen Mishra