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

Bollywood Hottie Celina Jaitley Opens The Biggest Gay Film Festival In India

By KIRAN Negi

Mumbai, April 18 – Equal rights activist and bollywood actress Celina Jaitley opened the Mumbai International Queer Film Festival ‘Kashish’, the first and the biggest LGBT (Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender) film festival in India. The cine event will commence in Mumbai from April 22. A four day festival, the event promises to sensitize masses on gay issues. Around 110 films will be showcased from more than 25 countries at two different venues in Mumbai.

Flaunting her high spirits, Celina Jaitley unveiled the festival trailer in Mumbai on Thursday. “I want to say this that these films are also about human emotions,” she said. “You will get to see films not only from India but from abroad. I want to invite all of you to witness what human emotions and these movies are all about.” She further added “This is a festival which brings together filmmakers, writers, intellectuals, academicians, activists, celebrities and stars with both queer and mainstream audience in an interactive celebration of queer experience.”

It is for the first time in India that a queer cine event is being organized in a multiplex. The outstanding aspect of the festival is that it highlights the issues of gay culture by screening films at ’significant’ venues like Alliance Francaise, Marine Lines and PVR Cinemas in Juhu.

Amongst the movies which will be screened at the event are Nina’s Heavenly Delights with Laura Fraser and Shelley Conn, and I Can’t Think Straight with Lisa Ray and Sheetal Sheth.