Seven Indian films by first or second time Indian filmmakers have been considered for the prestigious Riyad Award category this year! The award has been instituted by Wadia Movietone family in memory of Riyad Wadia, the first openly gay Indian filmmaker who made India's first gay-themed film "BOMgAY" (1996). The award carries a plaque, a gift hamper, a free two day HD shooting kit (camera, mike and one light) sponsored by Accord Equips and Rs.15,000 cash award sponsored by Wadia Movietone.
Crush-Shake
10.14 min / 2014 / India / Director: Jagruti Jethe
Story of a young girl, and a guy who follows her most of the time but never talks to her. She too has a crush on him, but is puzzled by his silence. She then decides to take the first step on the path of her dreamy love-story.
Sunday, May 25, 10.45am, Liberty Cinema | Short Film Package: Indian Masala Mix
The Gift (Eidi)
28 min / 2013 / India / Director: Pradipta Ray
Soumya arrives in his hometown to reunite with his close friend Ranjita, a transgender activist. However, a series of upheavals let out his insecurities, and inner demons, where Soumya, struggling to come to terms with his own identity is confronted with his own convoluted notions and double standards. Will their friendship stand the test of time?
Saturday, May 24, 4.45pm, Liberty Cinema | Short Film Package: Indian Showcase | (also competing in Indian Narrative Shorts category)
I'dentity
25.27 min / 2013 / India/ Director: Sharon Flynn
Through the personal stories of two male-to-female persons this documentary attempts to understand the physical, mental and emotional turmoil that an individual suffering from Gender Identity Disorder goes through. It provides a ray of hope for those who are going through this turmoil and are considering a change in their identity.
Saturday, May 24, 10.45am, Liberty Cinema | (also competing in Documentary Shorts category)
Kanna
6. 20 min / 2013 / India / Director: Ajay Arun
Being bullied by his peers, a queer teen feels pushed to the brink and decides to end his life. But is reasoned out of it by a friend who drops by unexpectedly.
Friday, May 23, 12.30pm, Liberty Cinema | Short Film Package: It Gets Better
Lipstick
29.30 min / 2013 / India / Director: Khais Millen
Years after the abuse that he has gone through, Shyam still feels committed to his childhood friend and perpetrator Krishna. He hopes to lead a life with him. Krishna who is a married man now certainly doesn’t want to get tied down in such relationship. Shyam soon realizes that he has been used throughout and takes a drastic step to put an end to it forever.
Sunday, May 25, 12.30pm, Liberty Cinema | Short Film Package: Two of US
Little Boxes
16.41 min / 2013 / India / Director: Ninad Adawadkar
How universal is the experience of coming out really? A diary entry of an inexperienced, almost adult person told through the stories of other people who are there or have been there. Each of us tries to make sense of the world in our own ways, though we all know that in the end we know next to nothing.
Sunday, May 25, 10.45am, Liberty Cinema | Short Film Package: Indian Masala Mix | (also competing in Documentary Shorts category)
Right To Left
5. 02 min / 2014 / India / Director: Kirat Tulaskar, Suhasini Sukumar
Diversity is part of nature. It’s not just to decide what is unnatural or acceptably normal. Without any direct reference to the queer community, the film addresses it by creating an imaginary world where being left handed is an unacceptable behavior.
Sunday, May 25, 10.45am, Liberty Cinema | Short Film Package: Indian Masala Mix | (also competing in Indian Narrative Shorts category)