Winners speak!
The winners at KASHISH Mumbai International Queer Film Festival 2013 came from across the world – India, USA, Denmark, Pakistan and Cambodia. A look at what the winners had to say.
Sadat Munir, director of Hide & Seek, winner of Best Documentary Feature Award
“Thank you so very much. My team and I are completely overwhelmed by this great news and we are absolutely honored to be the winner of the Best Documentary. While working on Chuppan Chupai, I had always aimed Kashish as most important festival to be screened at. Due to the subject matter I knew I won’t be able to get much public screening of this film in Pakistan, but I was hopeful of India especially Mumbai, where picture of LGBTIQ acceptance is not the same as elsewhere in South Asia. This award means a lot to me and my team, thank you once again to the Kashish Team and the prestigious Jury. I should send a big shout out from Neeli, Kami and Jenny and Saad from Pakistan…. and even louder one from me and my Danish Team…. In the end, I would like to dedicate this award to the brave soul of Shivananda Duncan George Khan (R.I.P) of NAZ Project worldwide, for being a great role model and a hero.”
Michael Akers, director of Morgan, winner of Best Narrative Feature Film Award
“I have just received the news that Morgan has won the Best Narrative Feature Award this year. My partner Sandon Berg and I are extremely honored and delighted to accept this award. We are sorry that we could not be there to accept it personally. We thank the festival for its amazing work in helping to bring film’s such as ours to the audiences who desperately need it. Congratulations on another amazing year and all the best wishes for continued success. Dhanyavāda (thank you!).”
Crystal Arnette, winner of Best Actor for Polaroid Girl
“Thank you so so much for this honour! Thank you to the festival jury and of course our fearless leader April Maxey and our producer Summer Czajak. Bringing this wonderful character to life was an amazing experience. I can’t wait to see what sort of art she and June will create after the credits roll. Congrats to all of you at the festival! Sitting here in Brooklyn thinking about all of you celebrating incredible LGBT film all the way in Mumbai is very humbling. You guys are rockstars! आभारीआहे!”
Jehangir Jani, director of Urmi, winner of Best Indian Short Narrative Award
“This is my first award for a film but feels like a lifetime award. Thank you KASHISH for this honour.”
Sopheak Sao, director of Two Girls Against The Rain, winner of Best International Narrative Short Award
“I am right now shooting for my feature length LGBT film in the countryside. This award gives a boost in my arm and a great hope for my future work”
