KASHISH MIQFF 2019 Inaugurated, Rekha Bhardwaj Performance Kicks Off South Asia's Biggest LGBTQ Film Festival

The 10 th KASHISH Mumbai International Queer Film Festival was inaugurated on Wednesday June 12 evening. South Asia's biggest LGBTQ film festival will be held from June 12-16, 2019 at two of Mumbai's iconic theatres - Liberty Carnival Cinemas and Metro Inox. The opening night ceremony saw actors, filmmakers, industrialists, activists and the LGBTQ community walk the red carpet. The five-day festival kicked off with a rousing perfomce by acclaimed singer Rekha Bharadwaj.

Kubbra Sait and Nawazuddin Siddiqui

 “June is Pride Month around the world, and that’s why KASHISH this year is being held in June, to celebrate its 10th anniversary along with the world. Celebrations are also due as this is the first mainstream LGBTQ film festival in India after reading down of Section 377. The response to the 10 edition has been overwhelming not only by filmmakers and corporates but also a large number of delagates registering to attend the festival from the LGBTQ community as well as mainstream film afficianados. We are truly 'Over The Rainbow'," said festival director Sridhar Rangayan.

"I congratulate KASHISH on its 10th anniversary. I am so happy to be part of this year's celebrations. I am looking forward to attend the film screenings, meeting beautiful friends and like-minded individuals. I hope more and more people support this initiative," said Rekha Bhardwaj.

Grand Opening Of The 10th Edition Of Kashish Lgbtq Film Festival At Liberty Cinema Mumbai - Lighting Of The Lamp

The title partner of South Asia's biggest LGBTQ film festival this year is Keshav Suri Foundation along with The Lalit and It Gets Better India. Skybags and Godrej Industries are Principal Partners, while Morgan Stanley, Consulate General of Canada in Mumbai, Québec Government Office in Mumbai are coming in as an Associate Partners. Two OTT platforms Revery and GoL studios are Associate Partner and Supporting Partner respectively. Whistling Woods International and Consulate General of Sweden in Mumbai are the other Supporting Partners.

Unveiling Of The Kashish Lgbtq Film Festival Cataglogue By Special Dignitaries

 "Heartiest congratulations to KASHISH for a fruitful decade long journey. The Lalit and Keshav Suri Foundation are proud to be associated with the KASHISH Film Festival that has stood the test of time in its support of the LGBTQ+ Community, even when homosexuality was considered a ‘crime’ in India, KASHISH continued to promote Queer art and bring their stories into fore. The ethos of the festival is completely in sync with the motto of the Keshav Suri Foundation – to embrace, empower and mainstream the community. This year is doubly special as one of the movies selected for screening – Queen – narrates the journey of the Drag Queens at Kitty Su. At the festival you will also see the short movie Intezaar, which was released on our platform. I wish every queer artist, person, ally and the festival all the very best. Let’s paint the world with rainbow hues, and make it a better India”, said Keshav Suri, Founder, Keshav Suri Foundation and Executive Director, The Lalit Suri Hospitality Group.

Sridhar Rangayan

“We are proud to associate with the 10th Anniversary edition of the KASHISH Film Festival. At Godrej, we believe in building a diverse and inclusive workforce and ensuring equal rights for our LGBT employees. Cinema is a medium that reflects society’s values and has an important role to play in shaping its beliefs and attitudes. We look forward to strengthening our collaboration with KASHISH to ensure we jointly celebrate individuality and equality at Godrej and beyond.” said Pirojsha Godrej, Executive Chairman, Godrej Properties Limited.

Sridhar Rangayan, Festival Director Of Kashish Lgbt Queer Film Festival With Bollywood Actor Nawazuddin Siddiqui

50 Indian and International LGBTQ films will compete for awards at the 10th edition of KASHISH Mumbai International Queer Film Festival to be held between June 12-16, 2019. The festival will hand out cash prizes of Rs 3.95 lakhs in 10 film categories and for the best poster design. The awards are sponsored by Anupam Kher's Actor Prepares, Lotus Visual, Whistling Woods International, GagaOOLala, K F Patil Charitable Trust, Wadia Movietone and India's top fashion designer Wendell Rodricks.

Team Kashish Celebrates 10 Years Of Kashish - South Asias Largest Lgbtq Film Festival

There are three festival juries this year. The Narrative Film jury comprises actors Kitu Gidwani, Sheeba Chaddha and filmmaker Neeraj Ghaywan. Filmmakers Ranjan Das, Pankaj Rishi Kumar and Paromita Vohra are part of the Documentary Jury and Professor Ivan John, screenwriter Jyoti Kapoor and filmmaker Somnath Sen are part of the Student Jury. The additional jury member is Nargis Wadia of Wadia Movietone.

Delegates can register for KASHISH 2019 at: Liberty Carnival Cinemas.

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Tags: Bollywood, Bollywood News, Bollywood Updates, Television, Telly News, LGBTQ Film Festival, Rekha Bhardwaj, KASHISH MIQFF 2019