We are back with a bang! India’s Biggest Queer Film Festival returns for its third edition in 2012. Submissions are now open for all categories, including for the competition section. Filmmakers from India and across the world can submit features, documentaries and short films that highlight/focus on Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual, Transgender, Queer themes and expressions.

KASHISH Mumbai International Queer Film Festival is the first and only gay & lesbian film festival in India to be held in a mainstream theatre and the only queer festival to receive clearance from the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting

KASHISH 2012 will be held in Mumbai from May 23-27, 2012 simultaneously at two venues - a mainstream multiplex theatre and at Alliance Francaise de Bombay. The festival is organized by Solaris Pictures and Bombay Dost in association with The Humsafar Trust.

While the landmark first edition was held at PVR Cinemas, Juhu, from April 22-25, 2010 and screened 110 films from 25 countries, the second edition was held at Cinemax, Versova between May 25-29, 2011 and proved to bigger, bolder and queerer. Both the years, the festival was held simultaneously in South Mumbai at Alliance Francaise de Bombay.

The second edition in 2011 screened 124 films from 23 countries over five days and had 67.5% capacity turnout with about 6225 audience footfalls. Seven films were awarded with the KASHISH 2011 trophies. The guests featured A-list Bollywood actors and actresses, eminent filmmakers and critics, young filmmakers and actors as well as four international filmmakers - Q.Allan Brocka (USA), Rikki Beadle-Blair (UK), Georgette Okey (UK) and John Badalu (Indonesia).

LAST DATE FOR SUBMISSION: JANUARY 15, 2012  

• Filmmakers from India and across the world can submit features, documentaries and short films that highlight/focus on Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual, Transgender, Queer themes and expressions.

• There is no SUBMISSION FEE to submit the film. Also the festival does not pay Screening Fee since it believes in investing all its resources in showcasing the films to the best possible extent.

• All films, including those in the English language, SHOULD be subtitled in English.

• The festival has both competitive and non-competitive sections.

• Only films completed after January 1, 2009 can be submitted. Only films completed after January 1, 2011 will be eligible for Competition.

• LAST DATE FOR SUBMISSION: JANUARY 15, 2012 (postmarked). 

• The festival encourages you to apply early since previews begin mid November.

This year we have tried to move into a paperless submission process. Please fill out the KASHISH 2012 ONLINE FILM SUBMISSION FORM at the following link:

https://www.surveymonkey.com/s/KASHISH2012-FILMSUBMISSION 

After filling out the form, you will be advised where to send the DVD or Digital file of your film. We look forward to receiving your film and participation with your film in KASHISH 2012.

For information about the festival, please visit official website http://mumbaiqueerfest.com  or official blog http://kashishmiqff.blogspot.com 

For inquiries email us at:  This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it  

KASHISH Mumbai International Queer Film Festival 2011 was a brilliant success.

The festival screened 124 films from 23 countries over five days at two venues in 51 program slots. We had 67.5% turnout with about 6225 audience footfalls. There were 15 houseful shows.

7 films were awarded with the Kashish 2011 trophy. A new award for an emerging Indian filmmaker with best queer themed short-film was instituted in the memory of first Indian queer filmmaker - Riyad Wadia, which carries a cash award of Rs.10,000.

A bevy of Bollywood celebrities – Juhi Chawla, Rahul Bose, Pooja Bhatt, Sanjay Suri, Samir Soni, Neelam Soni, Aleque Padamsee, Suhasini Mulay, Dolly Thakore, Rajit Kapur, Mona Ambegaokar, Onir, Karan Mehra, Jitin Gulati; eminent jury members from India to Indonesia – Sai Paranjpye, Khalid Mohamed, Shernaz Patel, Samir Soni, John Badalu; visiting international filmmakers -  Rikki Beadle-Blair (UK) and Q. Allan Brocka (USA), host of young Indian filmmakers and a very supportive media upped the festival buzz to greater heights, making KASHISH India’s Biggest Queer Film Festival and a hot & happening cultural space.

KASHISH was organized by Solaris Pictures and Bombay Dost in association with The Humsafar Trust.

KASHISH wishes to thank all its partners and supporters: DKT India, UNDP, UNAIDS, Movies That Matter, Cinemax, Alliance Francaise de Bombay, Indieflix, British Council, Arts Network Asia, Time Out Mumbai, Nomura, Trikone Northwest, desiboys, The Film Collaborative, Wide Management, Wolfe Video, Rendezvous Pictures, Kalakranti 2011, Tasveer, Club One Seven, gaysi, Interpride, D’Kloset, Queer Ink, Azaad Bazaar, Salvation Star, Gossip, TQC, Actimedia, Wickiewoola, Neelu Bhuman, Paul Knox, Rajinder Khatik, Joe Zacharia and Yazad Khambatta...

… and all the filmmakers who participated with their wonderful film…

… and each and every one of you who came to watch the film and support KASHISH 2011.

 

We hope for your continued support and good wishes when we return in 2012.