Too Desi Too Queer is a programme of six short films:
Before I Do
Director: Gitika Butto
Runtime: 11 mins
English language
Synopsis: On the morning of her wedding day, Mona, a British-Indian woman, questions her rushed marriage and reflects on a period of self-discovery from her past.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Jasmine That Blossoms in the Wild
Director: Charandeep Das
Runtime: 14 mins
Hindi and Bengali with English subtitles
Synopsis: Love blossoms secretly between two old women at an elderly care home while the spectre of patriarchy looms large overhead.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Zari
Director: Shruti Parekh
Runtime: 19 mins
English language
Synopsis: Amidst preparations for her sister’s wedding in India, young American Neelu forges an unexpected connection with Zeyb, a quiet sari store clerk with a secret.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
The Witch of Vihar Lake
Director: Joey Kaushik
Runtime: 15 mins
Marathi language with English subtitles
Synopsis: In a village near Vihar Lake, where fearsome tales of a witch keep people away, young Mitthu and his sister Ishita grow up in the shadow of dread. One fateful night unravels life-altering truths – about Ishita, himself, and the witch.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Poreless
Director: Harris Doran
Runtime: 13 mins
English language
Synopsis: A fabulous, queer Muslim beauty entrepreneur must figure out how to compete in a Shark Tank-like product pitch contest after suffering an untimely allergic reaction.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Automagic
Director: Ashok Vish
Runtime: 13 mins
English language
Synopsis: On his return home, androgynous-looking Madhu attempts to seduce Ratnakar, his rickshaw driver, who is practicing celibacy in preparation for a religious pilgrimage.
Total runtime: approx. 85 minutes. There will be a live discussion following the screening with members of the London Indian Film Festival.