The 18th edition of Dialogues: Calcutta International LGBTQIA+ Film & Video Festival 2024 took place on November 30 and December 1 at Basusree Cinema, marking another milestone for India’s oldest queer film festival. Organised by Sappho for Equality, Pratyay Gender Collective, and Goethe-Institut/Max Mueller Bhavan, the festival has maintained its uninterrupted run since 2007. This non-ticketed, non-commercial event aims to raise awareness about the queer and trans people’s experiences through the power of cinema
All photos by Krishnungshu GangopadhyayOver the two-day event, 14 films from countries, such as Germany, Turkey, India, Pakistan and Vietnam were screened. The films were of diverse genres like documentaries, short films, romance dramas and even docu-features. Free passes were distributed on-site, allowing audiences from all walks of life to participate
The premises of Basusree Cinema was decorated with artwork by artist Sumantra Mukheree. Each piece, placed alongside the staircase, represented the crimes committed against the queer community. Slogans and poems were also included in the artwork, which added more depth and meaning to the installation
Alongside the bottom of the staircase, other queer artists also displayed their artwork, some of which were interactive
Outside the cinema hall, community members set up vibrant stalls featuring local accessories and sweets. From a bookstall with literature centred on the trans community to miniature dhols symbolising the city’s Puja spirit, the flea market had something for everyone
Twenty-three year old filmmaker Philean’s short film, ‘They/Them’, which is their debut film, was screened on the first day. “It is a silent short film, which explores a 50-year-old who comes to terms with her gender dysphoria on their 50th app. A question popped up on a dating app which led to this journey. I worked with a team where above 90 per cent of people are from the queer community and I am happy to have showcased this in my own city,” they said
Jijo Kuriakose, a filmmaker from Cochin, brought his short fiction film, 'Velipadu: The Revelation', to the city. “The film is semi-autobiographical, inspired by regional contexts of same-sex relationships and biblical references that highlight the conflict between faith and sexuality. The protagonist is a closeted gay priest. In Catholic churches in Kerala, clerical marriage is practised — and this is his journey to finding that partner. I also wrote three songs for the film in my mother tongue Malayalam, drawing from the regional music of the Christian faith, even though I am not a believer,” he explained
Sudakshina Banerjee had just watched ‘Pine Cone’ by Onir. “It was a really intriguing movie. I am a married woman, but I understand the struggles as I work in the social field and as a counsellor. I have seen parents struggle with acceptance, but these are the social taboos we need to overcome,” said the educator and mental health professional
Sourav Bose, the co-founder of Basusree Cinema, expressed his happiness in hosting such an event at the venue. “We are delighted to host a queer film festival like this at Basusree, especially as such topics hold grave importance. In the past, we have hosted a variety of events, including concerts, offbeat movies, and more. In the future, we also have plans to introduce niche interests and topics, which are currently in the works,” he signed off