5 shortlisted LGBTQ+ filmmakers to pitch at a live event at KASHISH 2023 in June, reports The Daily Eye Newsdesk.

In its 8th year now, the path-breaking KASHISH QDrishti Film Grant, which has already facilitated production of 8 LGBTQ+ short films, is offering Rs.2,50,000 to a LGBTQ+ identifying filmmaker to make their next queer short film, sponsored by Lotus Visual Productions that exclusively produces and promotes LGBTQ+ movies.

What’s more, two runner ups stand to receive Rs.50,000 cash award each supported by noted film actress Renuka Shahne.

The call for submission of screenplays to the KASHISH QDrishti Film Grant 2023 is open now, and all filmmakers who identify as lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, intersex, asexual, queer or non-binary, can apply at https://kaf.mojo.page/kqd2023

Deadline to register is April 30, 2023.

“The KASHISH QDrishti Film Grant is a necessary step to empower emerging Indian LGBTQ+ identifying filmmakers to make films that are bold and true. The 8 films that have been produced so far through this initiative are exemplary in content and style and have won awards internationally”, said Sridhar Rangayan, festival director of KASHISH Mumbai International Queer Film Festival. “This year we plan to up the game by having a live pitching for the five shortlisted scripts at the KASHISH 2023 on-ground physical festival in front of an eminent jury panel”, he added.

Neeraj, producer who is sponsoring the grant said, “KASHISH QDrithi film grant provides an opportunity to LGBTQ+ voices to tell their own stories. It promotes movie making that goes beyond token representation that uses the queer or trans narrative for profit mongering by differentiating between tokenism and authentic storytelling.” 

Renuka Shahane, well-known actor and director who was on the jury last year said, “I think it is important to support community filmmakers to tell their own stories. That’s why I decided to contribute with my little might and support two runners-up with cash awards and mentorship. Hope this helps the filmmakers reach closer to their dreams”. 

Past awardees of the KASHISH QDrishti Film Grant are Arvind Caulagi (Taps), Preeti Kanungo (Malwa Kushan), Bhargav Lahkar (The Caress), Arun Fulara (My Mother’s Girlfriend), V.Ramanathan (Physicality), Debadrita Bose (Languages), Siddharth Chauhan (Catch The Light) and Sudipto Kundu (Tales of Another Radha).

The 14th edition of KASHISH Mumbai International Queer Film Festival will be held, from June 7^th to the 11^th, 2023 at Liberty Cinema and online from June 16-25, 2023. The line-up of films for KASHISH 2023 will be announced soon.