2nd edition of Queer Film Festival Kathmandu kicks off

By A Staff Reporter,Kathmandu, Jan. 17: The second edition of the 10-day Queer Film Festival Kathmandu began at Airawat Picture House in Thapathali on Thursday. 

According to the festival organiser, Docskool, films from around the world that address issues faced by gender and sexual minority communities will be screened. 

More than 170 films will be showcased, selected from over 800 submissions worldwide. The films were chosen based on their relevance to Nepal’s social context and contemporary issues, the press release stated.

These films highlight the lived experiences, as well as the social and political realities, of queer individuals across the globe. The objective of the festival is to promote solidarity with, and respect for, people whose sexual identities differ from socially prescribed gender norms.

“In the context of Nepal, mainstream cinema and film festivals have not given sufficient space to gender diversity and queer films. That is why an alternative platform like the Queer Film Festival Kathmandu was needed,” said Jyotsna Maskey, co-director of the festival.

Along with raising issues of diversity, sexuality and gender identity in cinema, the festival also aims to reduce the distance between the queer community and the general audience who wish to understand them better. The organising committee stated that the festival is necessary to help build a society where everyone feels a sense of belonging. The film festival will run until January 24.