As part of LGBTQ+ History Month, you are invited to Asian LGBTQ+ Shorts, which brings six diverse stories from India, Malaysia, Pakistan, Philippines and South Korea. As an emerging film genre, there has been a growing interest in LGBTQ-related stories from Asia. Today, LGBTQ+ filmmakers from Asia are telling their own stories to amplify their narratives in a raw and authentic way without a Western gaze.
Sisak (India), Writer/Director: Faraz Arif Ansari, 2017, 20 mins Sisak is the first ever Indian silent LGBTQ+ short film. Directed by Faraz Arif Ansari, the film stars Jitin Gulati and Dhruv Singhal in a soul stirring story of two men, stuck in the limbo of how the society perceives homosexuality. The two, mere regular travellers in a local train, silently communicate in the course of the film and while one never sees them talking, the emotions, though nerve wrecking, hit you hard enough to leave a mark.
Devi - Goddess (India), Writer/Director: Karishma Dev Dube, 2017, 12 mins Devi is a 12-minute narrative that follows Tara, a feisty teenager dealing with the realities of being a lesbian in contemporary India. When is she caught pursuing her attractive towards her childhood maid, she must suddenly define who she really is amidst severely classist and homophobic society.
It’s Easier to Raise Cattle/ Lagi Senang Jaga Sekandang Lembu (Malaysia), Writer/Director: Amanda, Nell Eu, 2017, 18 mins In Malay with English subtitles. Two teenage outcasts form an uncanny friendship in their remote village. As one discovers the other's dark secrets, she observes the changes in her new friend to the point of violence, monstrosity and affection.
Rani (Pakistan), Writer/Director: Hammad Rizvi, 2018, 20 mins Rani is a short film about a Pakistani transgender woman who sets out to take care of an abandoned baby. Written and directed by Hammad Rivzi, an award-winning filmmaker from the United States, Rani stars Pakistani transgender activist and model Kami Sid.
What I Would’ve Told My Daughter if I Knew What to Say Back Then (Philippines), Writer/Director: Cha Roque, 2017, 13 mins This film features the filmmaker's imagined coversation with her daughter in the home videos made over 13 years. Her failed coming out to her 3-year-old daughter inspired this experimental documentary.
Uninvited (South Korea), Writer/Director: Sean Seung Yeob Lee, 2017, 20 mins When Jungho's mother suddenly shows up at the Seoul apartment he shares with his boyfriend, he must hide all evidence of his homosexuality—but she's far more perceptive than he could have anticipated.
Accessibility: RHB 137 is on the ground floor and wheelchair accessible. Find more accessibility information about Richard Hoggart Building on AccessAble. Please email accessibility@goldsmithssu.org if you have any questions, issues or requests regarding access.
Click here to see our full LGBTQ+ History Month programme!