Despite the growth of the LGBTQI community and the progress in activism for the community, they are not well represented in mainstream media. That’s where film festivals such as Reel Desire — the Chennai International Queer Film Festival, come into play. A three-day series of 26 films from over eight countries, the festival includes shorts, documentaries, and feature films that talk about the struggles of the community and chronicle their journeys. Along with Goethe Instut, local collective Orinam, and other NGOs including SAATHII and Nirangal are bringing the fourth edition of Reel Desires to the city.

“This year, we’ll be focusing on Asian queer themes. We have 16 foreign and 10 Indian films, since we want to pay attention to intersectional activism. We want people who are interested in films, to also understand the LGBTQI through this festival,” says Namithaa Jayasankar, a volunteer from Orinam. She adds, “We will also be having a panel discussion by speakers such as Ponni and Taejha Singh about ending gender-based violence, hate crimes, and honour killings. We hope, just like last time, that the response will be overwhelming.”

Talking about the aim of the film festival, L Ramakrishnan of SAATHII says, “Mainstream films have either completely ignored the LGBT or portrayed them in a homophic and transphobic light. The idea behind this festival is to represent the community in the right way and address misconceptions. It’s also a great place for community members to come together and meet kindred spirits —especially for those who aren’t in touch with the LGBT of the city. We’ve even had people bring their parents to the screenings before coming out to them, making it easier for them.” He goes on to say, “The movies come from countries like Canada and Brazil and cover stories of trans women, bisexual people, and pansexual people as well. There will also be a film about the sexuality and gender in the Inuit indigenous community.”

Felix, another volunteer at Orinam believes that films from within the community are just as important as films by non-queer people about LGBT issues. “We’d love for mainstream audiences to come and view the films so they can be educated about Section 377 and also see what the community experiences. I’d like to see people outside the community create queer movies. This will give us some understanding of their misconceptions, or knowledge.”

Among the films being screened at the fest are Aligarh starring Manoj Bajpayee, Cecil and Carl, and Breaking Free — a documentary by award-winning filmmaker Sridhar Rangayan. He tells us, “It took seven years to make this documentary which houses testimonies from across the country about how section 377 has actually affected the LGBT population. People have been convicted, blackmailed, threatened and even sexually assaulted over the ruling and the film attempts to show people what the implementation actually looks like. It also documents the work of activists and advocates against 377 and of young voices that are now coming out.”

When asked if media plays a huge role in activism, he answers, “Films and books can be a catalyst for change. They can’t find immediate solutions but there will be thoughts that you can take home. I’m a firm believer that films can truly create an impact.” He concludes by talking of the issues that films concerning the community face — “Film festivals aside, how can we reach larger audiences without being part of mainstream media? In that aspect, we haven’t made much headway in reaching the masses. Mainstream media is known to skirt the issue and sugarcoat it. I’d love for Breaking Free to be screened in theatres.”