Indian Film Festival of Melbourne Honors LGBTQ Cinema with 'Badnaam Basti'

The Indian Film Festival of Melbourne is set to spotlight India's first LGBTQ film, 'Badnaam Basti', in a special Pride Celebratory Night next month. Originally released in 1971, the film directed by Prem Kapoor had almost disappeared from the public eye until a 35mm print was serendipitously rediscovered in Germany.

Archivists Simran Bhalla and Michael Metzger unearthed the film at Berlin's Arsenal Institute for Film and Video Art while searching for another director's works. The film, starring Nitin Sethi, Amar Kakkad, and Nandita Thakur, follows a story of unconventional relationships among its characters.

Festival Director Mitu Bhowmik Lange highlights the importance of these screenings in promoting inclusivity and diversity in cinema. This year, nearly 75 films at the festival will address themes such as gender, race, and sexuality, culminating with the Pride Night on August 22, during the festival running from August 14 to 24.

(With inputs from agencies.)