BLUE SUNSHINE
Director: Samyuktha Vijayan
98 min | 2023 | India | Tamil

Aravind, a high school teacher in a small town in South India, transitioned from male to female as Bhanu. While withstanding the strong opposition back at home and even at the school, Bhanu tries to protect the school’s topper student, Karthik who is being bullied by his classmates for his feminine demeanour. Unable to withstand the bullying, Karthik retaliates by wearing eyeliner and nail polish to the school. While Karthik wants to fight for his dignity, Bhanu wonders if she also has the chance to stand up for hers.

Fri May 17, 2.45 pm | Liberty Cinema 

DAYS OF HAPPINESS (Original Title: Les Jours Heureux)
Director: Chloé Robichaud
118 min | 2023 | Canada (Quebec) | French 

Charismatic, gifted Emma is on track to become a major player on the Quebec classical music scene. Audiences are enraptured by her work, but her career is very closely managed by her controlling father Patrick, who’s also her agent. After years of acquiescing to his demands, Emma is finally in a position to re-evaluate both their professional and personal relationships — and that’s when cellist and single mother Naëlle enters her life, offering her the chance to experience an entirely different type of family dynamic.

Thu May 16, 12.15pm | Alliance Francaise 

KAATHAL The Core
Director: Jeo Baby
114 min | 2023 | India | Malayalam

Mathew, a retired bank secretary, reluctantly enters politics for a by-election. The movie delves into their marriage dynamics, justice, and personal fulfillment amidst a tight-knit village community.

Thu May 16, 7.30pm | Liberty Cinema

KATLAA CURRY
Director: Rohit Ganesh Prajapati
110 min | 2024 | India | Gujarati 

Set in the sleepy fishing village along the banks of the river Narmada, a local fisherman Raaymal, pulls a young man Ratan adrift in his fishing net, setting off a journey of profound connection and self-discovery. As Raaymal discovers Ratan’s hidden struggle with his sexuality, he extends a helping hand to build a “new home”; and in his journey toward self-acceptance.

Fri May 17, 7.30pm | Liberty Cinema  

KUCH SAPNEY APNE (Dreams Such As Ours)
Director: Sridhar Rangayan
120 min | 2024 | India, Sweden | Hindi, English 

Kartik & Aman’s relationship is tested when one of them has a fling which leads to a domestic spat. Kartik’s parents’ relationship breaks apart when Damodar and Vasudha have a tiff. Will these two couples ever be able to resolve their differences? Will their relationships stand the test of time? Kuch Sapney Apne is a sensitive heartwarming film about relationships, queer or not, and what happens when relationships are challenged by uncomfortable truths.

Sat May 18, 7.30pm | Liberty Cinema 

MUTT
Director: Vuk Lungulov-Klotz
87 min | 2023 | USA | English, Spanish 

Fena, a young trans person bustling through life in New York City, is faced with an increasingly challenging day. Over 24 hours, his foreign father, his straight ex-boyfriend, and his 13-year old half-sister thrust back into his life.

Sun May 19, 9.30pm | Liberty Cinema 

ONENESS
Director: Priyakanta Laishram
114 min | 2024 | India | Manipuri

Oneness revolves around Ivan Martin, a young boy hailing from a conservative Christian family in Manipur, India. In a society where homosexuality is still considered a sin and prohibited, Ivan found himself developing feelings for Pamheiba, a boy from the Meitei community. Their relationship came to light when they were both apprehended during a raid at a hotel. Ivan’s family, driven by their beliefs, subjected him to conversion therapy in an attempt to change him. While Ivan’s father and assertive older brother, Daniel, vehemently opposed his sexuality, his mother and sister stood by his side. Despite the relentless efforts of both families to separate them, the love between Ivan and Pamheiba only grew stronger. Tragically, Ivan’s brother, consumed by the notion that Ivan had disgraced their family, took matters into his own hands. The film sheds light on the challenges faced by individuals who dare to love freely in a society constrained by prejudice and intolerance.

Fri May 17, 2.45pm | Cinepolis (Andheri West) 

THE QUEEN OF MY DREAMS
Director: Fawzia Mirza
96 min | 2023 | Canada, Pakistan | English, Urdu 

Azra, a Pakistani woman living in Toronto, is worlds apart from her conservative Muslim mother. When her father suddenly dies on a trip home to Pakistan, Azra finds herself on a Bollywood-inspired journey through memories, both real and imagined.

Fri May 17, 10.00pm | Liberty Cinema
Sat May 18, 12.45pm | Cinepolis (Andheri West)
 

SPIRIT OF ECSTASY (La Venus d’argent)
Director: Héléna Klotz
95 min | 2023 | France |French 

Jeanne is 24 years old. She lives on a military base with her father, a police officer, and her little brother and sister. She’s determined to make it in the world of finance. Not for the glory or wealth, but because it’s leading her on the path to freedom.

Wed May 15, 9.30pm | Liberty Cinema 

YOU PROMISED ME THE SEA (Original Title: L’air de la mer rend libre)
Director: Nadir Moknèche
90 min | 2023 | France | French 

French Brittany, nowadays. Still living at home, Saïd is carrying on a secret affair with Vincent. Unable to confront his family, he accepts an arranged marriage with Hadjira. She too has given in to her mother’s demands, following a romantic disappointment and trouble with the law. Trapped by their families, Saïd and Hadjira join forces to follow their own path to freedom.

Thu May 16, 5.45pm | Alliance Française
Sat May 18, 6.30pm | Cinepolis (Andheri West)