Overview
- Prem Kapoor’s 1971 film Badnam Basti is regarded as India’s first queer-themed feature and was adapted from Kamleshwar’s novel.
- A 35mm print discovered in Berlin in 2019 and original negatives from Pune’s NFDC–NFAI archive enabled a full digital restoration completed in 2025.
- The Pride Celebratory Night on August 22 will also feature the Australian premiere of Onir’s 2024 queer romance We Are Faheem and Karun.
- IFFM director Mitu Bhowmik Lange said the lineup is intended to honor past queer stories and expand space for LGBTQIA+ representation.
- IFFM 2025 runs August 14–24 in Melbourne with nearly 75 films showcasing inclusivity across gender, race, sexuality, disability and women’s perspectives.