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Time of India
29-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Time of India
Restored classic Badnaam Basti to headline Indian Film Festival of Melbourne's Pride Night
India's first LGBTQ-themed film Badnaam Basti , originally released in 1971, is set to make a powerful return to the big screen at the Indian Film Festival of Melbourne (IFFM) 2025. The restored version of the film will headline the festival's much-anticipated Pride Celebratory Night on August 22nd. A still from Badnaam Basti Now in its 16th year, IFFM has grown into the largest Indian film festival held outside India and remains the only one officially supported by a foreign government, the Government of Victoria in Australia. Year after year, the festival continues to push the envelope on inclusivity and representation in cinema. This year's lineup features around 75 films exploring themes of gender, sexuality, race, disability, and women's empowerment. Among the highlights is the Pride Night , a dedicated celebration of queer cinema and South Asian LGBTQIA+ identity in Australia. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Social Security Recipients Under $2,384/Mo Now Entitled To 15 "Kickbacks" Top 10 Benefits Learn More Undo Still from Badnaam Basti Leading the night is Badnaam Basti, a pioneering film way ahead of its time, which will be screened in its restored form. The screening will be followed by the Australian premiere of We Are Faheem and Karun , a poignant love story by acclaimed filmmaker Onir. Festival Director Mitu Bhowmik Lange spoke about the importance of showcasing diverse stories: 'Cinema is a reflection of society and has the power to spark dialogue. With Pride Night, we're not just celebrating queer identity, we're reclaiming space for stories that were long overlooked. Badnaam Basti paved the way, and films like We Are Faheem and Karun carry the baton forward.' A still from We Are Faheem and Karun With a strong focus on community, representation, and global storytelling, IFFM 2025 is once again set to spotlight voices that truly deserve to be seen and heard.
Time of India
24-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Time of India
Indias first ever LGBTQ film's restored version to lead Indian Film Festival of Melbourne 2025
The Indian Film Festival of Melbourne (IFFM), now in its 16th year, continues to set a global benchmark for cultural celebration and cinematic inclusivity. As the largest Indian film festival held outside of India, and the only one officially backed by the Government of another country, the Government of Victoria, Australia, it proudly stands as a beacon for representation, diversity, and community engagement. This year, the film festival will screen nearly 75 films that reflect themes of inclusivity spanning gender, race, sexuality, disability, and women's representation. One of the most anticipated highlights of the festival is the LGBTQ+ Pride Night scheduled for August 22, which promises to be a powerful tribute to queer cinema and Queer South Asian identity in Australia The Pride Night will feature the screening of the restored version of Badnaam Basti India's first-ever LGBTQ film originally released in 1971. The film's legacy will be honoured by this rare showcase, followed by the Australian premiere of We Are Faheem and Karun , a tender queer love story directed by acclaimed filmmaker Onir. Speaking about the festival's commitment to representation, director Mitu Bhowmik Lange said "At IFFM, we believe cinema has the power to connect and create conversations. It is our responsibility to reflect on the world we live in, with all its beautiful diversity. This Pride Night is not just about celebrating queer identity but also reclaiming the space that has long been denied to LGBTQIA+ narratives in Indian cinema. Through films like Badnaam Basti and We Are Faheem and Karun, we honour the past and embrace a future of inclusive storytelling." IFFM 2024 continues to break ground by celebrating cinema that reflects the kaleidoscope of human experiences, ensuring that voices from every corner of society are seen, heard, and celebrated on the global stage.
