There has been an explosion in films that explore LGBT issues in the Indian socio-cultural context, both in India and in the diaspora. From experimental films to documentaries to feature length love stories, LGBT issues have been a salient narrative in recent filmmaking. This panel explores this history - both in India and locally in New York. In addition, many filmmakers recognize that queer identities cannot be isolated. Many issues that transpire in the lives of queer people are relevant to all people (e.g. coming of age, relationships, parenting). To that end, this panel explores what is LGBT? What is Indian? How can these categories be packaged or unpackaged and how can film reflect the complexity of such narratives?

While the Supreme Court of India once again deliberates a plea by activists to scrap section 377 of the Indian Penal Code, a range of filmmakers, working in different languages are already taking up subjects that have LGBT themes.  This year NYIFF presents a feast of LGBT themed films from features to shorts.