Queer Film ‘We Are Faheem And Karun’ Shines at Frameline
Onir celebrates his Kashmiri queer film screening at oldest and largest queer fest @ SF!!
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Filmmaker Onir’s latest achievement has added another memorable chapter to his illustrious career. The director’s Kashmiri queer film, We Are Faheem And Karun, was recently announced for screening at FRAMELINE, the venerable LGBTQ+ film festival held in San Francisco. The news, coming straight from Filmfare, resonates on multiple levels, not least because of a personal milestone highlighted by Onir’s reminiscence of his early filmmaking days.
Festival Invitation Sparks Celebration
The screening invite to FRAMELINE—the world’s oldest and largest queer film festival—has sparked celebrations for Onir. In a recent conversation with Filmfare, Onir expressed his delight, stating, “I got the message today that the movie has been invited to FRAMELINE in San Francisco, which is the world’s oldest and largest queer film festival. This is their 49th year. Okay. And when they made the announcement, they also mentioned that I was there exactly 20 years ago with My Brother…Nikhil. So for me, it means a lot.” The connection to his past work and the festival’s legacy has added emotional significance to the screening, making this invitation much more than a professional nod.
A Personal And Professional Milestone
Onir’s reference to his journey in the industry underlines the deep personal meaning behind the film’s selection. His mention of being part of the festival 20 years ago with his film My Brother…Nikhil provides a reflective narrative on the evolution of his career, especially within the queer cinema landscape. This two-decade continuum not only marks professional growth but also represents a constant commitment to telling stories that resonate with diverse audiences. The choice of a Kashmiri queer film as his latest project underscores his vision of exploring subject matters that are both culturally specific and universally relatable.
Frameline: A Historic Platform
Established 49 years ago, FRAMELINE has earned its reputation as a cornerstone event in queer cinema. The festival provides a global stage for LGBTQ+ voices and has been instrumental in shaping discussions around queer narratives in film. Onir’s film, which delves into the nuances of identity and intersectionality, fits seamlessly within this innovative framework. It not only highlights regional stories from Kashmir but also bridges them to larger conversations about queer representation in Indian cinema.
Bridging Histories And New Narratives
The screening of We Are Faheem And Karun at FRAMELINE offers a bridge between Onir’s early career experiences and his current projects that continue to push cinematic boundaries. The filmmaker revisited his past when he recalled his debut experience at the festival two decades ago. This sense of continuity, where the past informs the present, not only excites longtime followers of his work but also promises new insights for audiences unfamiliar with his earlier films. The personal anecdote shared by Onir resonates strongly with film enthusiasts and critics alike as it highlights the evolution of queer storytelling in an industry known for periodically reinventing itself.
A Visual Glimpse And Social Media Echoes
The accompanying Instagram image—a snapshot that captures Onir in a reflective moment of joy and pride—complements the news announcement. This image, shared on the filmmaker’s official account, underscores his celebratory mood as he prepares for the screening. While the photo succinctly encapsulates the excitement of the moment, the caption and associated social media posts help amplify the narrative in a modern, digital format. The image and the subsequent digital tributes have already ignited conversations online, drawing attention to the film’s potential impact on queer storytelling in the Indian context.
Looking Ahead At San Francisco
With its selection for FRAMELINE, We Are Faheem And Karun is now positioned to gain international traction. As the film embarks on its journey to San Francisco, it carries with it not just the creative vision of Onir, but also the weight of decades of dedication to queer cinema. This accolade, steeped in both historical importance and personal relevance, is set to bolster the film’s standing among festival circuits and could pave the way for even broader recognition on global platforms.
In a landscape where cinema is increasingly seen as a medium to challenge traditional narratives, Onir’s success is emblematic of the dynamic and evolving nature of film. His latest work is not merely a film selection—it is a celebration of the perseverance, evolution, and vibrancy of queer storytelling. As audiences in San Francisco prepare to witness this film, they are also invited to reflect on the journeys of artists who continue to break barriers and reshape cultural narratives.
The screening at FRAMELINE marks yet another milestone in Onir’s ongoing contribution to cinema. It is a testament to the enduring power of film to create spaces for marginalized voices and to transform personal milestones into communal celebrations. With this achievement, Onir not only revisits a cherished moment from the past but also charts a promising path forward in his career, one that continues to honor the legacy of queer cinema while forging new creative directions.
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