The ever-expanding moral restrictions on cinema from state and non-state actors are constant contributor for weak queer participation in cinema. Queer cinema in Nepal faces multiple challenges, including limited yet stereotyped portrayal of LGBTQIA+ characters in Nepali films, and nominal participation of Queer individuals in cinema. Production practices in recent years show a different side to queer expression as more filmmakers are seeking alternatives to mainstream cinema.
Accessible online platforms have become highly sought after for queer and sexually open contents. Queer content producers have been fast to tap in with more queer materials released online in recent years than ever before in the history of cinema in Nepal. Their high approval comes as content creators see online spaces as an alternative to keep censorship and moral policing away. Yet the prospect of backlash from millions of homophobic audiences and new policies to control social media looms around.
Queer filmmakers and producers talk of the current scenario for queer expression/ cinema in Nepal – the way ahead and how online spaces might have a role to play. The talk discusses further into if online spaces are actually pivotal for open unrestricted expression as they further explore other queer cinema friendly avenues.
Speakers -
- Sushant Shrestha is a film producer whose work has been shown at Busan International Film Festival among others. He is an alumni of Berlinale talent Campus and has worked in film producing for over a decade.
- Pranaya R. Shakya, is a true trailblazer in Nepal’s creative and advocacy world! His media advocacy started in early 2000’s with Radio shows on young people. He since ventured into animation through Escape Animation, that led to winning Nepal’s first animation award in 2011. Pranaya has since focused his energy in starting Nepal’s sole queer -owned media company as Kaleidoscope Production which he co founded. He currently devotes himself to create LGBTQIA+ oriented stories for a more acceptable world.
- Gaurav Kandel (Youth Activist & Advisor to Queer Film Festival Kathmandu ’24) is a Docskool 2008 film workshop alumni. He has worked with several non profits and film/ art festivals for over a decade that directly/indirectly touch upon queer movement. He is also a Nepal consultant of the Emmy award winning show, Shark Tank.
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