Director Onir calls for more 'queer voices' in films
What's the story
Acclaimed filmmaker Onir will be presenting his latest film, We Are Faheem and Karun, at the prestigious BFI Flare 2025.
The queer film festival will hold the international premiere of his movie later this month.
Speaking to Hindustan Times, Onir said he was proud of this project since it's his first as both a producer and director.
He also talked about better queer representation in Indian cinema.
Representation critique
Onir's critique of LGBTQIA+ representation in cinema
Despite the increase of LGBTQIA+ representation in popular cinema, Onir lamented that a lot of these projects could be regressive for the community.
He compared queer cinema to films directed by women, saying both are often ignored for more 'commercial' films.
"We are in that same space in queer cinema. Just like how we constantly talk about the need of more women filmmakers to talk about their stories, similarly we need more queer voices to tell our stories."
Industry changes
Onir's lament over majority perspective in cinema
Onir added, "Popular cinema follows the majority's point of view, be it about religion or sexuality or anything, sometimes those films become huge successes and that's a huge step back for the entire society."
"I increasingly feel that when the queer community is mocked or misrepresented, it's not only our loss but also for the heteronormative community which does not take a step towards becoming a better society."
Personal encounters
Onir's personal experiences with insensitivity and misrepresentation
Openly gay, Onir shared his own experiences of insensitivity and misrepresentation.
He recalled how people made inappropriate comments about his sexuality, emphasizing the widespread lack of understanding and respect for the LGBTQIA+ community.
"Even after so many years of being out, I had recently someone say to me that 'Onir, to be honest, you don't come across as gay.' What does that mean?" he questioned.
Onir is known for directing My Brother... Nikhil and I Am, among others.