Exclusive: Faraz Arif Ansari’s short film Sheer Qorma wins Equality in Cinema award at IFFM – Times of India ►
Filmmaker Mitu Bhowmick Lange who was hosting the ceremony, said, “We usually present awards to feature films, but we made an exception this time for Sheer Qorma as we all felt the film deserves an equality award.”
The award was presented to Faraz by Luke Donnellan, Australian Minister for Disability, Ageing and Carers.
In his acceptance speech, Faraz said, “Growing up as a queer brown kid in India, we were often told that our dreams should be limited because the opportunities are limited. However, it was my mother who always reminded me to dream big. And I often asked her, ‘Mumma what if I fall?’ yet she said, ‘what if you fly?’. And I fly today because of my mother. My film ‘Sheer Qorma’ is dedicated to my mother and all mothers out there.”
Faraz also made a lasting impression by saying, “There are 33 women filmmakers and producers at the festival but there’s also a non-binary filmmaker here too. The future is female, queer, non-binary and inclusive.”
He also thanked Shabana Azmi, Swara Bhasker and Divya Dutta and the entire team of his film and IFFM for supporting a film celebrating love and equality.
It is interesting to note that a few weeks ago, ‘Sheer Qorma’ was being massively trolled online by people who did not agree with the film’s storyline. Some also rated the film low on a film database site. Yet, globally, the short film has done extremely well, garnering support, awards and accolades.
Faraz said, “To make a film and especially a film that talks about love and acceptance are very difficult today considering the global scenario. And to top it all, it is a film about queer people. All my protagonists are women – so basically these are all minorities within the minority. But what a journey it has been. Getting this special recognition feels great. It is worth fighting for love and equality.”
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