The hijras in India are the oldest ethnic transgender community in the world, traditionally considered to be a third gender, alternately feared and respected, and attributed with powers for both good luck and bad. Rudrani Chettri is a hijra activist with a mission – to elevate her fellow hijra, provide them with opportunities above their usual economic hardship, and make them visible on their own terms.

Spanning seven years, Chettri established India’s first transgender modelling agency, facing mockery, indifference and joy along the way. Shocking stories of survival sex work and violence are paired with intense community resilience and humour. The film also offers a nuanced and timely examination of what happens when hijra tradition meets the contemporary trans rights movement. Not to be missed.

Presented in proud partnership with Queer Spectrum Film Festival.

PRE-FEATURE SHORT:

MARIGOLD

Dir. Abhinav Dubey. Film info: 12 mins, India, 2022, Digital, Subtitled

As the summer holidays approach, Geeta decides to lie about her last day at work to meet Shashi. Desires and sexuality the two women long to share gradually unfolds, till the last boat arrives.

Tickets on sale on the GAZE website here.