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[QUOTE="Munyaradzi Mafaro, post: 54188, member: 636"]
The Indian Film Festival of Melbourne presents a restored version of Prem Kapoor's 1971 production Badnaam Basti during its Pride Night celebration on August 22. Festival organizers consider this work India's first gay film and will pair it with director Onir's We Are Faheem and Karun for the Australian premiere. The original print disappeared for four decades before collectors rediscovered it in 2019. Kamleshwar's novel provided source material for the production starring Nitin Sethi, Amar Kakkad, and Nandita Thakur. The narrative follows truck driver Sarnam, rescued woman Bansuri, and temple worker Shivraj through their interconnected relationships.

Festival Director Mitu Bhowmik Lange emphasizes cinema's power to foster meaningful discussions about diversity and representation. This year's program features 75 films exploring themes of gender, race, sexuality, disability, and women's experiences. Tillotama Shome's Bengali feature Baksho Bondi will open the festival after its Berlin premiere. The actress portrays Maya, a working woman navigating life in suburban Kolkata. Directors Tanushree Das and Saumyananda Sahi helm their debut production with Shome and Jim Sarbh as producers.
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