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Alt+Art Festival Shines Spotlight on Nonconformist Art Forms in Celebration of Pride Month

Aditya Sisodia

As Pride Month unfolds with vibrant colours and unwavering pride, the Alt+Art Festival takes centre stage, dedicated to promoting alternative art forms that exist outside the boundaries of the mainstream. With a profound focus on providing a platform for artists across diverse fields, Alt+Art has joined forces with Thinnai Talkies and the renowned theatre group Kattiyakkari to curate an extraordinary event that will transport attendees into an immersive world of art, inclusivity, and storytelling. The festivities will commence with the screening of ‘Many People, Many Desires,’ a remarkable documentary by T Jayashree, at Bistrograph in Besant Nagar this Sunday 6:30 pm onwards.

Many People, Many Desires‘ beautifully captures the rich tapestry of lives led by gay, bisexual, and lesbian individuals residing in the vibrant city of Bengaluru. The documentary serves as a lens through which the experiences, challenges, and triumphs of these individuals are unveiled, shedding light on their unique journeys. By delving deep into their narratives, the film aims to spark lively discussions that offer profound insights and perspectives, fostering a better understanding of the LGBTQIA+ community. As an ode to diversity and inclusivity, the event will also showcase other captivating documentaries that amplify the voices of marginalised communities, addressing various social issues.

Courtesy:PARIS INTERNATIONAL LESBIAN & FEMINIST FILM FESTIVAL

Jay, the co-founder of Alt+Art, expressed their commitment to pushing the boundaries of artistic expression, stating, “At Alt+Art, we have always dared to do things differently, particularly in the realm of art. When Thinnai Talkies discovered our work, they reached out to us with a vision to create something extraordinary for Pride Month—an immersive experience that would bring the lives and stories of the LGBTQIA+ community to people through art. Inspired by their vision, we wholeheartedly embraced the opportunity and collaborated with the esteemed Kattiyakkari theatre group.” The immersive experience, meticulously crafted by Kattiyakkari, promises to be a transformative one-hour act, bringing to life the essence of stories from the queer community in a manner that invites active engagement and interaction from the audience. This awe-inspiring session is curated by Srijith Sundaram, a prominent trans activist known for their dedication to advocating for transgender rights.

Ramya Muruganantham, the esteemed project manager of Thinnai Talkies, expressed her enthusiasm for the collaboration, highlighting the organic connection that brought them together. “Having known Jay Surya for a substantial period, it felt only natural for us to join forces and organise an event that resonated with our shared values. We are thrilled to have Kattiyakkari on board for this month’s Thinnai Talkies screening. Our hope is to continue our collaboration, curating more such events that foster inclusivity and community building,” she affirmed, showcasing her unwavering dedication to creating transformative experiences.

As the month-long celebration of Pride Month continues, this collaborative effort stands as an emblem of the enduring strength of the LGBTQIA+ community and its allies, showcasing the pivotal role that art plays in advocating for equality, acceptance, and love.

So, mark your calendars and join the Alt+Art Festival, Thinnai Talkies, and Kattiyakkari on this extraordinary journey, where art becomes a catalyst for change, understanding, and love.

Published in ETimes