Guwahati: ONENESS, directed by Priyakanta Laishram, has been officially selected for the 14th Bangalore Queer Film Festival (BQFF 2024), taking place from August 23-25, 2024.
Notably, ONENESS is the only film from Northeast India chosen for this year’s festival, and it will have its Bangalore premiere at the international film festival on August 24, Saturday at MEDAI—The Stage, Koramangala.
The film, which made its world premiere on May 17, 2024, at the KASHISH Pride Film Festival 2024, Mumbai—South Asia’s largest queer film festival—has garnered attention as the first Manipuri film to explore same-sex relationships. The narrative of the film is inspired by a tragic incident from 2013, involving the death of an 18-year-old boy linked to his sexual orientation.
ONENESS was recognized by the prestigious ELLE Magazine as one of the top 8 films at KASHISH 2024, while Mid-Day also featured it among the top 10 films at the festival.
The film also had a screening at Alliance Française in Delhi on July 20, 2024, where it was discussed for its themes of inclusivity and human rights.
In response to the festival selection, Priyakanta Laishram said, “We feel honored to be officially selected for BQFF 2024. As one of the very few prestigious and commendable queer film festivals in India, I have always hoped to have my film screened at these selective film festivals, like BQFF and KASHISH. I hope the film, along with the message and narrative I intend to convey, resonates with the audience.”
Producer Roushil Singla added, “Our inclusion in BQFF 2024 and other international film festivals this year is a significant milestone. We are proud to represent Northeast India on such esteemed platforms. We hope the film advances discussions on LGBTQ+ rights and social acceptance, particularly within conservative contexts, and underscores its impact in fostering dialogue about diverse sexual orientations and identities.”
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Priyakanta Laishram holds a Bachelor of Arts in Mass Media with a concentration in Advertising from Mumbai University, an honors degree in Sociology from Panjab University, and recently completed a Master’s in Journalism and Mass Communication from Amity University, Noida, in 2024. His extensive academic background in mass media and sociology informs his approach to filmmaking, particularly in addressing sensitive social issues.
Produced by Roushil Singla and Priyakanta Laishram under Priyakanta Productions, the film features an impressive cast including Maya Choudhury, Priyakanta Laishram, Suraj Ngashepam, Sachinker Sagolsem, Harendra Laishram, Ramva Leishangthem, Rojesh Saikhom, and Yaiphabi Toijam.
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