Gay culture blog QueerGuru notes that the UK is marking South Asian Heritage Month. Their correspondent Ris reports on a screening of queer themed movies as part of July's London Indian Film Festival.

The London Indian Film Festival, recognised as the largest South Asian film festival in Europe, is once again dedicating a strand of its programme to queer narratives. Titled Too Desi Too Queer, the selection presents a collection of short films and documentaries that celebrate and give a platform to South Asian LGBTQ+ experiences.

Among the six films featured, one standout is Ruse, a short that follows three teenage girls rehearsing a dance at home. What begins as an innocent get-together gradually transforms into something more charged as the characters begin to explore their emerging sexual feelings. The film has been noted for its tender and engaging tone.

A Cross-Caste Romance and Community Portraits

Another highlight is Kinnar, which draws on Bollywood-style production and an emotive score. It tells the story of Tara, a Dalit trans woman living in Mumbai who falls for a higher-caste musician at a lively gig. The film presents her journey with warmth and confidence as she manages the difficulties of their relationship.

Body Of Our Own is a documentary offering an intimate look at the lives of three Hijra women, filmed over a period of six years. Viewers are granted rare access to their joys and struggles, providing a fascinating window into a community that is often underrepresented in mainstream media.

The programme also includes Warm Shadows, a short that delicately examines queerness across generations within a small family. Much is left unsaid, allowing the audience to piece together their own interpretation of the story.

Screenings Across the UK

Too Desi Too Queer will be shown at various venues around the country. In London, it screens on 10th July at the ICA and on 17th July at Lumiere Romford. Other dates include 17th July at Midlands Art Centre in Birmingham, 19th July at Lockworks Cinema in Wolverhampton, 11th July at HOME in Manchester, 9th July at Picturevilla in Bradford, and 15th July at Showroom in Sheffield.

Further details and tickets can be found on the festival website at londonindianfilmfestival.co.uk/too-desi-too-queer-2026/.