First Transgender Film Festival to be held in Pakistan

Pakistan seems to break the stereotype of talking about transgender rights to general public, is going to host the first ever International Transgender Film Festival on mid of the June this year.

A non-profit organization— The Gender Guardian that works for the rights, education and training of the transgender community, has decided to exhibit local and international short films at ITFF in Lahore’s Alhamra hall.

The first ever film festival of its kind, ITFF will screen films that debate on the rights, issues and solutions to the problems of transgender individuals.

“Short documentaries and films based on rights, issues and the achievements of the transgendered community in various sectors will be a part of the festival,” said Shehzad.

The subjects on short films, in an extended way, will shed the lights on the struggles of the community in obtaining official/government documents, inheriting properties, sexual harassment, biased attitude of their family, and discrimination at educational institutions.

At the festival, showbiz stars including Angeline Malik, Zhalay Sarhadi and Kami Sid will talk about the much needed awareness.  A seven-minute-long winner film will be awarde­d Rs 50,000 while Rs 100,000 will be awarde­d to 15-minute-long film.  The event will also include various discussions on the taboo what is #InkaarKaro and why is it necessary for Pakistan.