For nearly two decades, the KASHISH Pride Film Festival has been a platform where diverse identities, experiences, and voices are represented on the big screen. Inaugurated in 2010, the festival has grown to become one of the world’s most respected LGBTQ+ film festivals, drawing filmmakers, artists, and audiences from across continents.
This year, the festival celebrates its 17th edition and will take place from 3rd June to 7th June, 2026, at Liberty Cinema and Alliance Française de Bombay in Marine Lines, Mumbai. Over five days, the festival will bring together filmmakers, artists, activists, and cinephiles from around the world to celebrate diverse LGBTQ+ stories through a carefully curated selection of films, discussions, and cultural events.
The lineup for KASHISH 2026 features 153 films from 43 countries, including 57 films competing across multiple categories, reaffirming KASHISH’s position as South Asia’s largest and most influential queer film festival.
Opening the Festival with Jimpa
One of the biggest movies at this year’s festival is Jimpa, Sophie Hyde’s emotionally layered drama starring Academy Award winner Olivia Colman and veteran actor John Lithgow. The story spans generations and continents as it explores family relationships through the lens of queer identity, personal freedom, and evolving perspectives on belonging.
At the heart of the story is a filmmaker attempting to reconnect with her openly gay father while navigating her own family dynamics. Rather than focusing on conflict alone, Jimpa presents a nuanced portrait of acceptance, chosen family, and intergenerational understanding. Its blend of warmth, humor, and emotional honesty makes it a fitting opening film for a festival built on empathy and representation.
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Spain Takes Center Stage as Country in Focus
This year, the festival has shed light on Spanish stories and traditions. The progressive cinematic landscape is explored through a selection of feature films, short films, and cultural discussions, through which the audience will glimpse what goes into crafting authentic Spanish films.
This year’s lineup includes titles such as Love and Revolution, Alejandro Marín’s acclaimed historical drama that revisits Spain’s LGBTQ+ rights movement during a transformative period in the country’s history. The lineup also includes Ivan & Hadoum, winner of the Teddy Award at the Berlin International Film Festival, and Astronaut Lovers, a heartfelt romantic comedy from celebrated filmmaker Marco Berger. Together, these films showcase the breadth of contemporary Spanish queer cinema, from intimate personal stories to larger social narratives.
Indian Cinema Takes the Spotlight
From intimate dramas to socially conscious documentaries, this year Indian filmmakers continue to bring titles and stories to the forefront that reflect the diversity of queer experiences across the country. One of the most talked-about films in the program is Sabar Bonda (Cactus Pears), directed by Rohan Parashuram Kanawade. Following its international success and Sundance recognition, the Marathi-language feature arrives at KASHISH as one of the festival’s favourites. The film explores grief, companionship, and unexpected emotional connections in rural Maharashtra.
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Documentaries That Spark Important Conversations
The 2026 edition continues a long-standing tradition of creating films that examine identity, activism, and social change through heartfelt narratives. These documentaries move beyond representation to explore the broader cultural and political realities that shape queer lives.
Some of the standout documentaries at this year’s festival include Queering India, directed by Lakhinandan Boruah and Swapnesh Dubey. The documentary follows the directors’ personal coming-out journey while reflecting on India’s ongoing conversations surrounding LGBTQ+ rights and marriage equality.
Another highly anticipated release at the festival is Sam Feder’s Heightened Scrutiny, which examines the fight for transgender healthcare access in the United States through the experiences of civil rights lawyer Chase Strangio. Together, these films offer audiences an opportunity to engage with urgent contemporary issues through deeply personal stories.
International Stories Worth Discovering
KASHISH, through its success, has managed to bring together a variety of voices and cultures, vastly different from each other. This year’s lineup spans continents, presenting stories that explore identity, relationships, family, and belonging in unique and unexpected ways.
Films such as Dreamers, directed by Joy Gharoro- Akpojotor which explore the complexities of love and immigration by following the relationship between two Nigerian women living in England. On the other hand, Narmook brings Iranian culture and perspectives to the forefront, while Whisperings of the Moon brings together influencers from Cambodia, China, Hong Kong, and India.
These films remind audiences that while queer experiences may differ across cultures, the desire for connection and acceptance remains universal.
Amplifying Women, Trans, and Non-Binary Voices
Representation has always been central to the festival’s vision and mission, and at the 2026 edition, that tradition continues to prioritize stories led by lesbian, bisexual, trans, and non-binary individuals. From intimate documentaries to ambitious narrative features, the selection reflects a broad spectrum of experiences from around the world. Whether exploring family relationships, self-discovery, activism, or romance, these films contribute to a more inclusive and nuanced understanding of queer identity. The result is a program that not only entertains but also expands conversations around visibility and representation.
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Festival Venues, Timings, and Registration Details
The 17th edition of KASHISH Pride Film Festival will take place from June 3 to June 7, 2026, across three venues in Mumbai: Liberty Cinema and Alliance Française de Bombay in Marine Lines, along with the National Gallery of Modern Art (NGMA) in Fort. Screenings at Liberty Cinema begin with the Opening Night on June 3 from 7:00 PM to 11:30 PM, while regular programming runs from 9:30 AM to 11:30 PM between June 4 and June 7. Alliance Française will host screenings and festival events from 10:30 AM to 7:30 PM throughout the festival, while NGMA will operate from 10:30 AM to 7:30 PM between June 4 and June 6, with programming concluding at 2:30 PM on June 7.
Passes for KASHISH Pride Film Festival are available online and onsite. Attendees can choose between a Full Festival Pass, Weekend Pass, or Day Pass, depending on how much of the festival they wish to experience. In addition to film screenings, pass holders can attend filmmaker Q&A sessions, panel discussions, red carpet events, and the Opening and Awards Night celebrations. Registration is mandatory for all attendees, and entry is restricted to individuals aged 18 and above. Festival passes can be purchased online through the official KASHISH registration portal, while limited on-site registrations will also be available at Liberty Cinema and NGMA during festival dates, subject to availability.
Why KASHISH Continues to Matter
KASHISH remains more than just a film festival; it is a space where communities come together, conversations begin, and stories that might otherwise go unheard are given a platform. Through cinema, the festival fosters empathy, challenges stereotypes, and celebrates the richness of human experience.
Over the years, KASHISH has become a symbol of progress within India’s cultural sphere, proving that queer stories deserve mainstream visibility and recognition. As the festival enters its 17th year, it continues to inspire audiences while championing filmmakers who are reshaping the future of global cinema.
Summing Up
KASHISH Pride Film Festival 2026 promises five days of extraordinary storytelling, meaningful conversations, and cultural exchange. With a diverse lineup spanning 43 countries and multiple genres, the festival offers audiences a rare opportunity to experience queer cinema in all its complexity and beauty.
Whether you’re attending for the award-winning features, the groundbreaking documentaries, or the discovery of new voices from around the world, KASHISH 2026 stands as one of the most important cultural events on Mumbai’s calendar. It is a celebration not only of queer cinema, but of the power of storytelling itself.
FAQs
When Is KASHISH Pride Film Festival 2026 Taking Place?
The 17th edition of KASHISH Pride Film Festival will be held from June 3 to June 7, 2026, across multiple venues in Mumbai.
Where Is KASHISH Pride Film Festival 2026 Being Held?
The festival will take place at Liberty Cinema, Alliance Française de Bombay in Marine Lines, and the National Gallery of Modern Art (NGMA) in Fort, Mumbai.
How Many Films Are Being Showcased At KASHISH 2026?
This year’s festival will feature 154 LGBTQ+ films from 43 countries, making it one of the largest editions of KASHISH to date.
What Types Of Festival Passes Are Available For KASHISH 2026?
Attendees can choose between a Full Festival Pass, Weekend Pass, or Day Pass, depending on the number of days they wish to attend.
Who Can Attend KASHISH Pride Film Festival 2026?
The festival is open to individuals 18 years and above, and all attendees must register in advance or purchase a valid festival pass to access screenings
