Kashish film festival struggles for new sponsors

Keshav Suri of the Lalit Suri Hospitality GroupIt is money that makes the world go round and part of that world is Kashish Mumbais queer film festival that kicks off in the city today The festival which is in its ninth year has a slew of corporates as sponsors the usual suspects tried and trusted Lesbian Gay Bisexual Transgender LGBT allies who have now come to be identified with the festival The newbie on the roster however is Metro Inox Cinema which has joined Liberty Carnival and will screen LGBT films on two days of the fiveday festivalDirectorspeakFestival director Sridhar Rangayan says We are grateful for the steadfast loyalty of our corporate lineup Corporates tying up or supporting a queer cause is still a very nascent concept in our country Several corporations have workshops discussions and events which are aimed at antidiscriminatory atmosphere and sensitisation within their offices However these are still intraaffairs and not all of them are ready to come out pun intended in the public space as LGBT friendly or allied because they are still worried about how they will be perceivedRadhika Piramal of VIP IndustriesRight thingRadhika Piramal vicechairperson VIP Industries said India needs more platforms that encourage unique talent in bringing about social change We at Skybags are happy to be the catalyst in this wave of change The brand will have a counter at the festival which means there is more visibility in its third year with the festFor Nadir Godrej managing director Godrej Industries his corporate mantra is simple We support the LGBTQ community because it is the right thing to do Piramal and Godrej will open the festival late evening todaySlow and steadyParmesh Shahani head Godrej India Culture Lab says Being part of the LGBT community myself I am very proud of Godrejs continued support to Kashish Rangayan says All these upbeat statements aside we are still tremendously challenged when it comes to sponsors Every year Kashish approaches at least 40 corporates for support The doors may open but it is agonisingly slow at timesFor Keshav Suri executive director The Lalit Suri Hospitality Group The group as a brand is gender agnostic We believe in providing equal opportunity to all We started the social campaign of purelove in 2017 and are aiming to make our country as inclusive as possibleAnshulika Dubey of WishberryPink rupeeMore corporates in their corner may mean less fundraising on Wishberry a fund raising effort which begins months before the festival For Anshulika Dubey COO Wishberry We stand for democratising creative expression and have a companion in this cause in KashishRangayan adds Companies need to see this audience as a legitimate target for their marketing push and profits The pink rupee spending power of the LGBT community is a real thing But when the community sees companies that are stoic supporters they tend to buy or be loyal to themFor Ishaan Sethi cofounder amp CEO The Delta App Amicale Application Pvt Ltd Delta is powering an online experience that will make navigating the festival easier Attendees can access film screening schedules and make their own calendars They also receive realtime alerts and announcements Chaitanya Sreenivas IBM vicepresident says authenticity is all Inclusive policies equal benefits and welcoming culture allow employees to bring their complete authentic selves to workKashish organisers say We are wistful when we see the plethora of sponsors at other events like the ongoing Indian Premier League IPL for instance We dream of the day when LGBT events can boast a similar retinue of corporate supportCanada coolThe maple leaf flies high every fest and Canada has been a regular on the Kashish stage for at least five years now This time Jordan Reeves Consul General of Canada in Mumbai says that they are supporting the participation of 10 activists who are involved in pride marches in both Canada and IndiaCatch up on all the latest Mumbai news crime news current affairs and also a complete guide on Mumbai from food to things to do and events across the city here Also download the new midday Android and iOS apps to get latest updates