Amra Ki Etoi Bhinno... Are we so different

Amra Ki Etoi Bhinno... Are we so different' is a documentary film on Bangladeshi Hijra, Gay and Bisexual community. It was awarded the 'The Best Documentary Short Film 2012' at "Kashish 2012-- 3rd Mumbai International Queer Film Festival", India's (and South Asia's) biggest Queer Film Festival. Kashish 2012 was held from May 23 to May 27, 2012 in Mumbai, India, and featured 120 films from 30 countries. The film talks about a range of masculinities and its impact on people's lives, and about how different people have unique experiences of coping and surviving in Bangladesh, often ruled by strict masculinist and patriarchist ideals. The stories of those who challenge these strictures and notions are told in this film in their own words. Internationally acclaimed film critic and writer Mayank Shekhar, spoke on behalf of the jury at Kashish 2012 and had this to say about the film: "It's a phenomenal sensitive document on Hijra and Bisexual/Gay community of Bangladesh. This film speaks from the heart and reveals stories of sheer courage and deep hurt. It's a bold account on men and trangenders fighting for space in a completely patriarchic world. It is as true for India as for rural and urban Bangladesh and so many cultures where we forget to celebrate the differences between us that make us all so special in our own ways. The characters in the film bare their souls in front of the camera, and what is left is a film that is as unique as its characters. It's a phenomenal film!" Receiving the award on behalf of the film, its Director, Lok Prakash said "about 20 years back there were major political developments which led to greater acceptance of alternate sexuality in Europe and America, which later impacted many countries, including India. Now we in India must also think beyond decriminalization of section 377 in India. People in India should not forget about their neighbours in Bangladesh and Sri Lanka. Countries in South Asia must also concentrate much more on social acceptance of LGBT people because they all are part of the same culture. "