trans kashmir
Documentary film • 62 minutes • India
Directed by S.A. Hanan & Surbhi Dewan
Produced by Surbhi Dewan & Afia Mushtaq
Presented by Painted Tree Pictures & A3&S Films
Once entertainers and employees of the royal court, Kashmiri Hijiras were believed to have mystical powers and were treasured members of society. Today, they fight for dignity and basic human rights. For generations, the transgender people of Kashmir have worked as matchmakers and performers but their gender, economic and socio-political realities make them some of the most vulnerable people in the world today. Offering an intimate glimpse into their unique culture, resilience, and beauty, this documentary chronicles the growing movement to secure basic human rights for the Hijira. Featuring the pre-eminent gender rights activist in Kashmir, who is fighting to ensure the future survival of this community.
Indian Documentary Centrepiece Film at KASHISH Mumbai International Queer Film Festival, India - June, 2022
BEST FILM - Documentary Award at SiGNS Festival (FFSI Keralam) - February, 2023

IN THE PRESS
“Directed by Surbhi Dewan and SA Hanan, the feature documentary Trans Kashmir brings to the fore their hardships, beauty and immense resilience with a lot of heart. ”
- Cinestaan