TRANS KASHMIR

About the film

Once entertainers and employees of royal courts, they were believed to have mystical powers. Today, they fight for dignity and basic human rights. For generations, the transgender women of Kashmir have worked as matchmakers and performers. But their gender, economic and socio- political realities make them one of the most vulnerable communities in the world today. This documentary chronicles their growing movement to secure basic human rights, and offers an intimate glimpse into their unique culture, resilience, and beauty. The documentary also features a pre-eminent gender rights activist in Kashmir who is fighting to ensure the future survival of this community.

About the director

Surbhi Dewan is an independent writer, director & producer. Her films connect personal portraits to larger socio-political landscapes. Her notable works include her recent award-winning films, 'An Open Sky' and 'Daughter of Nepal'. Surbhi produces social and commercial content with her New Delhi-based production company, Painted Tree Pictures. S.A. Hanan is a television producer, director, and educator. He is a recipient of the International Ford Fellowship (2007). He has extensively written on sustainable development, minority and gender issues, and other related subjects for various publications in Kashmir. He has taught film production as a guest faculty at many universities and institutes in India.