Faraz Arif Ansari: Pioneering Queer Cinema in India

Faraz Arif Ansari, a 33-year-old filmmaker from Mumbai, has been quietly revolutionizing Indian cinema by telling stories often left untold. From childhood, Faraz nurtured a dream to become a storyteller, driven by a desire to give voice to experiences marginalized in mainstream Bollywood.

Sisak: India’s First Queer Silent Film

In 2017, Faraz directed Sisak, India’s first queer silent film. The story follows two young men who see each other on a Mumbai local train but cannot speak their feelings. Through this simple yet powerful narrative, Faraz explored love, longing, and the societal pressures faced by LGBTQ+ individuals in India.

The film received international acclaim, winning 59 awards worldwide, and was praised for its subtle storytelling, emotive depth, and courageous subject matter.

“I made Sisak to show my mother what I was feeling,” Faraz shared.

While his mother accepted his sexuality when he came out, she reportedly still hoped he would “get better” and see it as “just a phase.” For Faraz, the film became not only a personal catharsis but also a bridge to communicate his truth.

Impact and Reception

Faraz’s courage has resonated widely. In interviews with Vice and other media outlets, he noted that many viewers approached him, saying Sisak helped them come out to their parents. The film sparked conversations about same-sex relationships in Indian households, where such topics are often stigmatized or silenced.

Faraz’s commitment to queer storytelling began even before Sisak. In 2013, he wrote Ravivar, a satirical queer film about the prime minister’s son being gay. Though production houses praised the script as “beautiful,” none were willing to produce it, reflecting the industry’s reluctance to address LGBTQ+ themes openly.

“I will not stop making movies about LGBTQ experiences. Bollywood needs to understand that queer stories exist, and they are universal,” Faraz stated.

Faraz Arif Ansari: Championing Queer Cinema in India

Faraz Arif Ansari is a Mumbai-based filmmaker renowned for his pioneering contributions to queer cinema in India. His works, such as Sisak (2017), India’s first silent LGBTQ+ short film, and Sheer Qorma (2021), have garnered international acclaim for their nuanced portrayal of LGBTQ+ narratives within Indian cultural contexts

Sheer Qorma (2021): A Groundbreaking Love Story

Sheer Qorma is a Hindi-language short film that delves into the complexities of queer love and familial acceptance. The film stars Shabana Azmi, Divya Dutta, and Swara Bhasker, portraying a poignant narrative about a woman and a non-binary person navigating love and societal expectations. Directed and written by Faraz Arif Ansari, the film was produced by Marijke Desouza under Futterwacken Films. Filming commenced in August 2019 in Mumbai, with the film officially releasing on June 25, 2021, in the United States.

However, tackling such sensitive themes has not been without risk. Faraz has received threats and backlash, with some calling for him to be “sent to Pakistan” for daring to make films about LGBTQ+ topics in India. Yet, Faraz remains undeterred, asserting that cinema should challenge societal prejudices and give visibility to those marginalized voices.

Upcoming Projects

Bun Tikki (2025)

Faraz Arif Ansari’s forthcoming project, Bun Tikki, is a drama exploring themes of family, love, and identity. The film is produced by Jio Studios and Stage5 Productions, featuring performances by Shabana Azmi and Zeenat Aman.

Silvat (2016)

In 2016, Ansari wrote the story, screenplay, and dialogues for Silvat, a short film directed by Tanuja Chandra. The film, produced under Zee Entertainment’s ‘Zeal For Unity’ initiative, stars Kartik Aaryan and Meher Mistry. It tells the story of a married woman who falls in love with a tailor, exploring themes of longing and unspoken emotions.

A Vision for Indian Cinema

Through his films, Faraz Arif Ansari is not just telling stories; he is redefining the possibilities of Indian cinema. By highlighting queer love, questioning societal norms, and centering underrepresented voices, Faraz’s work inspires a new generation of filmmakers and audiences to embrace diversity and empathy.

“Cinema is a powerful medium. If it can make one person feel seen or give someone the courage to live authentically, then it is worth it,” he says.

Faraz’s journey reminds us that storytelling is not just entertainment it is activism, a mirror to society, and a tool for transformation.

Beyond filmmaking, Faraz Arif Ansari is actively involved in advocacy for LGBTQ+ rights and representation in Indian cinema. In April 2025, he conducted an acting workshop for the transgender and queer community in Bengaluru, titled TRANSaction. During the workshop, he emphasized the importance of honest representation in queer cinema and discussed how his identity as a queer filmmaker influences his storytelling .