Jugaad

Director: Susannah Heath-Eves
Release Year: 2017

Jugaad (2017) is a captivating documentary directed by Susannah Heath-Eves, offering an insightful and immersive exploration into the heart of Mumbai, one of the most densely populated and diverse cities in the world. The film weaves together a rich tapestry of stories from individuals representing various communities in the city, shedding light on their unique experiences, struggles, and moments of triumph. Through Heath-Eves' lens, viewers are introduced to a transgender activist, a knife-wielding mafioso, and India’s leading gossip blogger, among others, each showcasing different facets of Mumbai’s complex social fabric.

Sangini

Director: Nancy Nicol
Release Year: 2016

"Sangini," a poignant and impactful 46-minute documentary directed by Nancy Nicol, delves into the lives of people who fled their families and sought refuge at Sangini, a shelter for lesbian, bisexual, and trans-identified individuals in Delhi. The film offers an intimate portrayal of their journeys, highlighting their resilience as they confront the challenges of escaping family-imposed restrictions, violence, and societal pressure to conform to traditional norms, particularly the expectation to marry. Through the personal accounts of a young woman, a trans man, and a lesbian couple, "Sangini" illuminates the struggles these individuals face in their pursuit of civil rights, independence, and personal freedom. It is a powerful and moving documentary that not only captures the difficulties faced by LGBTQ+ people in India but also showcases their hope and determination for a better future.

Ladli

Director: Sudipta Kundu
Release Year: 2019

Title in English: Adorable Girl

"Ladli," a poignant 2019 documentary directed by Sudipta Kundu, takes viewers into the world of a transgender woman whose life is marked by both profound hope and profound struggle. At the core of the documentary is Ladli, an optimistic soul in search of a sense of belonging in a world that often fails to accept her for who she truly is.

Gautam and Buddha

Director: Shayok Mukhopadhyay
Release Year: 2019

The 2019 documentary Gautam & Buddha, directed by Shayok Mukhopadhyay, offers an intimate and thought-provoking exploration into the lives of two best friends, Gautam and Buddha, who perform in the world of Gajon, a traditional, all-male traveling theater in rural India. Set against the backdrop of a socially conservative society, the film focuses on the complexities of identity, gender, and sexuality in rural India, particularly among men who cross-dress for their performances.

The Nudity

Director: Arunkumar Senthil
Release Year: 2020

"The Nudity" is a 2020 documentary directed by Arunkumar Senthil that delves into the intimate and cultural practices of trans women, particularly highlighting one of their most sacred rituals: the Milk Function. For trans women, this ritual holds significant meaning and is celebrated as a once-in-a-lifetime festival that marks an important milestone in their lives.