When presented with the opportunity to explore diversity in My Melbourne, filmmaker Onir knew he wanted to view it from the lens of sexuality. From there was born Nandini, his short film about a queer man mending his strained relationship with his father after his mother passes away. “So many young people talk to me about the fear of getting rejected for their choices, especially by their fathers. Mothers are more accepting. This story is inspired by the real life of our writer, Gregory Francis,” says the director.

In his short film, Onir says it was as important to delve into the father’s mindset as it was to show the son’s hurt. “When you seek empathy and acceptance, a dialogue is important. Here, the son and the father are in a constant see-saw. For instance, the son realises that his father is uncomfortable seeing nail colour on him, so he takes it off. In the course of time, he will wear it again and his father will accept it.”