Every queer film is a step forward

Pine Cone director Onir on the importance of LGBTQIA+ narratives in cinema as love story is selected for the BFI Flare Film Festival

For filmmaker Onir, it is a precious milestone. Over the weekend, the BFI Flare: London LGBTQIA+ Film Festival unveiled the programme for its 38th edition that will run from March 13 to 24. Onir’s Pine Cone has been selected for the prestigious event that is among the world’s most significant and long-standing queer film galas.

Pine Cone follows the journey of an out-and-proud filmmaker Sid Mehra, who has his first brush with romance in his high-school years, and then over two decades, becomes cynical about love. In telling his story that plays out from 1999 to 2018, the movie looks at the changing landscape of queer rights in India. The semi-autobiographical piece of work is the latest offering from Onir, who has consistently used his voice to bring queer stories to the screen. 

Naturally thrilled about the selection, the director is looking forward to attending the screening in London next month. He shares, “This film is a labour of love, and I am immensely proud of the journey it has taken from its inception to this moment. Pine Cone is more than just a film; it’s a testament to the power of storytelling and the importance of LGBTQIA+ narratives in cinema. I hope it serves as an inspiration to aspiring filmmakers and continues to push the boundaries of queer cinema.”

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