GFEST 2010 Filmmaker Interview: Ishita Srivastava for Gay London Festival

Seed Newsvine

New York based filmmaker Ishita Srivastava will be presenting her film ‘Desi Girls!’ at GFEST – Gaywise FESTival 2010 Short Film Screening 3 @ Rich Mix, 35 – 47 Bethnal Green Road, London, E1 6LA / Box Office: 020 7613 7498 /£8.50, £6 Cons / Screenings on : Sat 13 Nov @ 7.30PM and Fri 12 Nov @ 9.30PM

GFEST 2010 film programme details on: http://www.gaywisefestival.org.uk/filmscreening.php

A quick chat with Ishita:

What are you doing right now?

I am working on circulating a short documentary about racial profiling in the United States that I assisted on. It was produced by Breakthrough, the non-profit media organization that I work for- we produce social issue based media campaigns. We are also working on a global campaign against domestic violence.

How would you describe your own films?

My work examines what inspires me most- people, society, culture; to look at everyday social interactions and relationships and pull out what often goes unnoticed.

How is your work relevant today to be a part of LGBT (Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender) or queer art work?

My work is relevant to those that identify with it as well as anyone that might not immediately understand it but want to give it a shot. My work is about seeing through differences and engendering respect. For these reasons, I think it is very relevant within the context of a queer artistic space.

Your reasons for presenting your work as part of GFEST 2010?

I can’t think of anything better than to share my work on a cross-cultural, cross-arts platform such as GFEST. I also have a particular affection for London, the place where my desire to make films was born, and it is very special for me to have my film shown there.

PriyankaLisa — A Still from Ishita's film Desi Girls!

Do you see your work as gay or queer film making?

I identify as queer, so in one sense I am a queer artist. I have also made a documentary that overtly deals with queer subjects. At the same time, I do not feel that my sexual orientation defines all the work that I do. I am a female artist, an Indian artist and an immigrant artist just as much as I am a queer artist.

How do you resource your films or how do you fund them?

That’s a very good question. I am trying to figure that out as we speak. A day job that exposes and allows me to work on the issues that interest me is an important first step.

How well do you publicise or market your work?

The internet and social networks, as well as good old word of mouth have been my best friends in that respect.

How would you like yourself to be known?

I would like myself and my work to be known as one and the same- accessible, genuine, moving and entertaining!

How do you see tomorrow’s ‘gay or queer art’ scene?

Queer art will flourish as long as queer culture does. It will likely grow and change and morph, and I hope it does, as the societal context for queer culture changes and more people see the porosity of boundaries.

A single wish ?

To be present in London for GFEST 2010!

Thank you Ishita and best wishes from GFEST.

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Now in its fourth year, GFEST is supported by the Mayor of London, dignitaries, Ministers and MPs from all the leading parties, various London boroughs and Arts Council England.