Bodies Of Desire Using Varsha's anthology by the same name, Bodies of Desire is a film that captures four sets of lovers amid passion; to create a portrait of tender intimacy, of longing, of discovery, of desire, of embrace and care, of profound companionship. The film was one of the Five Films For Freedom 2021. The film is being developed into a narrative feature. Writer, Director, Voice, Co-Producer - Varsha Panikar | Producer: Asawari Jagushte | Length: 3.47 min | Language: English Premiere: Nowness Asia | September 2020​ Platforms: Nowness Asia, Nowness, Director's Library, Otherness Archive, GiF, BFI Player Awards: Rio Festival De Cinema LGBTQIA+ 2022 - Best Int'l Short, Special Festival Award Festival Jury 24fps International Short Film Festival - Honourable Mention Best Short at Make Art Note Fear. Best Music Video - Global Indian Film Festival 2021 Notable Festivals: BFI Flare London LGBTQ+ Film Festival 2021 | Fringe! Queer Film & Arts Festival 2021 | Outfest Los Angeles LGBTQ FIlm Festival 2021 | Berlin Commercial 2020 | Directors Notes - 2022 | Indian Film Festival Of Melbourne - 2021 | Reel Desires Chennai International Film Festival 2020 | Toronto Queer Film Festival 2021 | 10th International Video Poetry Festival 2021 | Zebra Poetry Film festival 2021 | Prairie Pride Film Festival - 2021 | Athens Fashion FIlm Festival 2021 | Fashion Film festival Milano - 2021 | Geelong Pride Film Festival 2021 | Thessalanoki Queer Arts Festival 2021 | Last Frame Queer Womxn Fest 2020 | Queerz Get Loud - 2020 | Lustreifen Film Festival - 2020 | Melanin Pride Festival - 2020 | Seoul Int'l Pride Film Festival 2021 | Erotica Art & Film Festival Australia 2021 | Pan Eros Film Festival | Ivano-Frankivsk International Short Film Festival 4:3 | Reelout Queer Film Festival - 2021 | CLIT Film Festival 2022 | Black Cat International Film Awards 2022 | Festival del Cinema di Cefalù 2022 Official Film Website (Short)
Words Of Pride - Launch Film
Here’s a sneak peek into the 11 socio-linguistic micro documentaries made with Disney + Star. #WordsOfPride is an advocacy initiative by Disney Star, created with language experts from the queer community. It is a glossary of terms to create a more inclusive world.
The world is evolving; it’s time our words do too. Visit www.wordsofpride.com to know more.
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Director & Executive Producer - Varsha Panikar | Production House - Star Hopper | Length: 59 sec | Language: Multi-lingual (English, Hindi, Telugu, Kanada, Malayalam, Bengali, Tamil subtitles)
Premiere: 6th Sept 2023
Country: India​
Platforms: Disney + Star Network
After So Long // बरसों बाद
A visual poetry set in Mumbai (India) and voiced by Simha and their parents to symbolise their connection with each other; a walkabout through time and memories from the point of view of the artist. As a queer BIPOC artist born in India and raised in the US, Simha felt a certain indignant disconnect from their own ancestry. Written in part-Hindi and part-English, the film serves as an homage to these roots and delves into themes of identity, belonging and mental-health.
Director - Varsha Panikar | Producer - Star Hopper | Length: 3.37 min | Language: Hindi & English (English & Hindi subtitles
Premiere: Nowness Asia | '22
Country: USA, India, Canada​
Platforms: Nowness Asia, GiF, Homegrown
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Festival:
ZEBRA Poetry Film Festival '22 | Trans Film Festival Stockholm '23 | Balkan Can Kino '23 | Black Cat Award International Film Festival '22 | Star Film Fest '22 | One Earth Awards '22 | Festival del Cinema di Cefalù '22
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Screenings:
No Border X Nowness | Flying Chameleon Film Festival '22 | Simha Records x Queer Mango
CTRL+ALT+BELIEVE - International Women's Day Campaign
Aisha, with her quirky village of friends and family, confronts first-day-back jitters of crossover from diaper duties to boardroom battles. At #DisneyStar, the #ReturntoShine Program empowers women to confidently resume their careers after a maternity gap. Nurture, lead, and leap back in—because every new chapter begins with belief. #CtrlAltBelieve you've got this.
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Director, Story, Concept, Executive Producer - Varsha Panikar | Production House - Star Hopper | Length: 2.30 mins | Language: English, Hindi | Format: Narrative Fiction
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Premiere: 8th Mar 2024
Country: India​
Platforms: Disney + Star Network
Words Of Pride - Nandini's Story
Nandini takes us through her journey towards reclaiming the word 'Hijra' - that was used to abuse and oppress her. A story that emphasises the need for language that is rooted in respect and inclusivity - the very essence of #WordsOfPride. An advocacy initiative by Disney Star. It is a glossary of terms created with language experts from the queer community for a more inclusive society.
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Director & Executive Producer - Varsha Panikar | Production House - Star Hopper | Length: 2.16 mins | Language: Telugu (English, Hindi, Telugu, Kanada, Malayalam, Bengali, Tamil subtitles)
Format: Socio-linguistic micro documentaries
Premiere: 6th Sept 2023
Country: India​
Platforms: Disney + Star Network
Words Of Pride - Kabir's Story
Kabir tells us about his journey of navigating society and language to grow into the person he is today. Checkout Kabir’s full story on https://wordsofpride.disneystar.com/e... The world is evolving; it’s time our words do too.
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Director & Executive Producer - Varsha Panikar | Production House - Star Hopper | Length: 2.39 mins | Language: Hindi (English, Hindi, Telugu, Kanada, Malayalam, Bengali, Tamil subtitles)
Format: Socio-linguistic micro documentaries
Premiere: 6th Sept 2023
Country: India​
Platforms: Disney + Star Network
Words Of Pride - Priyadarshini's Story
Watch Priyadarshini tell us about their relationship with language on their journey towards self, beyond the social conditioning surrounding gender and sexuality.
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Director & Executive Producer - Varsha Panikar | Production House - Star Hopper | Length: 2.44 mins | Language: Bengali (English, Hindi, Telugu, Kanada, Malayalam, Bengali, Tamil subtitles)
Format: Socio-linguistic micro documentaries
Premiere: 6th Sept 2023
Country: India​
Platforms: Disney + Star Network
Words Of Pride - Maya's Story
Maya busts myths around Intersex identities and sheds light on the lack of awareness surrounding Intersex lives even amongst the educated. Checkout Maya’s story on https://wordsofpride.disneystar.com/e... The world is evolving; it’s time our words do too.
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Director & Executive Producer - Varsha Panikar | Production House - Star Hopper | Length: 2.24 mins | Language: Tamil (English, Hindi, Telugu, Kanada, Malayalam, Bengali, Tamil subtitles)
Format: Socio-linguistic micro documentaries
Premiere: 6th Sept 2023
Country: India​
Platforms: Disney + Star Network
Words Of Pride - Sophia's Story
Watch Sophia’s story as she examines the lack of pre-existing vocabulary that keeps queer folks from being able to verbalize their most basic struggles and life events. See how finding the right words can change a life, giving voice to struggles and joys alike — all part of #WordsOfPride, an advocacy initiative by Disney Star. Available in 7 languages, it is a glossary of terms created with language experts from the queer community for a more inclusive society.
Director & Executive Producer - Varsha Panikar | Production House - Star Hopper | Length: 2.05 mins | Language: Malayalam (English, Hindi, Telugu, Kanada, Malayalam, Bengali, Tamil subtitles) | Format: Socio-linguistic short documentary
Format: Socio-linguistic micro documentaries
Premiere: 2023
Country: India​
Platforms: Disney + Star Network
Words Of Pride - Adam's Story
As India’s first trans pilot, refusing to give up on his dreams, Adam believes, one day, he will be able to fly as himself. Checkout Adam’s story on https://wordsofpride.disneystar.com/e... The world is evolving; it’s time our words do too.
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Director & Executive Producer - Varsha Panikar | Production House - Star Hopper | Length: 2.48 mins | Language: Malayalam (English, Hindi, Telugu, Kanada, Malayalam, Bengali, Tamil subtitles)
Format: Socio-linguistic micro documentaries
Premiere: 6th Sept 2023
Country: India​
Platforms: Disney + Star Network
Words Of Pride - Negha's Story
Negha’s self-confidence soared when she found the right words to identify herself with. A story that highlights the joy of self-affirmation via respect — the core of #WordsOfPride, an advocacy initiative by Disney Star. It is a glossary of terms created with language experts from the queer community for a more inclusive society. The world is evolving; it’s time our words do too.
Visit www.wordsofpride.com to read more.
Director & Executive Producer - Varsha Panikar | Production House - Star Hopper | Length: 2:07 min | Language: Tamil (English, Hindi, Telugu, Kanada, Malayalam, Bengali, Tamil subtitles) | Format: Socio-linguistic micro documentary
Format: Socio-linguistic micro documentaries
Premiere: 2023
Country: India​
Platforms: Disney + Star Network
Words Of Pride - Sukant's Story
Sukanth tells us about embracing the truth on his journey towards liberation, family and happiness.The world is evolving; it’s time our words do too. The world is evolving; it’s time our words do too. Visit www.wordsofpride.com to know more.
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Director & Executive Producer - Varsha Panikar | Production House - Star Hopper | Length: 2.09 mins | Language: Telugu (English, Hindi, Bengali, Tamil, Telugu, Kanada, Malayalam subtitles) | Format: Ethno-linguistic short documentaries.
Format: Socio-linguistic micro documentaries
Premiere: 6th Sept 2023
Country: India​
Platforms: Disney + Star Network
Words Of Pride - Doel's Story
Doel shares her views on the existing language and her continued search for words that she is comfortable using to talk about her identity. Follow Doel’s journey of self-expression as she navigates through language, finding words that resonate with her identity — embodying the essence of #WordsOfPride, an advocacy initiative by Disney Star. Available in 7 languages, it is a glossary of terms created with language experts from the queer community for a more inclusive society.
Director & Executive Producer - Varsha Panikar | Production House - Star Hopper | Length: 1:49 min | Language: Bengali (English, Hindi, Telugu, Kanada, Malayalam, Bengali, Tamil subtitles) | Format: Socio-linguistic micro documentary
Format: Socio-linguistic micro documentaries
Premiere: 6th Sept 2023
Country: India​
Platforms: Disney + Star Network
Words Of Pride - Winnie's Story
Winnie tells us about the value of active allyship in their journey and how inclusive language is an important step towards real change. The world is evolving; it’s time our words do too. Visit www.wordsofpride.com to read more.
Direction, - Varsha Panikar | Production House - Star Hopper | Length: 1:42 min | Language: Hindi (English, Hindi, Telugu, Kanada, Malayalam, Bengali, Tamil subtitles) | Format: Socio-linguistic micro documentary
Format: Socio-linguistic micro documentaries
Premiere: 2023
Country: India​
Platforms: Disney + Star Network
Words Of Pride - Archana & Pooja's Story
For Pooja & Archana, love is the one language that transcends all. Watch the powerhouse couple tell us about their journey towards this life changing union. The world is evolving; it’s time our words do too. The world is evolving; it’s time our words do too. Visit www.wordsofpride.com to know more.
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Director & Executive Producer - Varsha Panikar | Production House - Star Hopper | Length: 2.24 mins | Language: English (Hindi, Bengali, Tamil, Telugu, Kanada, Malayalam subtitles) | Format: Ethno-linguistic short documentaries.​
Format: Socio-linguistic micro documentaries
Premiere: 6th Sept 2023
Country: India​
Platforms: Disney + Star Network
Feminist Youth Leadership Programme
Here’s a sneak peek into our film, made in collaboration with Gender At Work (India) and UN Women (India).
Producer - Varsha Panikar | Production House - Star Hopper | Length: 10.37 min | Language: Hindi & English (English subtitles)
Premiere: 1st June 2023
Country: USA, India, Canada​
Platforms: UN Women (India) , Gender At Work (India) and
Premiere:Launch of knowledge products for the Feminist Youth Leadership Programme (FYLP) at We the People Hall, UN House, New Delhi.​
Sign Easy + GoogleDocs
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Directed by Varsha Panikar | Client: Sign Easy | Agency: MAD
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Gits - Spot
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Directed by Varsha Panikar | Client: GITS | Agency : Togglehead Digital Pvt Ltd
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False Promises​
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"False Promises" is a visual poetry film directed by Abhay Raha and beautifully captured by Malay Prakash, an written and voiced by me. The poem is part of my anthology "At The End Of The Line," written during the 2020 lockdown, the film reflects on resilience and hope amidst life's uncertainties.
It garnered special mention and a Certificate of Excellence at the 11th Dada Saheb Phalke Film Festival 2021 and was shortlisted at the New York City Independent Film Festival. Check out this heartfelt creation that voices our collective spirit of survival.
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Poetry & Voice - Varsha Panikar | Length: 2.58 mins | Language: English | Format: Spoken Word.​
The Timeless Charm of a Chance Encounter (Gurucharanji)
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Asawari and I were doing research for a documentary in Shimla when we stumbled upon a tiny shop of vintage timepieces on the famous Mall Road. We met Gurucharan Singh, a friendly old Ghadiwala who fell in love with analogue clocks and opened his own shop. As we discussed time, we sensed a sadness in him, perhaps a reminder of what he had lost. We shot some footage of him and promised to return, but unfortunately missed our chance. Years later, we found the old footage and decided to put it together as a tribute to Gurucharanji and his love for clocks.
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Returning to the themes of chance encounters, surreal connections, and serendipity, 'The Timeless Charm of a Chance Encounter' is a mixed-media series exploring the fleeting, but sometimes, memorable moments shared with total strangers.
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Shot, Directed, Edited by Varsha Panikar & Asawari Jagushte
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The Three Renegades
The Remaking of A Memory - A workshop by Gob Squad Collective, as part of Starting Realities.
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Curated by Kai Tuchmann and Anuja Ghosalkar
Supported by Goethe-Institut, Max Mueller Bhavan, Mumbai.
Concept & Edit - Varsha Panikar | Written and performed by Varsha Panikar, Gurleen Arora and Sophie Roy.
Doll Mortuary
Sitting in a corner of an old beat up shop, sit beautiful porcelain dolls willing to risk a drop. To be loved and taken off the shelves. These porcelain dolls are afraid to break, but willing to risk a crack that runs across their beautiful face. Weeks turn into months, months into years, the dolls now covered in dust and cobb webs are left with little to no hope as they continue to she sit in their corner of the shop.
Spoken Word film | Created for Bric-a-Brac, a finely curated workshop employing found footage and the politics of poor image. | UFO by Star Hopper
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"As filmmaking paleontologists, we unearth forgotten fragments from the archives and use layered sound to transport audiences to the past. We trust our intuition, following serendipitous discoveries to piece together hidden narratives. unearthing skeletons and piecing them back together without full knowledge of what one is making. There is an element of serendipity, letting the images you are attracted to lead the way before working backwards to find a story.
As Courtney Stephen eloquently put it, there's a joy in discovering the potential of these forgotten fragments and piecing them back together into something meaningful." - Varsha.
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Poetry, Voice, Edited by Varsha Panikar | Footage By AnamalousFilms | 'A Drowning Island' by Unheard Music Concepts.
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Words Of Pride - Archana & Pooja's Story
For Pooja & Archana, love is the one language that transcends all. Watch the powerhouse couple tell us about their journey towards this life changing union. The world is evolving; it’s time our words do too. The world is evolving; it’s time our words do too. Visit www.wordsofpride.com to know more.
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Director & Executive Producer - Varsha Panikar | Production House - Star Hopper | Length: 2.24 mins | Language: English (Hindi, Bengali, Tamil, Telugu, Kanada, Malayalam subtitles) | Format: Ethno-linguistic short documentaries.​
Format: Socio-linguistic micro documentaries
Premiere: 6th Sept 2023
Country: India​
Platforms: Disney + Star Network
Kellogg's Upma 'Bachelor Pad'
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Client - Kellogg's Agency - Ogilvy India
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The Housemaids (Short)
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The Housemaids is a film that delves into power struggles between class, gender and identity. Based loosely on the play The Maids by Gean Jenet, this film is about the inner lives of two sisters - housemaids to an ageing Madame in an upper-class ancestral home - as they spend their days playing transgressive power games.
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Associate Producer & Styling - Varsha Panikar | | Director - Asawari Jagushte| Length: 23 min | Language: English (English subtitles)
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Country: India
​Platforms: Amazon Prime (UK/US) and Disney+ Hotstar (India)​
Festival: Women Make Waves Film Festival (Taiwan) | Asian Women's Film Festival (IAWRT) | Bangalore Queer Film Festival (India)
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Screenings:
Filamnt - Exploring Relationships
Flying Chameleon Film Festival
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Watch on Amazon Prime (UK/US) or Disney + Hotstar (India)
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Origami Folds
An ongoing photo-poetry series that explores curves and folds of the human body (self and others) and uses it as a medium and metaphor for hopeless frailty and hardened impenetrability, from which emerges the themes of identity, dysphoria, the commodification of the body, and denial and loss of autonomy as conditions of globalized society and cultures through the lens of south-Asian, queer and marginalized bodies which are forever under critical scrutiny, objectification and dehumanizing policing from external and internal perspectives. Within this stifling framework, the skin has separated from the body, both physically in the act of medical dissection and alterations in an effort to meet popular standards of beauty, and metaphorically in the separation between skin and psyche. The skin here also represents time and wraps us up like cellophane wraps hard candy.
#antibeauty #teaser #origamifolds
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36 Questions In Proximity Of A Conversation
A six-hour long immersive participatory experience about making space for listening, responding and play in a city that is known for it's race.
Conceptualized & Produced by: acceleratedintimacy | Facilitating Director: Nihaarika Negi | Videography and Photography : Varsha Panikar, Asawari Jagushte, Vincent
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