Indian tricolour to fly high at Montreal Pride on August 14, 2016.
In honour of the Indian LGBT community, filmmaker Sridhar Rangayan, who earlier this year co-won the National Film Award for Best Editing, will be the Grand Marshal at Montreal Pride.
Rangayan, the founder and festival director of KASHISH Mumbai International Queer Film Festival, South Asia’s biggest LGBT film fest, will lead the Pride parade, along with Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau.
“I am excited to fly the Indian tricolour along with the rainbow flag to underline that I am both Indian and gay – both my identities are a matter of pride for me”, said Rangayan. “I am both humbled and honoured to be chosen to lead Montreal Pride as one of the Grand Marshals. It is indeed a great privilege and, as with any privilege, comes with responsibilities. I hope that I can amplify the struggles and victories of the Indian LGBT community, and seek global support in ensuring a free and equal society,” added Rangayan.
Éric Pineault, founding president of Montreal Pride welcomed Sridhar Rangayan.
He said: “The entire Fierté Montréal team is honoured to be welcoming Rangayan to the 10th edition of Montréal Pride. Whether through his work as one of the organizers of the KASHISH Mumbai International Queer Film Festival, as a producer of LGBTQ-themed films or as an activist for our communities, Rangayan is a pioneer in the advancement of rights for LGBTQ individuals in India. We are delighted to have him as a grand marshal and are proud to be presenting his film The Pink Mirror during our festival,”
He and two other board members of Montreal Pride – Jean-François Guevremont and Jean-Sébastien Boudreault had attended KASHISH 2016 this year as special guests.
Montreal pride, now in its 10th year, is the largest LGBTQ gathering in the Francophone world attracting close to 500,000 local and international visitors, taking part in more than 125 activities and events, including film screenings, musical performances, drag shows, etc.
Pride will be celebrated over the course of seven days, from August 8, 2016, culminating in the spectacular pride march on August 14.
