U for Usha [Pre-Feature Short]
Usha, an illiterate single mother who works as a farm labourer in rural India, finds herself drawn to a female teacher of local primary school, in ways she never knew possible. This attraction plays an important part, in firing her passion to read and write as she hopes to be as good as the teacher, one day.
‘U Ushacha’ is a subtle portrayal of sexual awakening, as well as how a naïve attraction can empower a woman to take control of her life, and make each day, something to look forward to.
Director
After completing a diploma in Interior Designing, Rohan Kanawade spent as much time as possible honing his storytelling craft despite having no formal training in filmmaking. In 2010 he left his full-time job and began working as freelance interior designer to give time to film writing and direction. Film after film the quality and technique of his storytelling improved, and in 2017 his short ‘Khidkee’ got selected in Indian Panorama section of 48th International Film Festival of India, 2017. Impressed by his work, mythology writer Devdutt Pattanaik extended his financial support to Rohan’s next short ‘U Ushacha’ which he completed in mid-January 2019.
Director’s Note: I grew up in Mumbai, but spent my holidays with my grandparents, in a small village, a few hundred kilometers from Mumbai. The simplicity of the rural life had always touched me deeply, yet as I grew up, I realised the life here was richly nuanced and complex as well.
So when my friend Chhaya Kadam suggested, I write a lesbian script, I immediately thought of using my village as the backdrop to tell my story.
I wanted the woman in my film to be strong, and positive, despite the harsh realities of her life. I didn’t want to make her a victim or a sad person, which is usually the case in the Indian films.
Now that homosexuality is legalized in India, films made on LGBTQ characters (which are often sad stories, especially in India) needs change. Usha, in my script, is that women, who isn’t afraid to explore her needs, abilities and her new attractions. With this script I am trying to take the audience on a journey, that ends on a sweet note; one that will bring a smile on their faces.
Festivals/Awards
Bagri Foundation London Indian Film Festival 2019, London, United Kingdom [Winner Satyajit Ray Short Film Award]; Hong Kong Lesbian and Gay Film Festival 2019, Hong Kong, China [Winner Best Short Film Jury Award]; Inside Out Toronto LGBT Film Festival 2019, Toronto, Canada [2nd Runner Up Audience Choice]; Calcutta International Cult Film Festival 2019, Kolkata, India [Winner Best LGBT Short]; Mosaic International South Asian Film Festival 2019, Mississauga, Ontario [Winner Best Short Film]; Virgin Spring Cinefest 2019, Kolkata, India [Winner Best LGBT Short]; Lovers Film Festival: Torino LGBTQI Visions 2019, Torino, Italy; New York Indian Film Festival 2019, New York, USA; Kashish Mumbai International Film Festival 2019, Mumbai, India; Vancouver Queer Film Festival 2019, Vancouver, Canada; Long Beach QFilm Festival 2019, Long Beach, California, USA; Bay Area South Asian Film Festival 2019, San Francisco, USA; Nagaon International Short and Documentary Film Festival 2019, Nagaon, India; Bangalore Queer Film Festival 2019, Bangalore, India; Cinema Diverse: The Palm Springs LGBTQ Film Festival 2019, Palm Springs, USA; Tasveer South Asian Film Festival 2019, Seattle, USA