>SdkbBot at 01:14, 1 July 2021

2021-07-01T01:14:28Z

New page

{{POV|date=May 2021}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=February 2017}}
{{Use Indian English|date=February 2017}}
{{Infobox film
| name = Amen
| image = Amen poster.jpg
| alt =
| caption = Film poster
| directors = Ranadeep Bhattacharyya Judhajit Bagchi
| producer =Yaanus Films Valentina Erath [[Harish Iyer]]
| writer = Ranadeep Bhattacharyya Judhajit Bagchi
| starring =
Karan Veer Mehra Jitin Gulati
| narrator =
| music = Jonathon Fessenden
| cinematography = Varun Sud
| editing = Ranadeep Bhattacharyya Judhajit Bagchi
| released = {{Film date|2010}}
| runtime = 24 minutes
| country = India
| language = English
}}

'''''Amen''''' is a 2010 short film directed, written and produced by [[Judhajit Bagchi and Ranadeep Bhattacharyya]] and was released in association with Passion Film.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.gaystarnews.com/article/ray-hope-gay-cinema-indian-film-festival-lands-europe231112/#gs.null|title='Ray of hope' for gay cinema as Indian film festival lands in Europe|date=23 November 2012|publisher=|accessdate=3 March 2018}}</ref><ref>http://www.passionfilmindia.com/film-amen/{{Dead link|date=September 2019 |bot=InternetArchiveBot |fix-attempted=yes }}</ref>

==Synopsis==
The World Wide Web brings the two protagonists, Andy and Harry, together on a nonchalant afternoon. But this planned sex date takes an unexpected twist and the interactions between Andy and Harry go beyond physical pleasure bringing out questions that need to be answered, truths that need to be accepted and a life that stands to be reckoned.

"Amen" makes two characters meet, experience hope amidst confusion, explore truths about sexuality and the self and delves into the profound meaning of life in the continuum of its trifles. The film reflect the diversity of issues that the community continues to face — from social prejudices to the predicament of acknowledging their sexuality.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/delhi/Film-festival-puts-spotlight-on-alternate-sexuality/articleshow/7007739.cms|title=Film festival puts spotlight on alternate sexuality - Times of India|publisher=|accessdate=3 March 2018}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.filmimpressions.com/home/2010/10/essay-state-of-the-queer.html|title=Filmimpressions.com|website=www.filmimpressions.com|accessdate=3 March 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160825190132/http://www.filmimpressions.com/home/2010/10/essay-state-of-the-queer.html|archive-date=25 August 2016|url-status=dead|df=dmy-all}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.business-standard.com/article/beyond-business/shot-from-the-margins-111051500031_1.html|title=Shot from the margins|first=Arghya|last=Ganguly|date=15 May 2011|publisher=|accessdate=3 March 2018|via=Business Standard}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://vinatananda.blogspot.in/2010/07/amen-cinema-born.html|title=AMEN - A Cinema born|website=vinatananda.blogspot.in|accessdate=3 March 2018}}</ref>

==Reception==
The film is inspired from the life of the human right activist [[Harish Iyer]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.dnaindia.com/entertainment/report-amen-a-gay-rights-activist-s-life-on-70mm-1654239|title='Amen' — A gay rights activist's life on 70mm - Latest News & Updates at Daily News & Analysis|date=24 February 2012|publisher=|accessdate=3 March 2018}}</ref><ref>{{cite web | url=http://www.asianage.com/people/ellen-city-677 | title=Ellen in the city | work=asianage.com | date=10 May 2016 | accessdate=3 March 2018}}</ref> Amen explores gay relationship like no other movie has done before. It teaches the world that life does not allow one to choose his sexuality, one is born with it.<ref>{{cite news | url=http://newindianexpress.com/cities/chennai/article447294.ece | title=I am a survivor: Harish Iyer | newspaper=The New Indian Express | accessdate=3 March 2018}}</ref> Amen strives to be unapologetically accurate in its depiction of gay relationships, and the intricacies and challenges faced by gay individuals in India today. The dynamics of how we accept our sexual orientation and live with it in contemporary society are poignantly shown in the movie, which provokes thought about how we form our identity based on ourselves, our past experiences and our society. The short also stirs up questions in the viewer's mind – why are we still afraid to accept our own feelings, learn how to go beyond the traumas of our own pasts and learn to go with the flow.<ref>{{cite web | url=http://pink-pages.co.in/culture/cinema/amen/ | title=Amen | publisher=Pink Pages | date=11 October 2010 | accessdate=3 March 2018 | author=Kumar, Das Sourendra}}</ref><ref>{{cite web | url=http://gaysifamily.com/2010/07/05/movie-review-amen/ | title=Movie Review : Amen - Gaysi | publisher=The Gay Desi | date=5 July 2010 | accessdate=3 March 2018 | author=Pandyan, Ramya}}</ref><ref>*{{cite news | url=http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/delhi/-Film-festival-puts-spotlight-on-alternate-sexuality/articleshow/7007739.cms | title=Film festival puts spotlight on alternate sexuality | newspaper=Times of India | accessdate=3 March 2018 | author=Sethi, Atul}}</ref><ref>{{cite news | url=http://www.mid-day.com/articles/straddling-two-worlds/123039 | title=Straddling two worlds | newspaper=Mid-Day | date=25 May 2011 | accessdate=3 March 2018 | author=Phukan, VIikram}}</ref><ref>{{cite web | url=http://epaper.timesofindia.com/Repository/ml.asp?Ref=VE9JTS8yMDExLzA5LzE2I0FyMDUzMDA= | title=Homosexuality Is Ab-NormaL | publisher=Times of India | accessdate=3 March 2018 | author=Sahoo, Madhusmita | website=epaper.timesofindia.com}}</ref> Amen is also part of the DVD archived at the [[Kinsey Institute]], [[Indiana University]]<ref>{{cite web | url=http://iucat.iu.edu/kinsey/14281062 | title=Amen : a story inspired by the life of Harish Iyer | accessdate=3 March 2018 | website=iucat.iu.edu}}</ref>

In 2011 Amen was selected as the only Indian film on the [[Iris Prize]], also known as the 'gay Oscars',<ref>{{cite web|url=http://attitude.co.uk/exclusive-check-out-the-lgbt-films-nominated-for-best-of-british-at-this-years-iris-prize/|title=Attitude.co.uk - Exclusive - Check out the LGBT films nominated for Best of British at this year's Iris Prize|publisher=|accessdate=3 March 2018|date=2016-09-08}}</ref> list of 30 top LGBT films from across the globe.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.mail-archive.com/gay_bombay@yahoogroups.com/msg20004.html|title=g_b Re: AMEN amongst top 30 gay films PLAYING TODAY@ IRIS PRIZE festival, Cardiff|website=www.mail-archive.com|accessdate=3 March 2018}}</ref><ref name="auto">{{cite web|url=http://www.mumbaiqueerfest.com/kashish2010/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=109:kashish-2011&catid=34:demo-category&Itemid=28|title=KASHISH 2011|first=|last=Administrator|website=www.mumbaiqueerfest.com|accessdate=3 March 2018}}</ref>

==Cast==
* [[Karan Veer Mehra]]<ref>{{cite web|url=http://archive.mid-day.com/entertainment/2012/oct/231012-Karan-Mehra-bases-his-role-as-a-homosexual-on-activist-Harish-Iyer.htm|title=Karan Mehra bases his role as a homosexual on activist Harish Iyer|website=archive.mid-day.com|accessdate=3 March 2018}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.msn.com/en-in/entertainment/tv/ragini-mms-2-actor-karan-mehra-turns-gay/ar-BBhMcCH|title=Karan Mehra}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.stardust.co.in/article/latest-buzz/ragini-mms-2-actor-karan-mehra-s-film-becomes-us-university-syllabus/6520|title=Ragini MMS 2 actor Karan Mehra's film becomes US university syllabus!|date=21 February 2015|publisher=|accessdate=3 March 2018}}</ref> – Harry
* Jitin Gulati<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.imdb.com/name/nm4028442/|title=Jitin Gulati|website=IMDb|accessdate=3 March 2018}}</ref> – Andy
* Madhusmita Sahoo - Tina (voice)

==Controversies==
Amen fell into controversy with [[Central Board of Film Certification]] and the struggle went on for six months until the short was granted permission to be released with an adult certificate by the review committee.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.news18.com/news/india/fed-up-with-heavy-school-bags-2-students-hold-press-meet-1284453.html|title=Fed up With Heavy School Bags, 2 Students Hold Press Meet|publisher=|accessdate=3 March 2018}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.hindustantimes.com/mumbai/cbfc-orders-cuts-in-film-on-child-abuse/story-KiyNMRNHV65CVF7ZN24qPK.html|title=CBFC orders cuts in film on child abuse|date=16 February 2012|publisher=|accessdate=3 March 2018}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://buisnessnewstrends.blogspot.in/2012/10/dvd-of-amen.html|title=DVD of Amen|website=buisnessnewstrends.blogspot.in|accessdate=3 March 2018}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://pink-pages.co.in/general/gay-themed-film-amen-denied-permission-by-censor-board/|title=Gay themed film "Amen" denied permission by Censor Board - Pink Pages|date=11 February 2012|publisher=|accessdate=3 March 2018}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.hiyer.net/2012/02/fight-for-cinepride-language-edit.html|title=Fight For CinePride! LANGUAGE EDIT DEMANDS IN "Amen"!|website=www.hiyer.net|accessdate=3 March 2018}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://archive.indianexpress.com/news/screen-test/1034536|title=Screen test - Indian Express|website=archive.indianexpress.com|accessdate=3 March 2018}}</ref>

==Film festivals==
* 23rd [[New York Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, & Transgender Film Festival]], [[NewFest]] 2011
* 16th [[Chéries-Chéris]], festival du film lesbien, gay, bi, trans, queer et ++++ de Paris, [[Paris]] 2010<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.cheries-cheris.com/2010/Courts_gays_2_I_Want%20_Your_Love.html|title=I Want Your Love}}</ref>
* [[Mumbai Queer Film Festival]], Mumbai, 2011<ref>{{cite web|url=http://mumbaiqueerfest.com/kashish2013/europe|title=KASHISH goes to Europe|first=|last=Administrator|website=mumbaiqueerfest.com|accessdate=3 March 2018}}</ref>
* [[Iris Prize]] Film Festival, Cardiff, UK, 2011<ref name="auto"/>
* Engendered I View Film Festival New York, 2010<ref>{{cite web|url=http://epaper.timesofindia.com/Default/Layout/Includes/MIRRORNEW/ArtWin.asp?From=Archive&Source=Page&Skin=MIRRORNEW&BaseHref=MMIR%2F2010%2F10%2F03&GZ=T&ViewMode=HTML&EntityId=Ar02400&AppName=1|title=Exploring those intimacies }}</ref>
* 4th Nigah Queer Fest, New Delhi, 2010<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.buzzintown.com/delhi/events/amen-film/segment--venue-map/id--298577.html|title=Amen|access-date=23 August 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160826074854/http://www.buzzintown.com/delhi/events/amen-film/segment--venue-map/id--298577.html|archive-date=26 August 2016|url-status=dead|df=dmy-all}}</ref>
* Queer Caribbean Film Festival, New York, 2011<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.glaad.org/node/35067|title=Caribbean and South Asian LGBT Films to Screen in NYC This Weekend|date=14 October 2011|publisher=|accessdate=3 March 2018}}</ref>
* 16th Seattle Lesbian & Gay Film Festival, 2011<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.threedollarbillcinema.org/images/uploads/ProgramGuide_SLGFF2011_members.pdf|title=Program Guide|access-date=23 August 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160923143222/https://www.threedollarbillcinema.org/images/uploads/ProgramGuide_SLGFF2011_members.pdf|archive-date=23 September 2016|url-status=dead}}</ref>
* 7th Seattle South Asia Film Festival 2011, USA<ref>{{cite web|url=http://ssaff.tasveer.org/2011/index.php/schedule/sat-cinema-430-i-am/|title=SSAFF 2011 :: Sat - Cinema - 4:30 - I AM|website=ssaff.tasveer.org|accessdate=3 March 2018}}</ref>
* Rio Gay Film Festival, Rio de Janeiro – Brazil, 2012<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.riofgc.com/LISTA%20DOS%20FILMES%20SELECIONADOS%202012.pdf|title=Rio Festival|access-date=23 August 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161220062330/http://www.riofgc.com/LISTA%20DOS%20FILMES%20SELECIONADOS%202012.pdf|archive-date=20 December 2016|url-status=dead}}</ref>

== References ==
{{Reflist}}

== External links ==
*[http://www.passionfilmindia.com/film-amen/ Official Website]{{Dead link|date=September 2019 |bot=InternetArchiveBot |fix-attempted=yes }}
*{{IMDb title|1708376}}
*[http://www.yaanusfilms.com Yaanus Films]
*[http://www.passionfilmindia.com Passion Films]

[[Category:Indian short films]]
[[Category:2010 short films]]
[[Category:LGBT-related films based on actual events]]
[[Category:Films shot in India]]
[[Category:Indian LGBT-related films]]
[[Category:Indian films]]
[[Category:2010 LGBT-related films]]
[[Category:2010 films]]
[[Category:Gay-related films]]

Amen 2010 film - Revision history

>SdkbBot at 01:14, 1 July 2021