EXCLUSIVE| 'My Melbourne' director Onir on telling queer stories with love and affection: 'The amount of hate and violence that I see today...'

My Melbourne, an anthology of four stories featuring the creative genius of Indian filmmakers Kabir Khan, Imtiaz Ali, Rima Das, and Onir, released theatrically on March 14.

The film has already garnered praise from audiences and critics alike during its world premiere in Australia at the 15th Indian Film Festival of Melbourne in August 2024 and its subsequent India premiere at the MAMI Film Festival 2024.

My Melbourne comprises four unique stories exploring deeply relevant themes of race, gender, sexuality, and disability. The anthology features Nandini directed by Onir, Setara directed by Kabir Khan, Emma directed by Rima Das, and Jules directed by Arif Ali and creatively guided by Imtiaz Ali. The films are presented in multiple languages, including English, Hindi, Bengali, Dari, and Auslan, ensuring authenticity and representation of diverse voices.

In an exclusive interview with Firstpost, filmmaker Onir opened up about this special piece of work and his collaboration with the other filmmakers on the project.

Edited excerpts from the interview

What’s the importance of telling queer stories with affection and love?

I think today when we look at the world, the amount of hate and violence is there, it’s not only important to tell queer stories with love and affection, it’s important to tell every story with love and affection because that’s what the world needs today.

What is the significance of the title My Melbourne? What does it represent?

The significance of My Melbourne is that it portrays a city that shows love and warmth and the way it embraces inclusivity and diversity. It’s a city I have been going for the last 17 years and I have always felt home. It’s a city where people can lead lives that be joyful irrespective of their identity. My Melbourne is a film that celebrates that. We share all the colours of the rainbow equally. It takes little bit of empathy and kindness.

Your film My Brother Nikhil completes two decades this year. What are your memories and were you confident it would stand the test of time?

20 years of My Brother Nikhil is very special to me because it also means 20 years of mine in the film industry. It was my debut film and I feel humbled and gratified. When I was in Bhutan in class , I had this dream of being a filmmaker. I am now living that dream. It’s a film that was produced under a lot of difficulties. Thanks to Sanjay Suri, who’s mu business partner, actor, and friend who put so much of faith and trust in me and put everything together. For me, it’s not only a journey of myself but a celebration of our friendship for two decades.

What would you like to say about your collaboration with Rima Das, Kabir Khan, and Imtiaz Ali on this special film?

The beauty is that four different filmmakers are coming together with different sensibilities. The basic things about me Rina Das and Imtiaz Ali that binds us is that we are inclusive people and we believe in love and empathy. That also shows in our storytelling. In our industry, we are working in solitary spaces but it’s so nice to interact and share our experiences with our contemporary filmmakers.