In the realm of cinema, few films have dared to tackle the intricacies of desire within the constraints of tradition quite like Deepa Mehta’s Fire. Released in 1996, this groundbreaking film marked a significant moment in Indian cinema, offering a poignant exploration of queer identities against the backdrop of a traditional Indian household.
Fire centers around two women, Sadiya and Radha, played with nuance and depth, who find solace and love in each other amidst the oppressive patriarchal confines of their lives. The film’s presentation of their emotional and sexual awakening is both tender and tumultuous, confronting societal norms that dictate their existence. Mehta’s direction creates an intimate atmosphere, allowing viewers to traverse the complexities of queer desire through the eyes of her characters.
The cinematography stands out as a crucial element, capturing both the oppressive nature of the household and the magical moments of connection between the protagonists. The use of fire as a motif symbolizes both the destructive and transformative power of love, illuminating the characters’ internal struggles and the societal pressures they confront.
Fire is not merely a film about love; it is a bold statement on the ways desire can challenge and disrupt the status quo. Mehta’s artistry shines through in every frame, making Fire a must-watch for anyone interested in the intersections of culture, identity, and love.
— Fay Nass, Queering Cinema curator
Jun 5: Intro by curator Fay Nass
Funny, poignant, and sensual, Fire is a beautiful, painful experience.
Guinevere Turner, The Advocate
Community Partner
Deepa Mehta
Shabana Azmi, Nandita Das, Ranjit Chowdhry, Jaaved Jaaferi, Kulbushan Kharbanda
Canada
1996
In Hindi and English with English subtitles
Indigenous & Community Access
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Credits
Screenwriter
Deepa Mehta
Cinematography
Giels Nuttgens
Editor
Barry Farrell
Original Music
A.R. Rahman
Also in This Series
Queering Cinema features five features and two short films which have extended the scope of queer cinema, exploring the themes of masculinity, loneliness, belonging and desire.
Tehran: City of Love
Three lovesick individuals struggle to find romance as this tragicomic triptych plays out across the weddings, funerals, beauty parlours, and gyms of Tehran. This is the opening film in our new Queering Cinema series and will be followed by a set from DJ Nancydru.
Hedwig and the Angry Inch
Released in 2001, John Cameron Mitchell's flamboyant rock musical about a gender-queer punk rock singer from East Berlin pushed the boundaries of queer cinema. It's both heartbreaking and empowering. Screening with the short The Human Voice.
Moonlight
Three chapters in the life of Chiron, a young black man grappling with his identity and sexuality in a rough Miami neighborhood. Barry Jenkins' exploration of vulnerability and love offers a refreshing alternative to traditional portrayals of masculinity. Screening with the short Strange Way of Life.
Close-Knit
A young girl, Tomo, unexpectedly finds herself living with her uncle and his transgender partner, a woman named Tetsu. The unconventional family arrangement serves as a backdrop for exploring the challenges and joys of living authentically.