A Masterful Journey of Love and Self-Discovery

Winner of the World Cinema Dramatic Prize at Sundance and Best Feature Film at SXSW London, Cactus Pears is a stunning masterpiece of queer cinema that will leave you breathless. This gorgeously shot film follows 30-year-old Anand, who returns to his rural Maharashtra village after learning of his father's death and supposed reincarnation as a bird.

As Anand navigates the traditional 10-day mourning period, his grief leads him to find solace in goat herding, where he reconnects with his childhood friend Balya, now working as a farmhand. What unfolds is a beautifully nuanced exploration of family expectations, cultural traditions, and the quiet blossoming of love.

Director Rohan Parashuram Kanawade crafts a semi-autobiographical tale that masterfully balances the weight of family pressure with moments of tender acceptance. Set against the rustic backdrop of rural India, this meditative journey captures both the complications and warmth of rediscovering one's authentic self.

Runtime: 1 hour 42 minutes
Language: Marathi with English subtitles
Country: India, UK, Canada