“Queering and Querying Religion”
A Religious Studies Film Series for Diversity Week
Wednesday, October 26, 7-9 pm in ECTR 113
Banned in India, “Fire” is the first film to confront lesbianism in a Hindu culture adamantly denying such a love could ever exist. Shabana Azmi shines as Radha Kapur in this taboo-breaking portrayal of contemporary India and the hidden desires that threaten to defy traditional expectations. In a barren, arranged marriage to an amateur swami who seeks enlightenment through celibacy, Radha’s life takes an irresistible turn when her beautifiul young sister in-law seeks to free herself from the confines of her own loveless marriage and into the supple embrace of Radha. A tender and passionate love story develops that signals the slow and painful dissolution of the old order in this contemporary story of women breaking the bonds of obedience, fidelity and silence; and of men struggling to maintain their traditional advantages while exploring the freedoms of westernized life.