Indian LGBT film on Sec 377 'Breaking Free' to screen at historic theater in Toronto

It is one of Toronto’s most cherished and prestigious landmarks.

The screening is hosted by Amnesty International Canada along with Inside Out LGBT Film Festival, KASHISH Mumbai International Queer Film Festival, The Royal, and The Walton.

“I am personally delighted to be screening at the historic theater and thankful to the reputed organizations and passionate individuals who have made this possible. All of us are committed to human rights, particularly LGBT rights. We hope the film’s screening is able to raise a dialog around the critical issues and rally global support," said filmmaker and activist Sridhar Rangayan whose film recently won the Barbara Gittings International Human Rights Award at a festival in USA. 

The film earlier this year won the National Award for Best Editing at the 63rd National Film Awards, which is India’s highest cinematic award given by the Government of India.

“Amnesty International Canada is proud to co-present ‘Breaking Free’, a moving film documenting the fight for equality and dignity in India. It is thought provoking, hopeful, and important. Amnesty International works to promote and protect the human rights and dignity of people everywhere," said George Harvey, national LGBTIQ Coordinator, Amnesty International Canada.

"Everyone deserves to live their lives free from discrimination and prejudice. Sexual orientation and gender identity are fundamental to identity and must be protected. We invite you to enjoy the film and take action to protect LGBTI rights everywhere,” said he.

Amnesty International is a global movement of over 7 million people in more than 150 countries working together to protect and promote human rights.

"Inside Out is proud to present respected filmmaker and gay activist Sridhar Rangayan’s  documentary ‘Breaking Free’ here in Toronto,” said Andrew Murphy, Director of Programming at Inside Out.

"Sridhar’s personal journey exposes the human rights violations faced by LGBTQ people in India due to law Section 377 through various testimonials as we experience first hand the journey from invisibility to protest to empowerment. Required viewing," said he.

Inside Out is Toronto’s leading LGBT film festival celebrating the best of queer films for more than two decades.

Rangayan will also be presenting his earlier film ’68 Pages’ at a special screening and discussion organized by ASAAP (Alliance for South Asian AIDS Prevention), a support organization for South Asians in Toronto infected with and affected by HIV.

In a two week long tour of two cities in Canada – Montreal and Toronto, Rangayan will be engaged in several activities like film screenings, talks and press conferences.

“I am committed to raise awareness around LGBTQ situation in India and rally global support to influence repeal of Sec 377,” said Rangayan.

Rangayan will be leading the Montreal Pride as one of the Grand Marshals, along with Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau.

Montreal Pride is one of the biggest prides with more than 100 events across the city, drawing close to 500,000 people over its 10 day program culminating the pride parade on August 14th.