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HOLY CURSE, the powerful and evocative short film directed by Snigdha Kapoor, has won the coveted Best Short Film award at the 19th Tasveer Film Festival, the only Oscar-qualifying South Asian Film Festival in the world. This prestigious win places HOLY CURSE on the path to a potential Oscar nomination, marking a significant achievement for the Indo-US-UK co-production. The film is now eligible for submission to the 2026 Academy Awards in the Best Live Action Short category.
Helmed by US and India-based filmmaker Snigdha Kapoor (‘LOOK LIKE YOU’) – known for her work exploring gender, sexuality, and societal norms, the film is a thought-provoking exploration of gender identity, tradition, and self-discovery. It not only challenges traditional gender expectations, but also offers a broader commentary on unacknowledged forms of conversion therapy in India, through misuse and misapplication of cultural practices. Acclaimed for its bold storytelling and exceptional performances, HOLY CURSE has already made a strong impression on the festival circuit. With its victory at Tasveer, the film continues to gain recognition as one of the most talked-about short films of the year.
HOLY CURSE had its global premiere this month, with its World Premiere at the 68th BFI London Film Festival, its Asian Premiere at the 21st MAMI Mumbai Film Festival, and its North American Premiere at the Tasveer Film Festival and Market. The film’s win at Tasveer not only underscores its cultural significance but also affirms its impact as a vital narrative within the South Asian and LGBTQIA+ communities.
The film stars Mrunal Kashid in a breakout role alongside Adithi Kalkunthe (‘MONKEY MAN’, ‘HOTEL MUMBAI’), Shardul Bhardwaj (BAFTA Breakthrough star, ‘THE SCAVENGER OF DREAMS’, ‘EEB ALLAY OOO!’), Anup Soni (‘CRIME PATROL’), and Prayrak Mehta (‘ZIDDI GIRLS’, ‘SARVAGUNN SAMPAN’). The film centers around 11-year-old Radha, an immigrant in America who, during a family visit to India, is subjected to orthodox rituals believed to cure an alleged ancestral curse. As Radha grapples with the confusion of puberty and the complexities of their gender identity, they must also confront the deeply ingrained beliefs of their family, who turn to astrology and rituals in an attempt to ‘correct’ Radha’s thoughts.
Director Snigdha Kapoor shared her excitement: “Winning the Best Short Film award at Tasveer is an incredible honor. This film is deeply personal to me, and the fact that it is now eligible for the Oscars is beyond anything I could have imagined. I hope HOLY CURSE opens up important conversations about identity and tradition, not just within South Asian communities but globally.“
Producer Neeraj Churi of Lotus Visual Production, a staunch advocate for LGBTQIA+ stories, remarked, “This film holds a mirror to how deeply ingrained beliefs can harm individuals who don’t conform to societal norms. The recognition at Tasveer affirms the importance of telling such stories and gives us the momentum to push for change on a broader scale.”
Kapoor’s creative team includes Emmy-nominated cinematographer Juhi Sharma, Indian National Award-winning editor Anadi Athaley, lauded colourist Mahak Gupta and composer Alex Symcox.
