Home / Arts and Entertainment / 'Birds in the Dark': A Bold Look at Caste, Love, and Land
'Birds in the Dark': A Bold Look at Caste, Love, and Land
23 Sep
Summary
- Punjabi film 'Birds in the Dark' premieres at Busan International Film Festival.
- The film explores intersectional themes of caste, class, and sexuality.
- Hansal Mehta joined as producer to fund post-production for the indie film.
The Punjabi-language feature film, titled 'Birds in the Dark' (Hanere De Panchi), is set for its world premiere in the Vision section at the 31st Busan International Film Festival this October. Director Shashank Walia describes the film as an "intersectional film, where caste, class, sexuality and gender come together through the lives of its people."
The project originated from a road trip to Punjab by director Shashank Walia and producer Reema Kaur, initially intended as a documentary. They were inspired by the stories of daily-wage farm laborers protesting the occupation of common land in Sangrur.
Featuring protagonist Dilraj, played by Mauli Singh, the film examines the intersection of land struggles and queer lives, united by a shared desire for dignity and agency. Filmmaker Hansal Mehta became involved as a producer, funding the post-production after being impressed by early scenes.
'Birds in the Dark' was submitted through the regular process to Busan and selected for the Vision - Asia section. Walia expresses that for independent filmmakers, this premiere is a meaningful moment, and they anticipate sharing the film with an international audience.
