To Stich Together a Watermelon Heart / Bathakka Hridayam Thunna Ponnu

Synopsis

Harshappi Harsh (they/them/he) is a trans non binary photographer and community organiser from Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala. In an attempt to resist erasure of trans/queer experiences, they begin to film themselves with a phone camera. Using auto-documentary as a political as well as a deeply personal tool, this 20 minute film tells a vulnerable tale of haircuts, solidarity, vulnerability and above all the shared desire to be seen, held and heard. This film features work by community, friends as well as queer and trans artists, was produced exclusively through crowdfunding and sale of post-cards at multiple venues, including previous edition of IDSFFK, and is a testament to the art of filmmaking as a collective endeavour. Against a backdrop of legal and social marginalisation, it also serves as a vessel for trans and queer voices to speak out and be witnessed.