A 70-minute documentary film, Black Sheep co-produced by Jackie Shroff’s daughter Krishna has won multiple awards on various international platforms. Directed by Reshel Shah, it reflects the lives of the transgender community in India.
A proud associate producer, Krishna takes us through the awards the film has got. “So far we have won the ‘Gold Award’ at the World Human Rights Awards, the ‘Humanitarian Film of the Year’ title at the World Documentary Awards and ‘Award of Merit with special jury mention in documentary feature’ at the Impact Docs Awards, which is an online festival based mainly in the US. These, apart from ‘Filmmaker of Inspiration’ and ‘Human Rights Filmmaker of the year’ award at the World Human Rights Awards. The documentary has now gotten recognition in Indonesia as well in the US.”
Talking about the documentary, she adds, “The idea of Black Sheep is to give an outsider’s perspective. Therefore, the film follows Reshel (director) as she spends thirty-five days with them (transgender community) making strong bonds. During her time, she understands how they are automatically labelled, but like us, they share love, dreams, work and culture.”
Does that mean she’s looking at more films in the future “As of now, probably not. I have steered away from filmmaking entirely. Currently, I am coaching high school basketball. Sports and working with kids have been two passions of mine, so to be able to combine them makes me really happy. I also play while I coach, so it’s a great way to stay fit for someone whose favourite place is definitely not the gym.”
Director Reshel Shah said, “It’s overwhelming in a good way. It took us two years to make this documentary. A lot of companies told us that it’s not going to work. I guess it's nice to receive appreciation for what you believe in and that's how you go far. I just hope that this isn't the end. I want it to go a lot further in India. When I bring it to India, I hope people appreciate it the way people have in the West. I would actually want to have a worldwide premier in Mumbai. The film is my journey with these people, not as kinnars. It’s giving voice to them in a very special way.”
