“Holy Curse” Wins Big at Tasveer: Groundbreaking Short Film Takes Crucial Step Toward Oscar Glory
Coming-of-Age Tale Exposes Unseen Struggles with Gender Identity and Tradition, Now Oscars-Eligible
NEW YORK, USA – OCTOBER 23, 2024 – Holy Curse, a powerful short film directed by Snigdha Kapoor, has taken a monumental leap toward Oscar contention by winning the prestigious Best Short Film award at the 19th Tasveer Film Festival and Market, the world’s only Oscar-qualifying South Asian film festival. This victory opens the door for the film’s potential nomination in the Best Live Action Short category at the 2026 Academy Awards.
Directed by the India-US-based filmmaker Snigdha Kapoor, who is renowned for her work on gender, sexuality, and cultural norms (Look Like You), Holy Curse dives into the unspoken practice of conversion therapy in India. Through its bold storytelling and sensitive portrayal of gender identity, the film casts a spotlight on how orthodox rituals and misinterpreted cultural beliefs can devastate young lives.
Kapoor’s film has already captured attention across the global festival circuit, with premieres at the 68th BFI London Film Festival, 21st MAMI Mumbai Film Festival, and its award-winning North American premiere at Tasveer. This multi-continent debut showcases the film’s universal appeal and vital message for both the South Asian and LGBTQIA+ communities.
The film features standout performances by rising star Mrunal Kashid, alongside notable actors like Adithi Kalkunthe (Monkey Man, Hotel Mumbai), Shardul Bhardwaj (The Scavenger of Dreams, Eeb Allay Ooo!), Anup Soni (Crime Patrol), and Prayrak Mehta (Ziddi Girls, Sarvagunn Sampan). The story centers around 11-year-old Radha, an immigrant navigating the tumult of puberty and gender identity. During a visit to India, Radha faces family-enforced rituals meant to ‘cure’ them of an ancestral curse, leading to an exploration of deeply ingrained cultural beliefs.
Kapoor expressed her elation over the Tasveer win: “Winning Best Short Film at Tasveer is beyond an honor. This project is incredibly personal, and to see it now on the path toward the Oscars is surreal. I hope Holy Curse ignites vital conversations about identity, tradition, and the struggles so many face in silence.”
Producer Neeraj Churi of Lotus Visual Production, an ardent supporter of LGBTQIA+ narratives, added: “This film reflects how harmful longstanding beliefs can be to those who don’t fit into societal molds. Tasveer’s recognition solidifies the necessity of telling these stories and paves the way for broader awareness.”
The film’s creative team includes Emmy-nominated cinematographer Juhi Sharma, National Award-winning editor Anadi Athaley, and acclaimed colorist Mahak Gupta, with a haunting score by composer Alex Symcox.
Holy Curse continues to gain momentum, positioning itself as one of the most impactful short films of the year, now with its sights set on the Academy Awards.