Kalighat Fetish
(Kalighat Athikatha)
The film attempts to negotiate with the duality that is associated with the ceremonial veneration of the Mother Goddess Kali- the presiding deity of Calcutta. It delves into the subliminal layers of consciousness, underlying the ritual of Kali worship. The film ruminates on the nuanced trans-sexuality that is prevalent in the ceremonial performance of male devotees cross-dressing as Kali, in an act of obsessive devotion.
1999, 16mm, Color, 22 minutes.

Credits
Directed, produced & written by: Ashish Avikunthak
Cinematography: Srisha Ray
Editing: Neeraj Voralia
Sound: Atanu Sinha
Performer: Kaushik Gangopadhya

Selected Festivals
2001 *Best Documentary, Tampere Film Festival
2007 Sommerszene, Salzburg
2006 Tate Modern, London
2006 Centre George Pompidou, Paris
2006 Espace Croise, Roubaix
2004 Experimenta, Bombay & New Delhi
2002 New York Gay & Lesbian Film Festival
2001 Los Angles Gay & Lesbian Film Festival
2000 Chingari Video Fest, Madison
2000 London Film Festival

Distribution
Lightcone, Paris