Sava Javeid Secures the Kim Renders Memorial Award in Kingston
To begin with, internationally acclaimed filmmaker Onir continues to earn global recognition as his upcoming queer drama We Are Faheem & Karun garners major attention on the festival circuit. Most notably, at the 27th ReelOut Queer Film + Video Festival in Kingston, Ontario, debut Kashmiri actor Sava Javeid won the prestigious Kim Renders Memorial Award for Best Supporting Performance.
Importantly, the 2026 edition of the festival showcased 65 powerful narrative and documentary films from Canada and 15 other countries. Amid intense international competition, Onir’s film stood out for its emotional depth and courageous storytelling.
Furthermore, founded in 1999, ReelOut has evolved from grassroots community screenings into a globally respected platform celebrating 2SLGBTQ+ cinema. Therefore, winning at this festival marks a significant milestone for the film’s global journey.
A Groundbreaking Queer Love Story Set in the Kashmir Valley
At its core, We Are Faheem & Karun unfolds in the breathtaking yet politically sensitive Kashmir Valley. Significantly, it is the first queer feature film set in this region, making it both culturally and cinematically historic.
The story follows Karun, a young security guard from southern India posted to a remote Kashmiri village. There, he meets Faheem, a local student whose quiet warmth slowly disarms him. Gradually, what begins as friendship transforms into a forbidden love.
However, their relationship faces profound challenges. Faith, borders, and rigid institutional masculinity create suffocating barriers. Nevertheless, as their bond deepens, the film portrays love as an act of resistance against inherited hatred and social prejudice.
Consequently, the narrative feels both quietly radical and deeply human — offering a tender portrayal rarely explored in Indian cinema.
Sana Javeid Delivers a Powerful Debut
Equally compelling is the performance of Sana Javeid, who plays Faheem’s mother. Through subtle yet moving expressions, her character silently accepts her son’s sexuality and seeks to protect him in a hostile environment.
Interestingly, Sana is not a trained actor. Onir discovered her during a visit to Srinagar, where she runs a heritage homestay. Struck by her authenticity, he later approached her for the role. Having once loved theatre in school and raising two sons close in age to the film’s protagonists, she embraced the opportunity wholeheartedly.
Reflecting on her performance, Onir shared, “I am incredibly proud of Sana. During the first schedule, I realised how natural she was. As a result, I expanded her role in the film.”
International Acclaim and Anticipated Release
Meanwhile, the film’s global journey has been equally impressive. It has travelled to over 30 international film festivals and earned multiple accolades. Notably, Onir received the Best Director Award at the UK Asian Film Festival, further strengthening the film’s critical reputation.
Looking ahead, Onir plans to release We Are Faheem & Karun theatrically around June 2026. Given the growing international buzz and critical acclaim, anticipation continues to rise.
Ultimately, the film stands as a landmark in Indian queer cinema — bold in its vision, intimate in its storytelling, and unapologetically human in its message.
