The 5th edition of Wench Film Festival Opens with Shruti Haasan starrer British Psychological thriller ‘The Eye’ who will do a post-screening Q&A and Close with Ishan Shukla’s IFFR winner feature ‘Schirkoa – In Lies We Trust’
– By Jyothi Venkatesh
The 5th edition of Wench Film Festival, India’s first horror film festival, founded by filmmaker Sapna Bhavnani is back again with 42 films inclusive of LGBTQ women and Non Binary filmmakers to be held from February 27-2 March, marking the third physical edition of the Festival.
With this edition, the Wench Film Festival attempts to bring the female perspective to the centre stage by screening 35 films by women filmmakers out of 42 films.
The festival will Open with the India Premiere of ‘The Eye’ starring Shruti Haasan and Mark Rowley directed by Daphne Schmon and Close with IFFR winner feature ‘Schirkoa – In Lies We Trust’ directed by Ishan Shukla.
This year, Wench Film Festival collaborates with the world’s top genre fests Fantasia and Imagine Fantastic Film Festival this year. Oscar Nominated short I’m Not a Robot is a part of the Fantasia x Wench Collaboration.
As part of its expansion, the festival will also have a Kolkata edition held at Skinny Mo’s Jazz Club on Mar 2nd. The festival will have two venues in Mumbai Veda Kunba (feb 27-Mar 2) and Theosophy Hall, Alliance Francias (Feb 28th)
The films will be shown under three different categories, Blood Thirsty (60 mins and above), Dwarves (10 to 40 mins), and Elves (Less than 10 mins) with awards in each section. The jury for three different categories will comprise Chris Orgelt and Harini Laxminarayan (Blood Thirsty), Aruna Raje Patil (Dwarves) and Carolyn Mauricette (Elves).
One of the key highlights of the festival is the launch of India’s first horror / sci fi publication ‘Terror Talkies’ and Masterclasses by Dr. Riksundar BANERJEE and Vishal Furia. There will be an India Focus day featuring 5 captivating films, physical screenings / Art Installation / Masterclasses at Veda Kunba on1st March.
The program includes 7 Indian and 35 international films with 13 India Premieres, 25 Asia Premieres and 3 World Premieres.
Sapna Bhavnani, Founder of the Wench Film Festival says, “Wench Film Festival 2025 isn’t just bigger—it’s bolder, bloodier, and smashes more glass ceilings. With the launch of Terror Talkies- India’s first horror publication / online and offline, legendary horror masterclass, India’s finest genre films, and experiences that push every boundary, this year, fear has never looked this good.”
Schedule of Wench Film Festival:
Feb 27 – Opening Film – India Premiere of THE EYE with the actor Shruti Haasan followed by a Q&A
Feb 28 – Physical Screenings at Veda Kunba
Feb 28 – Physical Screenings at AF Theosophy Hall
March 1 – India Focus Day featuring 5 captivating films physical screenings / Performances / Panels at Veda Kunba
March 2 – Closing Film – Mumbai Premiere of Schirkoa – In Lies We Trust followed by a Q&A with the Director and performances at Veda Kunba
March 2 – Screenings at Skinny Mo’s in Kolkata followed by a Talk by author adn scholar Dr Banerjee
Link for Tickets
Mumbai- VEDA KUNBA https://sklbx.com/SmkT3nMp
Alliance Francaise https://sklbx.com/A6qoNPFD
Kolkata- https://sklbx.com/jvYtCQVT
Wench Film Festival is India’s first Horror / Sci-Fi / Fantasy Film Festival showcasing films inclusive of LGBTQ+ women, and non-binary filmmakers.
Since its first edition in 2021, WFF has screened 146 films and Spotlighted 352 Women. Even though WFF gives preference to films Directed by Women and Non-Binary Filmmakers, they do however have a special category for Male Filmmakers who have directed films with a central female plot or key female HOD’s.
