In the tradition of Longtime Companion and Philadelphia comes a heartfelt and groundbreaking story of living with HIV/AIDS in the late 1980’s. This new film, however, is set in a small state of India, where AIDS-panic reached violent proportions and AIDS-discrimination was sanctioned by the law. When handsome closeted swimming champ Nikhil discovers that he’s HIV-positive, he first faces the rejection of his teammates and the break-up of an impending arranged marriage. But that’s just the beginning. In quick succession, he is arrested and quarantined, his parents reject him, and his whole family is ostracized by their community. Nikhil’s only allies – and they are fierce - are an anguished boyfriend Nigel, a plucky female lawyer, his sister’s boyfriend, and his sister herself. Anamika. Played with natural grace by Sanjay Suri and Juhi Chawla, these siblings are the centerpiece of the film, and the unbreakable bond between them is a thing of beauty. The supporting cast is equally compelling, and in an intriguing filmic device, they periodically address the audience head-on, narrating the story from their perspective and offering rich emotional nuance. Beyond its family drama, this film offers an unflinching look at AIDS hysteria and an inspiring portrait of survival through activism. Against lush tropical landscapes, with a gorgeous Indian pop soundtrack, My Brother Nikhil is an internationally-acclaimed debut, a soaring and unforgettable journey of the heart. In Hindi and English with English subtitles

Onir was born in Bhutan, India and graduated with a degree in English Literature from Kolkata University. After studying film in Berlin, he returned to India and worked on film and television projects in Mumbai. He is currently working on his second feature film, Ek Pal Ke Liye.

Regal South Beach
1:30 pm Screening
$12 Non-Members/ $10 Members - BUY TICKETS