By D. W. G. Kalani Tharanga, JadeTimes News
A Unique Love Story Set Against a Hidden World
"Unicorns" is a feature film that illuminates an underground LGBTQ+ subculture through the unexpected romance between a white, heterosexual, working class mechanic and a South Asian Muslim drag queen. The film takes viewers into the heart of the "gaysian" scene a blend of gay and Asian introducing its vibrant yet secretive drag queens. According to co director Sally El Hosaini, many queens in this community are closeted, living double lives, and using pseudonyms to protect their identities. They are often ostracized from their families and face rejection from mainstream culture, South Asian communities, religious groups, and even the broader LGBTQ+ community.
The narrative follows Ashiq, who by day works in a shop and by night transforms into the drag queen Aysha, performing for a predominantly South Asian LGBTQ+ audience. The love story unfolds when Luke, a single father and mechanic, accidentally stumbles upon the underground club where Aysha performs. Their initial kiss, followed by Luke's realization of Aysha's drag identity, sets the stage for a poignant exploration of love, acceptance, and self discovery.
Highlighting Fluid Identities and Minority Experiences
James Krishna Floyd, who co directed and wrote the screenplay, aimed to explore fluid identities, inspired by his personal experiences as a half Indian, half English individual with sexually fluid experiences. He expressed frustration with mainstream culture's tendency to categorize people into neat, limiting boxes. Floyd, who was introduced to the gaysian scene by his friend Asifa Lahore the UK’s first Muslim drag queen to publicly discuss her work ensured that the film's characters and events were grounded in reality. Lahore, a producer on the film, shared her experiences, which, along with those of other South Asian drag queens, shaped the narrative.
The casting process revealed the profound impact of representation. Many South Asian drag queens sent in audition tapes, expressing gratitude for the film's existence. Some recorded their tapes quietly in bathrooms to avoid being overheard by family members, highlighting the secrecy and danger they face. El Hosaini and Floyd were moved by these stories, reinforcing their commitment to making a film that genuinely represented the gaysian community, a group often overlooked in mainstream media.
Creating a Culturally Rich and Emotionally Resonant Film
"Unicorns" marks Floyd’s directorial debut and the third collaboration between him and El Hosaini, who first met during the production of El Hosaini's debut film, "My Brother the Devil." Their creative partnership, strengthened by their personal relationship, allowed them to bring authenticity and depth to "Unicorns." El Hosaini, of Welsh and Egyptian heritage, drew on her diverse background to enrich the film's cultural tapestry. Supported by Ffilm Cymru Wales, "Unicorns" had a special screening at the Green Man Festival in Powys and premiered at the Toronto International Film Festival in September 2023.
The filmmakers aimed to broaden the range of stories depicted in cinema, addressing the industry's tendency to marginalize minority voices. Floyd criticized the overrepresentation of privileged, white, middle class, cisgender, heteronormative men in films, advocating for more diverse narratives that reflect the experiences of marginalized communities. El Hosaini echoed this sentiment, emphasizing the power of storytelling to highlight the connections between different communities.
"Unicorns" serves as a beacon of representation for the gaysian community, shedding light on their struggles and triumphs. Through its compelling love story and authentic portrayal of a hidden subculture, the film underscores the importance of acceptance, diversity, and the universal quest for identity and belonging.
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