By C. Perera, JadeTimes News
A new film, Unicorns, illuminates a hidden LGBTQ+ subculture through the love story of a white, heterosexual mechanic and a South Asian Muslim drag queen. The film delves into the "gaysian" scene a blend of gay and Asian culture showcasing its vibrant drag queens. Co director Sally El Hosaini noted the secretive nature of this world, where many queens remain closeted, using pseudonyms and facing ostracism from their families.
James Krishna Floyd, who co directed and wrote the screenplay, described the "gaysian" scene as both glamorous and gritty. He emphasized the unique challenges faced by South Asian drag queens, who are marginalized by mainstream culture, their communities, and even the broader LGBTQ+ community.
Unicorns explores fluid identities, a topic close to Floyd, who has experienced cultural and sexual fluidity. The film is partly inspired by Asifa Lahore, the UK’s first openly Muslim drag queen, who also produced the film. Floyd and El Hosaini cast many real life South Asian drag queens after a social media call out, receiving moving audition tapes that underscored the film's significance.
The story follows Ashiq, a shop worker by day who transforms into drag queen Aysha at night, performing for a South Asian LGBTQ+ audience. The narrative kicks off when Luke, a single father and mechanic, accidentally stumbles upon Aysha's performance, leading to a romantic connection.
Unicorns marks Floyd's directorial debut and the third collaboration between him and El Hosaini, who first met during the production of My Brother the Devil. The film, supported by Ffilm Cymru Wales, will have a special screening at the Green Man Festival.
El Hosaini, who has roots in Wales and Egypt, expressed frustration with the limited range of stories represented in cinema, a sentiment echoed by Floyd. They aim to highlight underrepresented communities through their work, advocating for a broader and more inclusive array of narratives in the film industry.
