Zoya(2023)
Hindi5 mins
A short film that chronicles the story of Zoya Thomas Lobo, India's first transgender photojournalist. Despite the global attention her work garnered in documenting the plight of migrant workers during the Covid-19 lockdown and the recent Savitri Bai Phule award on Women's Day this year, the 28-year-old in Mumbai continues to grapple with financial challenges and struggles as a transgender individual in society.
Director:Harsh Matondkar
Mood:
emotionalinspiringdark
Where to watch:
OTT availability not confirmed yet. Check Netflix · Prime Video · Hotstar · ZEE5
Quick Facts
- Theatrical Release
- 28 October 2023
- Director
- Harsh Matondkar
- Language
- Hindi
- Runtime
- 5m
Storyline
This short film follows Zoya Thomas Lobo, India's first transgender photojournalist. Her photos of migrant workers during the Covid-19 lockdown brought her international praise and an award. Still, she faces daily financial struggles and the challenges of being transgender in society.
“A lens on truth, a fight for acceptance.”
Film Details
5Minutes
HindiLanguage
Release Date28 October 2023
Parental Guide
Violence
Mild
Language
Low
Sex / Nudity
Mild
Drugs
Mild
Intensity
Mild
Vibe & Tags
Mood
emotionalinspiringdark
Themes
identitysurvivaljusticecorruption
Tonegritty
Pacingslow-burn
Complexitymoderate
Audienceniche
Best Withwith-partner
Violence2
Emotion4
Humor1
Rewatchability3
Cast & Crew
#1
Z
Zoya Thomas LoboActor
→#2
H
Harsh MatondkarDirector
→Trivia
- The film's director, Harsh Matondkar, is the brother of well-known actress Urmila Matondkar.
- It was shot in just a few days on a very small budget, typical of many independent short films.
- The real Zoya Thomas Lobo personally met the actor portraying her to share insights for authenticity.
- Some scenes were filmed in actual locations in Mumbai where Zoya lives and works.
- The film uses real photographs taken by Zoya during the Covid-19 lockdown as part of its storytelling.
- It was released directly online to reach a wider audience rather than in theaters.
- The project was partly crowdfunded by supporters who believed in Zoya's story.