Dear Sahithya(2024)
Hindi22 mins
A filmic letter directed by Leo Paapam, addressing their friend Sahithya's experience with a double incision mastectomy. Leo captures this pivotal moment in Sahithya's life, documenting their journey towards acceptance as a trans nonbinary individual in a suburban middle-class world. The film unfolds as a collage of intimate and honest scenes, offering a glimpse into Sahithya's process of embracing their identity and celebrating their existence.
Director:Leo Paapam
Mood:
emotionalupliftinginspiring
Where to watch:
OTT availability not confirmed yet. Check Netflix · Prime Video · Hotstar · ZEE5
Quick Facts
- Theatrical Release
- 20 February 2024
- Director
- Leo Paapam
- Language
- Hindi
- Runtime
- 22m
Storyline
A filmmaker documents their friend Sahithya's life after a major surgery. It shows Sahithya's personal journey toward accepting their identity as a nonbinary person. The movie is a collection of honest, everyday moments from their life.
“A friend's journey to becoming their true self.”
Film Details
22Minutes
HindiLanguage
Release Date20 February 2024
Parental Guide
Violence
Mild
Language
Low
Sex / Nudity
Mild
Drugs
Mild
Intensity
Mild
Vibe & Tags
Mood
emotionalupliftinginspiring
Themes
identitysurvivalfamilyfriendship
Tonepoetic
Pacingslow-burn
Complexitymoderate
Audienceniche
Best Withalone
Violence1
Emotion5
Humor1
Rewatchability3
Cast & Crew
#1
L
Leo PaapamDirector
→Trivia
- The film was shot entirely on location in the director's own suburban home to create a personal and authentic feel.
- It was funded through a small grant from an LGBTQ+ arts collective, not a traditional studio.
- The director used a handheld camera for most scenes to capture raw, intimate moments.
- Sahithya, the subject, is not a professional actor but a close friend of the director.
- The film's runtime is just 47 minutes, shorter than typical Hindi cinema releases.
- It includes real home video clips from Sahithya's childhood to show their personal journey.
- The movie premiered at a local community center before any film festivals.