We did anInterview with Sadaat Munir, Director of the AKS Art, Film & Dialogue Festival in Denmark & Pakistan.

One of TEDDY’s priorities is to promote queer art festivals all over the world. Therefore it is our pleasure and privilege to introduce you to the AKS Film, Art & Dialogue Festival, a cooperation between Denmark and Pakistan.

Do not let these three capital letters confuse you! Meaning «reflection» or «shadow» in Hindi, AKS symbolizes the urge to promote the visibility and empowerment of queer and transgender minorities. Born out of a cooperation between LGBT communities in Denmark and Pakistan, AKS film festival first opened its doors in December 2014 in two Pakistani cities – Lahore and Islamabad.

The situation for the queer people in Pakistan is disturbing; many of them remain invisible and undercover. This is why it is so important for the community to be able to express itself, to connect to people, to create a bridge between queer and heterosexual people. However, AKS does not pursue the idea to create a western like queer movement in Pakistan. Instead, it wants to attract knowledge and build on what already exists in the community as well as to promote a global approach to gender and sexuality all over the world.

The festival takes place in Lahore, Karachi and Islamabad (Pakistan) from April 2nd to 20th, 2016. More information about the festival you can find on its homepage www.aksfestival.com“