Programs & Events
An Oscar Evening in Chennai
June 22: Chennai’s Oscar film festival got off to a glittering start as flashing lights and a red carpet welcomed elegantly dressed invitees to the inauguration event at the South India Film Chambers on June 22, 2009 evening. Organized jointly by the U.S. Consulate General-Chennai, the Madras Film Society and the Indo-Cine Appreciation Foundation, the festival will screen 5 films that were either nominated or won Oscar awards in 2009.
The inspirational inaugural film Milk about the life of Harvey Milk, a political activist who became the United States first openly gay man elected to public office in the 1970s, was eagerly received by a crowd of over 300 people that included movie stars, politicians, members of the LGBT community, media, and the general public. U.S. Consul General and Mrs. Andrew Simkin and several Consulate officials were also present.
The inaugural ceremony which included lighting of the traditional lamp was led by Television star and LGBT activist Ms. Rose Venkatesan, Chief of Consular Services Mr. Bryan Dalton, Dr. A.C. Mohandoss, IAS and film star S.Ve. Sekar.
This screening of Milk is both the first movie installment of a 5-day celebration of 2009 Oscar winning/nominated films as well as part of a month long series of events led by the U.S. Consulate General-Chennai to recognize June as LGBT pride month in the United States. The film, both entertaining and deeply moving, serves as a wonderful platform to encourage dialogue about issues facing the LGBT community and was highly acclaimed by the crowd.
Click here to view the listing of films