Neeraj Churi started his film production journey for the sole purpose of producing and promoting South Asian LGBTQ+ films worldwide.
As an openly gay person of Indian origin living in the US, he knew that the privilege he had to express himself freely was a premium for the LGBTQ+ artists and filmmakers in South Asia. Several were stoically risking life and limb in the face of impossible odds to get their stories to the screen. He started his journey to change the status quo by offering opportunities for sexual minorities to get their voices heard.
He has produced fiction and documentary films in India. His recent production, short film, ‘Sheer Qorma’, won the ‘Audience Choice award’ at Frameline 2021 and has bagged 50+ international awards. He helps promote South Asian queer cinema by organizing theatrical screenings in the UK and curating film festivals and corporate screenings.
He has been on the jury panel for a grant given by Tasveer Film Festival in Seattle, USA; He also helps curate the LGBTQ+ program segment for London Indian Film Festival. Neeraj is on the advisory board of the Samabhav traveling film festival organized by the Men Against Violence and Abuse (MAVA) organization for gender and sexuality sensitization.
His first feature film ‘Ek Jagah Apni’ directed by Ektara Collective, was selected at the Cannes film Market (2022) as part of NFDC Goes to Cannes. The same feature is set to premiere at a major international film festival later this year. ‘Arms of a Man’ is Neeraj’s second feature film.