#in gagaoolala we trust

[blmpff]

us 🤝 gaga

03.02.24

[heretherebedork]

More Japanese BL!? The blessing of Gaga continues! @absolutebl Oh dear lord, another one about making actor making a BL and a fake romance turning into a real one. Oh, Japan.

[daouoffroads]

century of love is coming to gagaoolala!

[mygwenchan]

WOW Gaga really released 3 episodes at once! And the first two are free to watch without needing a VIP subscription 🤗🌈

Wait.... Is Gagaoolala going to release the first 3 episodes of Monster Next Door at the same time today? 👀

OMG

I thought it might be 2, but 3? Guess I won't be getting much sleep tonight lol

[pigglepiephi]

This is amazing news!! 🥳🥳🥳

I loved the first four episodes before it got pulled!

[absolutebl]

This Week In BL - Strongberry Kisses!

Dec 2022 Wk 3

Being a highly subjective assessment of one tiny corner of the interwebs. Organized by which ones (in each category) I’m enjoying the most.

Ongoing Series - Thai

My School President (Fri YT) 4 of 10 - Gun gets flustered and then Gun gets flirty and comes over all spoiled prince, and poor Tinn loves it suffers. Thiw is the greatest wingman and it was the cutest date inspection: Tinn (confusedly carrying 2 ice creams ) just trailing behind a sunny excitable Gun. Yes, Gun is very extra. Yes, I skipped the singing. But oh my goodness do I love how much this is a traditional Thai high school BL. Thank you so much GMMTV. I missed this style of BL. 

Never Let Me Go (Tues YT) 2 of 12 - I have to say that I’m not entirely sure about Chimon’s casting in this role (he is one of my all time favorite GMMTV actors), but I love Perth. Perth has the hardest role, and he’s such a great nuanced actor with such an expressive face, only he could really pull it off and still feel sympathetic. Meanwhile ironically named Pond = yet another Thai actor made to swim who can’t. That said, PondPhuwin and the attack of the subtle flirtation = wonderful. Honestly? This is a much better role for Pond than FUTS. 

Between Us (Sun iQIYI) 7 of 12 - It’s still good, the leads are great, everything else is meh but at least I’m not bored? WATCH ALONG HERE.

609 Bedtime Story (Fri WeTV) 5 of 11 - So P’Mum is starting to figure out the science (do we call it science?) whatever. In other news, 3 years later, OhmFluke still give the softest sweetest most romantic kisses evah. P’Vee and Game are breaking my heart, honor the sides indeed. 

I Will Knock You (Fri Gaga) 6 of 12 - Noey has a very baby Dom thing to his bully behavior which is oddly cute. Or is that just me being warped? 

Remember Me (Sun Gaga) 11 of 14 - (it’s been extended 2 more episodes and into 2023, what joy is ours) We have switched to mostly focusing on Name and Em. I actually like the 2 actors, it’s just they keep getting stories I don’t enjoy. The JaFirst characters break up is not unexpected, presumably, they had to do some thing to honor the episode 11. After my bd reaction to The Yearbook I’m beginning to lose all faith in this production team. 

Ongoing Series - Not Thai

Choco Milk Shake (Korea Strongberry Tues YT) 11fin - I have to say it felt a little manipulating and there was a lot of dwelling in sad and then a time jump, and then resolution, which is very classic for a Korean drama, but Strongberry usually bucks trends. Still, all the kisses are really good and I do love how the animals w kept their personalities. I’m going with 8/10 RECOMMENDED more below 

My Tooth Your Love (Taiwan Fri Viki) 12fin - The parental abuse, and horseback riding thing was weird. ending with a marriage equality muscle flex and some domesticity was classic Taiwanese BL. I do love that and they were so cute! But ultimately this was oddly disappointing at the end, I think partly because as good as the leads were the crumbs were both excellent too and I wish they had more screen time. 8.5/10

The New Employee (Korea Weds Viki) AKA The New Recruit AKA Shinib Sawo - From WATCHA (Semantic Error) virginal Seung Hyun scores the office internship of his dreams but on his first day at work he gets into it with his cool reserved boss. As you do. Stars Moon Ji Yong (Once Again). Based on Moscareto's web novel of the same name, directed by openly gay & queer activist Kim Jho Gwang Soo (Just Friends?). Grumpy/sunshine, boss/emp, age gap. WAIT, he lives in the same neighborhood as the To My Star boys! And this show reminds me a little bit of that one, same kind of energy. Frankly this is what I wanted from this new crop of office set KBLs ALL ALONG. Fantastic. At last! 

Candy Color Paradox AKA Ameiro Paradox (Japan Fri Gaga) 2 of 8 - I’m not sure about this one, I am liking it OK but it is oddly mature while also being kookie, and also immature. Maybe it’s just Japan being its usual complex self. 

The Director Who Buys Me Dinner (Korea Thurs iQIYI) 3-4 of 10 - The premise of the show is so weird. But once the pink smoke appeared, and I decided we’re actually in a paranormal drama and not an office romance, I’m better about it. Also it’s really nice to see the lead pair start to actually like each other. 

Oh! My Assistant (Korea Thurs Viki) 7-8fin - There was a lot of me going awwww in ep 7. But in the finale, the triangle and jealousy seemed shoehorned in so that in the end, I was kind of torn. 7/10 More below. 

It’s Airing But I’m Not Watching It

Love Bill (Vietnam Sat YT) - Bah Vinh is back but I’m too distracted. Also there’s a lot of fund raising stuff going on. I’ll wait and binge.

The Star Always Follow You (Vietnam YT) - same Team RL peeps we have seen before (Sunshine, Stupid)

Till the World Ends (Thai YT) 10 eps - it seems to be good but I don’t know about the ending, so I’m waiting. 

Ended This Week

Choco Milk Shake (Korea YouTube) Stongberry gave us a full length BL on YouTube! It’s a BL miracle and an endless delight. It was wonderfully cute, unexpectedly hilarious but expectedly silly, a little too poignant, occasionally gut wrenching and with a somewhat expected weird (but happy-ish) ending. The actors playing the two pets must have had the best time. As, indeed, did I watching it. Jealous Milk made me cackle so hard it scared the actual cat on my lap, Choco was perfectly cast, and the chemistry was ultimately decent. In Strongberry I still trust. Thank you thank you, may we have another, sirs? 8/10 RECOMMENDED

My Tooth Your Love (Taiwan Viki) While, I really loved this show, it had a fun premise, and a solid lead pair with charming chemistry and delightful, domesticity, not to mention great communication, I wasn’t wild about some of the darker themes it explored, even though it did a good job with them. But while the crumbs and sides were v adorable they were chronically underused. If I gave half points this is a solid 8.5 but since I don't it’s gonna be an 8/10 MUCHLY RECOMMENDED 

Oh! My Assistant (Korea Viki) This is a very silly show that acts like it comes from a very silly yaoi. Reserved out gay younger assistant (we stan) pretending to be tsundere but is actually just v shy and smitten by his cheerful (seemingly straight) chaos bi himbo artist boss. I think the cross cutting in of old footage with the replacement actor after the re-cast did affect the chemistry with this pair. There was no way around it. Even KBL isn't usually this awkward and repressed. Although this show had the best bisexual awakening sequence ever put in a BL, and I really wanted to love it, I just didn't. 7/10 RECOMMENDED WITH RESERVATIONS

2 Moons 3 (Thai) finished it’s run this week. Rumor is it’s banal. I’m waiting to collect all the eps and then I will try to binge before I finish my 2022 wrap ups.

Why You... Y Me? (Thai YT) It's not primarily a BL, but another meta show about BL shipping, with side BLs. I await @heretherebedork ‘s report on whether to watch or not.

Gossip

Nutt Witsarut (Daisy in Secret Crush On You!) will play the role of Gyogung in 9Cats Studio's upcoming series Hot Bamee and Yummy Gyogung (y-novel adaptation).

PitchBank from Golden Blood (AKA Segus & Tenon) will be the side couple in new medical Thai BL Mystique in the Mirror. 

TutorYim (Cutie Pie) have a busy 2023, they’re starring in upcoming micro project Our Winter, possibly for Tik Tok distribution. They also took on JimmyTommy’s lead for Middleman’s Love and will have a cameo in KBL Jun & Jun (filming now). TutorYim will ALSO star in 2023 KBL (yes Korean) First Love's User Manual under A-Plan International’s Silkwood (Peach Of Time). 

In Case You Missed It

Check Out is being made into a movie that nobody asked for. Then again if they cut it down to 2 hours maybe it'll be tolerable? 

Singapore dropped short Summerdaze Christmas Together on YouTube. It’s ADORABLE and prompted me to talk about BL in Singapore and more. Def gave me Ingredients vibes. I really hope their series happens. 

Coffee Melody also gave us the Christmas special no one asked for. It’s basically a reunion romance, but mostly just domesticity. It cute, but dull. 

My Beautiful Man stars Yusei Yagi and Riku Hagiwara won several awards as a pair and individually at WEIBO Festival 2022.

Short Story Project's Coffee Shop (microfilm Youtube series in the same cafe setting with the same main character) ep 3 installment "ESPRESSO" is a BL. It stars BoyTod from Ghost Host, Ghost House and is a reunion romance. It’s quite cute. 

Moments Of Love (SmartJames AKA LeonPhob from Don't Say No) from Foremorfilm Production supposed to air Dec 24 directed by Golf Tanwarin (609 Bedtime Story and The Eclipse). 

I’ve started my end of year wrap ups, trends lists, and BL stats reported. Let me know in a comment if there is any specifically you want to know of have deep feels about.

Next Week Looks Like This:

Still coming:

Dec 28 - H5: Love in the Future from Taiwan (prob Gaga or Viki) - A cheerful and energetic student from 2000 travels to the future (2022), works as a deliveryman, and meets his first customer, an heir with a domineering personality. Directed by Nancy Chen (HIStory 4, Papa & Daddy).

Dec 28 - Midnight series starts on GMMTV’s TY,, one of which is Moonlight Chicken (EarthMix). Trailer. Maybe not really BL, adult issues, messy gays, cheating, soulmates? Mix plays an openly gay character in a relationship with First’s character. Earth portrays a chef who runs a restaurant while taking care of his nephew.

THIS WEEK’S BEST MOMENTS

Honestly what a great cast and thank you Strongberry for not betraying our trust. It was a predictably weird, but not traumatic ending. 

No shit. 

Tinn caught himself a live one. 

At least he knows it. (My School President) 

(last week)

[pharawee]

🖇️BL WATCHLIST AUGUST

🎬Battle of the Writers - YOUTUBE - I finally had the time to start watching this but I'm not 100% on board yet.

🎬First Note of Love - GAGAOOLALA - I'm only in it for Jame Kasama my beloved and he hasn't popped up yet. :(

🎬Addicted Heroin - Jinloe's remake of Addicted has already garnered some controversy due to one of the actors being underage, but the trailer seems to suggest that they changed much of the tone of the original novel. This currently has no release for inter fans, but I'll keep you updated.

🎬I Saw You in My Dream - GAGAOOLALA - I trust Dee Hup with my life. But also Putter my beloved!

🎬Monster Next Door - WeTV | GAGAOOLALA - After years of third-wheeling and manifesting, Big Thanakorn finally got himself a main role. Thank you Kongthup I owe u my life!

🎬This Love Doesn't Have Long Beans - IQIYI (region-locked) | YOUTUBE - This might be too slice-of-life for me atm.

🎬4 Minutes - VIU - Not sure what to think of this quite yet, especially since I'm fighting for my life every week trying to find the uncut version. I'm also a bit miffed that BOC seems set to typecast Jet as the irredeemable villain. :(

🎬SunsetxVibes - IQIYI - Mos as a naga, Lin hallucinating a whole hook-up, JJ with the best faces... but that's about it.

🖇️CALENDAR (THAI BL ONLY)

🖇️UPCOMING

⭐The Paradise of Thorns - CINEMA - Technically, this is a queer movie and not a BL. Also, this will release in cinemas and on festivals first, so it might be a while before we can watch it.

🖇️FINISHED

🎬The Rebound - GAGAOOLALA - I'm going to miss this show. And I'm going to miss this version of Frank Thanatsaran.

🎬Knock Knock, Boys! - GAGAOOLALA - This show is definitely one of my favourites of 2024.

🎬Century of Love - GAGAOOLALA - I loved everything about this show. Except for the director who can go step on a lego.

➕ MDL | ABOUT | ALL WATCHLISTS | COMMENTARY & NEWS TAG | THAI BL NOVELS | BL INDUSTRY | UPCOMING | SPOOKY BL

[lurkingshan]

Your list of ride or die couples is iconic and has so many of my faves, flower of evil bad buddy it's okay that's love lighter and princess one spring night like yes give me a show where the entire story is two individuals willing to take on the world together and for each other, it's my favorite dynamic and we don't get a lot of it especially in heterosexual couples. You have amazing taste and I would take any other suggestions you have of the same dynamic.

Hi anon! Thank you for the kind words, I do agree that I have amazing taste. :) The Ride or Die list is specifically about drama couples who we get to see be in a confirmed romantic relationship for at least half of the drama's run, with their relationship development the primary focus of the plot. I think of them as battle couples; they face challenges together and stay loyal even when they struggle. There actually are not that many of these in dramaland, which is why they are so precious to me and why I hold them close.

That said, since I wrote that post I do think we have gotten a few more entries for the list, so here are some additional recs for you:

Won and Sarang, King the Land

(S Korea, Netflix)

It was getting salty about fan reaction to this show that inspired the Ride or Die list in the first place, and I am happy to report that when it finished its run, these two were still a rock solid couple. This drama is entirely about their relationship and we get lots of time with them as an established couple getting to know each other and settling into a great relationship. I love it and will stab anyone who says it's boring.

Ten and Prem, Cooking Crush

(Thailand, YouTube)

Ten and Prem, my beloveds! These two meet, start liking each other, and move into dating in relatively short order, and the back half of the show has them navigating a slew of external conflicts that would normally result in a lot of breakups and false starts. But not for them! They slay every relationship demon via the power of communication.

Maki and Haruta, Ossan's Love Returns

(Japan, Gagaoolala)

This one comes with a caveat that this is technically a sequel season, and the first one would very much not qualify them for this list. But you don't have to watch that first season if you don't want to, and in this return they are a couple the entire time and there is just so much time spent on them navigating their relationship and facing every day life challenges. They're an extremely charming pair.

Yuanzhou and Ruyi, A Journey to Love

(China, iQIYI)

The most literal battle couple on this list, we have ourselves an assassin and spy master pair here. They meet, she decides he's the perfect baby daddy specimen, and a hilarious pursuit begins. These two get together remarkably early for a cdrama and face just so many trials and tribulations, phew. But they face them together in their color coded costumes and look amazing doing it. CW: the plot is basically about them and a band of buds leading a suicide mission so, uh, there will be many deaths, and their ending can be read as ambiguous but IMO is actually quite a happily ever after in context.

Achi and Karan, Cherry Magic Thailand

(Thailand, Viu)

Karan and Achi are so into each other it's embarrassing, and we get to see them build and deepen and maintain their relationship every step of the way. This one is a little harder to watch--you will need a VPN if you're not in Thailand--but so worth the effort, trust me. And you may recognize this actor pair from the main list, because they are in fact the same beautiful faces behind Pete and Kao of Dark Blue Kiss. Congratulations to Tay Tawan and New Thitipoom for being the only actors who have achieved the honor of making the coveted Ride or Die list twice.

[bengiyo]

At 25:00 in Akasaka Ep 2 Stray Thoughts

Last week, Shirasaki got his first big break as an actor to star as a main across from his former senior Hayama in a forthcoming BL. Shirasaki, struggling to find the emotional core of his character, decided to go to a local gay bar and try to hook up with a man. Hayama intercepted him there and suggested Shirasaki have sex with him instead. We all noticed some of the similarities with I Became the Main Role of a BL Drama, even down to the leads having similar hair and big ass ears and eyes. I’m having a good time.

Yes, it’s time to film the sexy promo pictures and reinforce the dangerous dynamic here.

Haha put this dick appointment on your calendar.

I’m definitely vibing with the anxiety gripping Shirasaki.

How does he have that cup perfectly level on his legs like that?

Girl, he just gonna close his eyes and let it happen?

Hayama, I want to understand you. How long have you yearned for this boy? What made you so determined for him to want you back?

I’m enjoying Hayama’s game plan. Make Shirasaki list all the dates you will go on and encourage closeness by making him use your given name.

I don’t trust this meddlesome supporting actor. He seems like a shit-stirrer. Why encourage the new lead actor to read goddamn fan comments if you’re not trying to damage his confidence?

GOOD NEWS, FELLAS! HAYAMA HAS A BIG ASS TV AND A SOUND SYSTEM. But that goddamn lamp from Love is Better is here again!!!

Shirasaki, don’t blow the movie night over fan comments!

Ah yes, the amusement park/aquarium, that great site of many successful BL dates.

Hey, that was some good eye work from Komagine Kiita as Hayama when Shirasaki said his name for the first time after accepting the encouragement.

Fellas, is it gay to let your costar hug you for an extended period in public while hiding from overeager fans?

I’m really excited about this as an original production from GagaOOlala. I really want this to be good and successful so they can grow their brand. I like the way Shirasaki is struggling with his own nervousness and ambition. I like that he isn’t exactly a sad sack, but he’s stiff. This is now one of my must watches.

[singto-prachaya]

My current watch list and upcoming shows I wish to see

Check Out

Yeh I am only sticking around because of Best and Chahub. If it wasn’t for them I would have probably dropped this. It’s just boring.

Mama Gogo

This show is just everything. I am laughing so much each ep. A kinda simple plot but it works. And I could use it right now amongst all not so great BL’s.

Minato Shouji Coin Laundry

Japanese BL’s continue to be good. I really enjoy this one. The next ep looks it will have some drama so we will see were it goes. The scene in that gif was also mood!

Oh! My Sunshine Night

PayuRain!!!! This is were my heart is and nowhere else. Cannot wait to see how their story will develop.

Sky In Your Heart

Finished airing today and I still need to see last weeks ep and the one from today. But meh. I am glad this is done and over with. No were near good. Using a kluendao gif because atleast I liked them.

Unforgotten Night

Still a mess but I am still liking this. This show keeps me entertained. From sassy Kim to Kamol being head over heels with Kim. 

180 Degrees Longitude Passes Through Us (18 August, Gagaoolala)

Yes this movie has a large age gap and that might not be everyone’s taste but I am really interested in this. The trailer also looked really good.

21 Days Theory (7 August, Youtube Rookie Thailand)

Upcoming Rookie Thailand BL. Trailer looked cute. And Rookie Thailand has an actor part of the LGBTQ community so you guys better support Rookie Thailand from now on.

Adamas (27 July, Disney+)

And then I read it will be on Disney+. So most likely only watchable in Asia and US. Guess an FBI search it will be then.

War Of Y (2 August, Youtube  AISPlay)

We now have 3 trailers out and the trailer for the last storyline will be out next Tuesday. I am really excited to see how these storylines are going to play out since it will show the darker side of BL. Atleast I trust Copy A Bangkok more on the darker side of bl then a certain other director.

[fleet-off]

highlight what you like or what applies to you

tagged by @liyazaki (thank you! <3). I'm keeping @absolutebl's BL addition too, it's hilarious and far too accurate.

hot shower or cold shower // texting calling or email discord // earbuds or headphones // paperback hardcover or ebook // matte or gel (nail polish doesn't work for me, I end up constantly distracted by my own hands) // 12 hour clock or 24 hour clock // blue or green (I grew up refusing to name a favorite color because it's all about the shades, baby) // sunsets or sunrises // tulips or orchids herb garden // candle light or moonlight // sci-fi or horror // pen or pencil // pandas or koalas // gold or silver // sneakers or boots // denim jacket or leather jacket // pink or purple // chocolate or sour candy // deodorant or perfume // drive-in movie theater or the cinema // pastel colors or neutral earth tones // lemonade or fruit juice // past or future //

BL VERSION

crying in the shower or making out in the shower (I love angst but I don't trust most of them to cry) // give cute boy line ID or stalk his IG // share his earbuds or share his closet // manga or manwha // long dangly silver earring or dark leather cuff // time loop or reincarnation // blue engineering smock or red engineering smock // kisses at the beach or kisses in the mountains // cactus or chili plant // fairy lights or spot lighting // ghost boyfriend or vampire lover // hard sub or soft sub (...only if by "sub" we mean subtitles) // stray cat or … actually that’s your only option (yep my barn-turned-lap-cats both agree) // Hawaiian shirt or blue shorts // evil ex-girlfriend or predatory fujoshi (two terrible tropes but at least the ex-girlfriend isn't there to mock the target demo) // suit jacket or leather jacket // high school or university // kitchen drama or office drama // forehead kisses or cheek kisses (unless it's a dimple kiss, which is the peak of li'l affectionate kisses) // Viki or GaGaOOLaLa (but psst if you want speed settings on Viki, try this extension) // Japanese arthouse depth or Korean high concept // pink milk or yakult // censored Chinese BL or trashy Thai pulps // body swap or dead body // sexy or story (good intimacy is a huge bonus, don't get me wrong, but when it comes to the bare masculine chest shots, I'm taking the cheesy guitar riff and slowmo camera's word for it re: apparent sexiness) // back hugs or lap sitting // piggybacks or cradle carry

no-pressure tagging @akitbeast @colourme-feral @concernedlily @jazaa @mygwenchan @rainbowcolored7 @spaceskam and anybody else who's into it!

[blmpff]

The: Tell the world that the bitch is back! in the background sdfg

14.12.23

[heretherebedork]

It's coming SO SOON. Yaaay. @absolutebl It's my favorite thing, special fluffy episodes!

[starfriday]

KASHISH MIQFF 2019 inaugurated, Rekha Bhardwaj performance kicks off South Asia's biggest LGBTQ film festival

The 10 th KASHISH Mumbai International Queer Film Festival was inaugurated on Wednesday June 12 evening. South Asia's biggest LGBTQ film festival will be held from June 12-16, 2019 at two of Mumbai's iconic theatres - Liberty Carnival Cinemas and Metro Inox. The opening night ceremony saw actors, filmmakers, industrialists, activists and the LGBTQ community walk the red carpet. The five-day festival kicked off with a rousing perfomce by acclaimed singer Rekha Bharadwaj.

“June is Pride Month around the world, and that’s why KASHISH this year is being held in June, to celebrate its 10th anniversary along with the world. Celebrations are also due as this is the first mainstream LGBTQ film festival in India after reading down of Section 377. The response to the 10 edition has been overwhelming not only by filmmakers and corporates but also a large number of delagates registering to attend the festival from the LGBTQ community as well as mainstream film afficianados. We are truly 'Over The Rainbow'," said festival director Sridhar Rangayan.

"I congratulate KASHISH on its 10th anniversary. I am so happy to be part of this year's celebrations. I am looking forward to attend the film screenings, meeting beautiful friends and like-minded individuals. I hope more and more people support this initiative," said Rekha Bhardwaj.

The title partner of South Asia's biggest LGBTQ film festival this year is Keshav Suri Foundation along with The Lalit and It Gets Better India. Skybags and Godrej Industries are Principal Partners, while Morgan Stanley, Consulate General of Canada in Mumbai, Québec Government Office in Mumbai are coming in as an Associate Partners. Two OTT platforms Revery and GoL studios are Associate Partner and Supporting Partner respectively. Whistling Woods International and Consulate General of Sweden in Mumbai are the other Supporting Partners.

"Heartiest congratulations to KASHISH for a fruitful decade long journey. The Lalit and Keshav Suri Foundation are proud to be associated with the KASHISH Film Festival that has stood the test of time in its support of the LGBTQ+ Community, even when homosexuality was considered a ‘crime’ in India, KASHISH continued to promote Queer art and bring their stories into fore. The ethos of the festival is completely in sync with the motto of the Keshav Suri Foundation – to embrace, empower and mainstream the community. This year is doubly special as one of the movies selected for screening – Queen – narrates the journey of the Drag Queens at Kitty Su. At the festival you will also see the short movie Intezaar, which was released on our platform. I wish every queer artist, person, ally and the festival all the very best. Let’s paint the world with rainbow hues, and make it a better India”, said Keshav Suri, Founder, Keshav Suri Foundation and Executive Director, The Lalit Suri Hospitality Group.

“We are proud to associate with the 10th Anniversary edition of the KASHISH Film Festival. At Godrej, we believe in building a diverse and inclusive workforce and ensuring equal rights for our LGBT employees. Cinema is a medium that reflects society’s values and has an important role to play in shaping its beliefs and attitudes. We look forward to strengthening our collaboration with KASHISH to ensure we jointly celebrate individuality and equality at Godrej and beyond.” said Pirojsha Godrej, Executive Chairman, Godrej Properties Limited.

50 Indian and International LGBTQ films will compete for awards at the 10th edition of KASHISH Mumbai International Queer Film Festival to be held between June 12-16, 2019. The festival will hand out cash prizes of Rs 3.95 lakhs in 10 film categories and for the best poster design. The awards are sponsored by Anupam Kher's Actor Prepares, Lotus Visual, Whistling Woods International, GagaOOLala, K F Patil Charitable Trust, Wadia Movietone and India's top fashion designer Wendell Rodricks.

There are three festival juries this year. The Narrative Film jury comprises actors Kitu Gidwani, Sheeba Chaddha and filmmaker Neeraj Ghaywan. Filmmakers Ranjan Das, Pankaj Rishi Kumar and Paromita Vohra are part of the Documentary Jury and Professor Ivan John, screenwriter Jyoti Kapoor and filmmaker Somnath Sen are part of the Student Jury. The additional jury member is Nargis Wadia of Wadia Movietone.

Delegates can register for KASHISH 2019 at: Liberty Carnival Cinemas.

KASHISH is presently raising funds through crowdfunding on Wishberry to organise the festival. KASHISH 2019 is crowdfunding on:

https://www.wishberry.in/campaign/kashish-2019-over-the-rainbow

KASHISH 2019 Theme

KASHISH 2019 festival theme ‘Over The Rainbow’ not only commemorates the reading down of Sec 377 and decriminalization of same-sex relationships in India, but also defines the challenges in store for the LGBTQ community’s journey towards empowerment and social acceptance. Bringing together films from all over the world as well as panel discussions and performances, the festival will showcase the shared struggles and victories, and offer a window to existing and future possibilities. Let’s together journey over the rainbow to discover the land of equality & dignity.

About KASHISH Mumbai International Queer Film Festival

Voted as one of the Top 5 LGBT Film Festival in the World, KASHISH Mumbai International Queer Film Festival is South Asia's biggest queer film festival and the only LGBT film festival in India to be held in a mainstream theatre. Founded in 2010, KASHISH is held over 5 days at three venues. It is the first Indian LGBT festival to be held with approval by the Information & Broadcasting Ministry, Government of India. KASHISH Mumbai International Queer Film Festival is presented by KASHISH Arts Foundation and organized by Solaris Pictures. Besides the annual film festival its other initiatives are KASHISH Forward - India’s first travelling campus LGBTQ film festival, KASHISH Global – that facilitates screening of Indian LGBTQ films across the world, Best of KASHISH film screenings and KASHISH Chalchitra Utsav – a festival of LGBTQ films in regional languages.

Register to attend KASHISH 2019 : http://bit.ly/K10Register

Watch KASHISH 2019 Pitch Video: https://youtu.be/QQNdaBUADts

Contribute to KASHISH 2019 Crowdfunding:  https://www.wishberry.in/campaign/kashish-2019-over-the-rainbow

[mygwenchan]

Wait.... Is Gagaoolala going to release the first 3 episodes of Monster Next Door at the same time today? 👀

OMG

I thought it might be 2, but 3? Guess I won't be getting much sleep tonight lol

[absolutebl]

This Week in BL - a new #1 for me from Thailand

Nov 2022 Wk 4

Being a highly subjective assessment of one tiny corner of the interwebs. Organized by which ones (in each category) I’m enjoying the most.

Ongoing Series - Thai

609 Bedtime Story (Fri WeTV) 1&2 of 11 - Apparently VIPs get the next episode early. So I watched both. It’s a good story and a great set up and it opens with one of my favorite under appreciated Thai actors: Plustor (as Vee) in a side bartender romance with younger Game. Sunshine bisexual himbo + older tsundere = YES! Gimme! Main character, Mum, is your bog-standard player. (I weirdly love how they translate clubs & bars as “pub” in Thailand - and yes, I get that it ties to the history of the area.) Kinda fun street fight. NO SINGING. Game is BL’s new bisexual king! I will brook no arguments on this matter. Omg kisses already? This is a well paced story! OhmFluke man, can’t knock the visuals, their eye connection and sympathetic chemistry work is good. I never believe they wanna bone but I do believe them falling in love. ALL HAIL QUEEN MINT. 

Between Us (Sun iQIYI) 4 of 12 - This is such a fantastic show. I’m so glad they got OhmFluke back to play sides and support roles, it’s really making the found family aspect shine, especially in contrast to Win’s real family. This one is very complicated and deep and kind of modern. Very much the opposite of UWMA but in a good way. WATCH ALONG HERE.

My School President (Fri YT) 1 of 10 - it’s Love Sick + Korea and Japan's influence. Yes, we’ve seen it all before, but this is me: I never met a high school BL I didn’t want to grant a fair shake. At the very start we get self with a whistle and NO SINGING. Yay! Fantastic beginning. Our tiny music club president/idiot is definitely giving me Noh vibes & our suave student president definitely giving me Phun vibes - bonus this time no girlfriends! It moves this out of Love Sick arena, which was all chaos bisexuals, and into just completely gay. I’m happy with that and I like the dancing and the marriage on his mind. New candidates for one braincell friendship group from GMMTV (they love this archetype). Tinn is already pining and so completely gone. On a completely different aside, I really want a lesbian romance between Gun’s maa and the principle. I have a tiny ship sailing off to one side. 

Ai Long Nhai (Mon iQIYI)10 of 12 - holy crumbs outta nowhere, Batman. Lots of relationship chat not enough shirtlessness, but since I’ve been binging Oh! My Sunshine Showering Night it’s no problemo. Also yes, Nahi does look and act a lot like Joanan, Ai totally ended up dating his mother. 

Remember Me (Sun Gaga) 8 of 12 - Champ’s storyline is dull, although I like the actor. Yay, JaFirst got together!! Cute line, “can we skip being friends and just be in love instead?” LOVE THEM. Please can we take Mean out of that wig now? Why are the straight’s so boring? The Name stuff continues to upset me. 

I Will Knock You (Fri Gaga) 3 of 12 - When these two are sweet together, they are really very sweet and I actually kind of like it. I think Noey uses ter because he’s younger, and doesn’t want to use phi. 

Ongoing Series - Not Thai

My Tooth Your Love (Taiwan Fri Viki) 9 of 12 - while 609 and Between Us are v good, this is currently my favorite BL airing by a mile. The conversation between the young one and the bar owner made me hoot with laughter. “Are you trying to speak the language of adults?” probably one of the BL’s best put-downs. All the dialogue really: “Are you gonna make him tie himself in a red bow and send himself to you?“ “That’s nice. Can I choose another color?” It’s so fucking cute. The courting with food, and everybody taking photographs of how happy the dentist is. I can’t even with this show. Add the cutest smiles kisses, this is GREAT. I did in fact clap. 

Choco Milk Shake (Korea Strongberry Tues YT) 9 of 11 - Man, this show really makes me laugh so hard. Especially the cat character. I love how they called out the fact that they actually have customers for a change. Jealous Milk made me cackle so hard it scared the actual cat on my lap. How are they going to end this happy? In Strongberry we trust. Just repeat the mantra ABL, just keep repeating it. 

Eternal Yesterday AKA Eien no Kino (Japan Thurs Gaga) 7 of 8 - It takes me a lot to work up the courage to watch this show on Fridays. It’s so sad and traumatizing. But it’s also so good I can’t stop. I have to watch Tooth on either side of it to comfort myself. All that to say, it’s as we all expect: Michan is holding so hard onto Koichi that he has anchored him from death through shear force of will. Also… SWITCHES? Although, does it count if it’s necrophilia? Asking for a friend. 

Oh! My Assistant (Korea Thurs Viki) 1-2 of 8 - This has a very JBL feel (including the title), don’t get mad if I get confused. Anygay, this is a very silly show that acts like it comes from a very silly yaoi. Out gay younger seme (we stan) pretending to be tsundere is smitten by chaos bi uke puppy. And they gave us a very interesting new take on crash into me. It’s racy but in that way Korean does racy, like Love & Leashes. Cheeky racy. 

Happy Ending Romance (Korea Thurs Gaga) 3-4 of 8 - This is such a complicated show about profession, ego, reputation, safety, and trust, but not much about romance. Maybe it’s because I’m so used to Leo portraying evil (see most of his guest MV’s and half of VIXX’s) but I can’t trust his character, and I’m not sure if I’m meant to. Is that the romance? Or is this a romance about an editor’s love for a writer’s work? Or for the writer himself? And is there a difference? Meanwhile, I’m getting a bad feeling about the ending of this one. And yet... How much did I love the dialogue around love and possession? So much. 

It’s Airing But I’m Not Watching It

War of Y (Thai Gaga) 20 eps - it’s just all too much for me.

2 Moons 3 (Thai Mon ??) 10 eps - Possibly a future binge watch. Rumor is it’s banal.

Love Bill  (Vietnam Sat YT) - Bah Vinh is back but I’m too distracted. Also there’s a lot of fund raising stuff going on. I’ll wait and binge.

The Star Always Follow You (Vietnam YT) - same Team RL peeps we have seen before (Sunshine, Stupid) 

Till the World Ends (Thai YT) 10 eps - ?

Why You... Y Me? (Thai Weds YT) 10 eps - It's not primarily a BL, but another meta show about BL shipping, with side BLs. @heretherebedork is watching it, ask them about it. 

In Case You Missed It

To Sir With Love AKA Khun Chai (16 eps) seems to have ended HAPPY! This is a soap opera so next time I have a day off I may binge and trash watch.

GAP the series (Sat YT) is a classic office set romance. WATCH IT! It’s GL and this studio needs our support! I’m enjoying it but not chronicling my journey. (Also, the stairs are back!)

I decided to binge watch Oh! My Sunshine Showering Night. What a wild ride. 

Next Week Looks Like This:

Dec 9: Semantic Error movie (Viki) - the repackage, rumored to have some added footage

2022 still to come?

Dec 19: Chains of Heart (movie? theaters?) trailer Suspense thriller about a forest ranger, smugglers, memory loss, and lost love. Stars Haii (Cirrus in TT2) and Poppy (Porpla in YYY). Adapted from a Y-novel of the same name by TJ Tommy. I don’t know if this is still releasing or if C19 impacted it. Delayed until Feb 2023.

This Week’s Crimes Against Fashion

Between Us punishing their crumbs. 

THIS WEEK’S BEST MOMENTS

I LOVE HIM. (609) 

I love them! (Between Us). 

Magic crumbs (Ai Long Nhai) 

Truth (Ai Long Nhai) 

Cats.

Me.

Also me. 

(last week)