Bombay Eunuch

BOMBAY EUNUCH is a feature-length documentary portrait of one eunuch family's struggle to survive in today's changing India. The filmmakers' ability to gain access to this notoriously secretive community has resulted in a rare and insightful glimpse of an otherwise nearly invisible world. Throughout much of Indian history, the eunuchs - or hijras, as they are known - have been considered almost divine. Both respected and feared for their reputed spiritual powers, they have been revered in Indian society, and have played an integral role in community life. From the Moghul court to the village religious ceremony, the blessing of the hijra was thought to bring good fortune - and her curse almost certain to wreak havoc.

Today, the hijras are little more than relics in a rapidly modernizing world. Although superstitions linger, most people in India no longer believe in the eunuch's powers. Widely perceived as foolish, they have become objects of mockery, and many have resorted to begging and prostitution to make a living. Ostracized from their families and communities, they are forced to live apart from the traditional Indian caste system and often form surrogate families of their own.

Trailer...

Bombay Eunuch - Excerpt from Gidalya Pictures on Vimeo.