Cactus Pears: A Tender Exploration of Grief, Family, and Returning Home - A Chat with Director Rohan Kanawade
Rohan Parashuram Kanawade, the visionary director behind Cactus Pears, recently sat down with SBS Spice to discuss his groundbreaking film – the first ever Marathi-language feature to premiere at the prestigious Sundance Film Festival. This deeply personal story, born from Kanawade’s own experiences returning to his village after the loss of his father, is more than just a ‘queer film’ as it's sometimes labelled; it’s a profound exploration of grief, family dynamics, and the complexities of reconnecting with one’s roots.
Cactus Pears paints a vivid portrait of rural Maharashtra, immersing viewers in the sights, sounds, and traditions of a close-knit community. The film follows a young man’s journey back to his ancestral home, grappling with the weight of his father's death and navigating a landscape of unspoken emotions and lingering memories. Kanawade's direction deftly balances moments of quiet contemplation with bursts of raw emotion, creating a truly captivating cinematic experience.
What sets Cactus Pears apart is its remarkable tenderness. While the film explores themes of queerness and same-sex relationships, it does so with sensitivity and nuance, avoiding stereotypes and focusing instead on the universal human need for connection and belonging. The film’s portrayal of familial relationships, particularly the complexities of father-son bonds, resonates deeply, regardless of one's own experiences.
“It wasn't about making a queer film,” Kanawade explains in his interview with SBS Spice. “It was about exploring grief, about returning to a place that holds so many memories, and about understanding who I am in relation to my family and my community.”
The film’s success at Sundance is a testament to Kanawade’s talent and the power of authentic storytelling. Cactus Pears is a film that stays with you long after the credits roll, prompting reflection on the enduring bonds of family, the challenges of grief, and the importance of embracing one's identity.
Catch the full interview with Rohan Kanawade on SBS Spice to delve deeper into the making of this remarkable film. [Image of Rohan Kanawade courtesy of Gurmeet Satija]
