April 28, 2011 | Arts / Entertainment

Facebook friends help fund gay film in India

Indian director Onir says he has fans on Facebook to thank for helping him complete his film I Am. Four hundred people gave money after he posted a request for help in completing the project.  

"Thank you all for being a part of 'I Am'," Bollywood's only openly gay filmmaker said on Facebook. "I am because you are."

Onir wasn't sure if the film would ever get finished. Major studios in India refused to have any part in the work, which was considered too risque. The film deals with everything from abuse, to police harassment of gays to a woman looking for a sperm donor.

Onir is not afraid to push Indian boundaries, though. His first film, My Brother... Nikhil, told the story of a gay Indian man who fights discrimination after being diagnosed with HIV.

"I remember taking the idea to different producers, and everyone wanted me to make the protagonist straight," he said. "One producer actually asked me, 'Why can't the guy get AIDS from a popular Bollywood actress?'"

Onir was able to raise one-third of the money he needed for I Am through donations, most of which came through the Facebook page. The 55 top donors will be rewarded with a co-producer credit and a share of any profits. 

The film opens Friday in India.

Facebook fans bankroll 'risque' Bollywood film [AFP]