Araluen Arts Centre: 
MASIFF | Cactus Pears
In a village bound by tradition, two men rediscover each other — and themselves
Following the death of his father, gay city-dweller Anand (Bhushaan Manoj) must return to his western Indian village of Maharashtra to observe the traditional 10-day grieving period and endure the suffocating love of his extended family. Besieged by nagging Aunties attempting to strong-arm him into marriage, Anand retreats into himself – until a connection with a childhood friend, Balya (Suraaj Suman) offers escape. The feature debut of Rohan Parashuram Kanawade, Cactus Pears is a tender study of bereavement, belonging, and the quietly radical act of being queer in a rural, lower-class Indian community.
Winner – World Cinema Grand Jury Prize: Dramatic, Sundance 2025 | Winner – Maguey Award, FICG 2025 | Winner – Best Feature Film, SXSW London 2025 | Winner – Audience Award, Inside Out 2025
Contains mature themes, sexual content, and coarse language.
Director: Rohan Parashuram Kanawade | Year: 2025 | Rating: Unclassified 15+ | Run time: 112 mins | Country: India | Genre: Drama, LGBTQIA+, Romance | Language: Marathi with English subtitles
Starring: Bhushaan Manoj, Suraaj Suman, Jayshri Jagtap
Accompanying Short: Fourteen and Nine Months
Fourteen and nine month year old Freya works at the kitchen supply store when a local lesbian couple come in looking to buy a turkey baster. Their unusual request sets Freya on a crash course in queer self-discovery.
Director: Yvette Turnbull | Year: 2025 | Rating: Unclassified 15+ | Run time: 9 mins | Country: Australia | Genre: Comedy, Coming of Age, LGBTQIA+ | Language: English
Doors Open: 6:30 pm | Screening Starts: 7:00 pm | Food truck open from 6pm
Gallery
MPARNTWE ALICE SPRINGS INTERNATIONAL FILM FESTIVAL
From 9 to 19 October 2025, MASIFF will take over the Araluen Arts Centre, Alice Springs Desert Park and Alice Springs Cinema, delivering an unforgettable program of local, national and international cinema right here in the Red Centre.
We believe in the power of film to do more than entertain - it can inspire connection, challenge boundaries, and spark important conversations. MASIFF fosters intercultural understanding by bringing diverse communities together through shared stories and lived experiences.
At the same time, the festival shines a spotlight on regional storytelling, celebrating the creativity of Central Australian filmmakers and amplifying remote voices that deserve to be heard. By pairing local talent with films from across the globe, MASIFF creates a unique cultural exchange that honours the Red Centre and connects it to the wider world.
Produced by Red Hot Arts with the generous support of the Darwin International Film Festival (DIFF) and the Darwin Film Society.
For more infomation visit Mpartnwe Alice Springs International Film
Dates
Times
Doors Open: 6.30 pm
Screening Starts: 7:00 pm
Duration
Cactus Pears: 112 minutes
Fourteen and Nine Months: 9 minutes
Interval
None
Prices
Standard $20
Concession $15
Our concession price is for anyone who may face financial barriers to attending the arts — including concession card holders, young people, and those in insecure or low-paid work.
BLAKTIX $10
BLAKTIX are equity tickets available to all First Nations peoples. They are offered to support access and opportunity, in recognition that this event takes place on unceded Arrernte Country.
Disability Complimentary Companion Card - FREE
Companion Card holders are warmly welcomed — just bring your card along on arrival.
Festival Pass $160
For all films. That’s less than $12 each, saving you over $100 (40% off).
Genre
Location
Extra information
Accessibility
Rating
Warnings
Contains mature themes, sexual content, and coarse language.
