Archive · 28 May 2025
Debut Film 'Babli by Night' Earns BAFTA Nod for Neel Soni
Imagine a forest guard named Babban who works during the day.
But at night, Babban transforms into Babli.
A young filmmaker named Neel Soni made a movie about Babban's life.
The movie is called 'Babli by Night' and is about Babban's life as a transgender person.
The film also discusses Babban's HIV diagnosis and how they find peace in nature.
It aims to show the struggles faced by marginalized people.
The movie is now being considered for a prestigious BAFTA award.
Neel made sure to make the film with Babban's comfort and safety as the most important things.
Neel Soni's debut documentary 'Babli by Night' is longlisted for a BAFTA Student Award.
The film chronicles the story of Babban, a Muslim transgender forest guard in Uttarakhand.
The documentary explores Babban's life, his identity, and his struggle with an HIV diagnosis.
Soni prioritized Babban's safety, comfort, and dignity throughout the filmmaking process.
The film is executive produced by Leena Yadav and Swati Thiyagarajan.
- Who
- Neel Soni, the filmmaker, and Babban, the subject of the documentary
- What
- A documentary called 'Babli by Night' that chronicles the life of Babban, a transgender forest guard, and his experiences.
- When
- The film was longlisted for the 2025 BAFTA Student Awards
- Where
- Uttarakhand, India, in the Corbett Tiger Reserve
- Why
- To share the story of Babban's life, identity, and challenges and how nature offers solace
- Filmmaker
- Neel Soni
- Film Title
- Babli by Night
- Category
- Documentary
- BAFTA Award
- Student Awards 2025 Longlist
- Subject
- Babban, a transgender forest guard
- Setting
- Uttarakhand, India