I’m The Most Racist Person in the world

Director: Leela Varghese
Script: Leela Varghese
Cinematography: Michael Tessari
Producer: Suriyna Sivashanker
Cast: Shabana Azeez, Kavitha Anandasivam

Australia 2024
13’01”

When a romantic gesture towards a bartender backfires, Lali unexpectedly finds herself offered a pitydate by another bartender, Ana. What starts as an awkward encounter turns into a genuine connectionas they bond over shared experiences as women of color. As they grow closer, Lali finds herself fallingfor Ana. But when the conversation takes an unexpected turn, Lali must confront her prejudices towards Ana and… herself.

Leela Varghese

A writer and director known for creating joyful, impactful queer stories that highlight cultural diversity in Australia. She co-wrote and directed her debut feature, Lesbian Space Princess, which was selected for the Panorama section of Berlinale 2025, where it won the 39th Teddy Award and placed second for the Panorama Audience Award. The film was developed through the South Australian Film Corporation’s Film Lab: New Voices initiative, with funding from SAFC, Screen Australia, and the Adelaide Film Festival. It also won the Audience Choice Award at the Adelaide Film Festival 2024 for its preview screenings. Leela’s short film I’m The Most Racist Person I Know premiered in the narrative short competition at SXSW Austin 2025, winning the Special Jury Award and being selected for the Redbeast Unhidden campaign curated by actor Andrew Scott. She has an accomplished career in television, having worked as a presenter and segment producer for the iconic Australian children’s programs Totally Wild and Behind the News. Currently, she voices Shanti in NITV/Netflix’s Eddie’s Lil’ Homies. Leela is also an award-winning musical comedian.