The documentary Writing with Fire from director Rintu Thomas and Sushmit Ghosh won two awards at Sundance. Being born a Dalit (considered the lowest in the caste system of India) means a life of oppression and humiliation. And, if you are a Dalit woman, include gender restrictions and harassment in the package. Since time immemorial, Dalits have been referred to as untouchables, until Mahatma Gandhi in his endeavor for their humanitarian rights called them Harijan (Children of God). In 2002 when a group of women started Khabar Lahariya (News Waves, an Indian newspaper) with a team of low caste women as reporters, it was not just about female empowerment, but of questioning an age-old hierarchy. Since then, this unique newspaper has been continuing with its grassroots reporting in north Indian states, braving the powers that be. Khabar Lahariya was introduced to a global audience at the Sundance Festival this year through a documentary, Writing with Fire. It was written, directed, and produced by duo Rintu Thomas and Sushmit Ghosh. And it walked away with two awards: the audience award and the special jury award. Read More...
Published By: NoFilmSchool - Wednesday, 10 March, 2021