5th Beyond Borders Feminist Film Festival 2024
Alliance Francaise, Lodhi Estate, New Delhi
- the AFD edition and Celebrating South Asian Women's Day
A Kriti Film Club Festival
28 - 30 November 2024
(10.30 am - 8.30 pm)
OPEN FOR ALL
Register here or at venue
All films followed by filmmaker conversations
Note: This is a volunteer driven and self-resourced festival with support from an anonyomous donor, partial support from Jagori, and donations from Gayatri Srivastava, Veena and friends of Kriti. Get a donor pass to attend the festival, so we can support the attending filmmakers and continue the festival in the future.
28th November 2024 (Thursday)
10:30 am Registrations and Festival opening
11:00 am - 1:00 pm
Theme: दरिया की कसम | Intersectionality Matters
Jhaal
(06:20 mins | Bengali, Hindi, English with English subtitles | 2024 | Docu)
Dir. Sneha Malakar, Srishti Garg, Agneesh Dutta
The filmmaker delves into her childhood encounters with the concept of caste and the stark contrast in the understanding of it between individuals of the general category and marginalised communities. Through personal reflections, she uncovers the subconscious influence of societal treatment on individuals from lower castes. Watch Trailer
Kaagaz
(11:47 mins | Hindi with English subtitles | 2024 | Docu)
Dir. Samiksha Kherde
This film reveals the untold struggles of a marginalised community in Bhopal seeking caste certificates, as they navigate bureaucratic hurdles and societal indifference in their quest for recognition and rights. Watch Trailer
Humare Beech Mein | In Between Us
(35 mins | Hindi with English subtitles | 2023 | Docu)
Dir. Ruchika Negi & Rajkumari Prajapati | Prod. Rough Edges
Shot on mobile phone cameras in western Uttar Pradesh, the film seeks to explore the personal positions of two women, Rajkumari, a social activist from Lalitpur UP, and Ruchika, a documentary filmmaker and educator from New Delhi, within the stratified structure of caste. How do you use the camera to reveal structures of power and maybe, even take back some power for ourselves? Watch Trailer
2:00 pm – 3:15 pm
Theme: हम कामगार औरतें | Non-traditional choices
Pushpa Ka Rickshaw
(15:49 mins | Nimadi, Malvi with English subtitles | 2023 | Docu)
Dir. Aajad Singh Khichi & Pinky Brahma Choudhury, Shobhit Jain
In a remote village of Charbardi, in central India, Puspha Didi breaks the stereotype by driving the e-rickshaw. She is first women driver in the entire tehsil,and not marred by people casting doubts on the capabilities of a woman as a driver. Watch Trailer
Play it like Payal
(24:38 mins | Hindi, English with English subtitles | 2024 | Docu)
Dir. Anisha Agale, Asmita Shrivastav, Izza Ahsan, Mohammed Safuvan and Ketan Rathod
Prod. School of Media and Cultural Studies, Tata Institute of Social Sciences
A film that captures a girl who plays football in the slums of Geeta Nagar in Mumbai with boys ,takes you to her inside life - family, dog, work and hobbies and in the process speaks about difficulties she faces to play football with regards to gender and class. Watch Trailer
Kisan Hoon, Nidar Hoon, Par…
(05:21 mins | Hindi with English subtitles | 2022 | Docu)
A Lullaby for Yellow Roses
(18 mins | Hindi with English subtitles | 2023 | Fiction)
Dir. Rahul Roye (Kolkata) | Prod. Abdullah Al Kandari |
An estranged migrant working-class couple embarks on a deeply emotional journey to find friendship in one another as they grapple with the loss of their daughter to an ill-fated custom. Watch Trailer
6:00 pm – 8:30 pm
Theme: हम मिलकर नाचेंगे गाएंगे | Collective Voices
Marching in the Dark
(108 mins | Marathi with English subtitles | 2024 | Docu)
Dir. Kinshuk Surjan
Intent on providing a better life for herself and her children after her farmer-husband’s suicide, Sanjivani struggles against her culture’s traditional abandonment of widows – until she joins a discussion group with other farmer-suicide widows. Empowered by community, shared stories of resilience, and unexpected solidarity, Sanjivani forges a path forward. Watch Trailer
30th November 2024 (Saturday)
Celebrating South Asian Women’s Day in collaboration with Jagori
10:30 am – 11:45 am
Theme: इरादे कर बुलंद I Able Identities
Never Say Die
(09:37 mins | English | 2023 | Animated Docu)
Dir. Diya Gambhir
Using the medium of live-action, animation and stop-motion, this film recounts the story of the filmmakers’ aunt. She has multiple deformities from rheumatoid arthritis and is immobile. The chronically sick and disabled essentially lead reclusive lives, as friends and relations distance themselves over time. The film draws on her fond memories of parents, teachers, school, college, her dance and her love for poetry, her joys and sorrows and more. Watch Trailer
10:30 am Registrations and Festival opening
11:00 am - 1:00 pm
Theme: दरिया की कसम | Intersectionality Matters
Jhaal
(06:20 mins | Bengali, Hindi, English with English subtitles | 2024 | Docu)
Dir. Sneha Malakar, Srishti Garg, Agneesh Dutta
The filmmaker delves into her childhood encounters with the concept of caste and the stark contrast in the understanding of it between individuals of the general category and marginalised communities. Through personal reflections, she uncovers the subconscious influence of societal treatment on individuals from lower castes. Watch Trailer
Kaagaz
(11:47 mins | Hindi with English subtitles | 2024 | Docu)
Dir. Samiksha Kherde
This film reveals the untold struggles of a marginalised community in Bhopal seeking caste certificates, as they navigate bureaucratic hurdles and societal indifference in their quest for recognition and rights. Watch Trailer
Humare Beech Mein | In Between Us
(35 mins | Hindi with English subtitles | 2023 | Docu)
Dir. Ruchika Negi & Rajkumari Prajapati | Prod. Rough Edges
Shot on mobile phone cameras in western Uttar Pradesh, the film seeks to explore the personal positions of two women, Rajkumari, a social activist from Lalitpur UP, and Ruchika, a documentary filmmaker and educator from New Delhi, within the stratified structure of caste. How do you use the camera to reveal structures of power and maybe, even take back some power for ourselves? Watch Trailer
2:00 pm – 3:15 pm
Theme: हम कामगार औरतें | Non-traditional choices
Pushpa Ka Rickshaw
(15:49 mins | Nimadi, Malvi with English subtitles | 2023 | Docu)
Dir. Aajad Singh Khichi & Pinky Brahma Choudhury, Shobhit Jain
In a remote village of Charbardi, in central India, Puspha Didi breaks the stereotype by driving the e-rickshaw. She is first women driver in the entire tehsil,and not marred by people casting doubts on the capabilities of a woman as a driver. Watch Trailer
Play it like Payal
(24:38 mins | Hindi, English with English subtitles | 2024 | Docu)
Dir. Anisha Agale, Asmita Shrivastav, Izza Ahsan, Mohammed Safuvan and Ketan Rathod
Prod. School of Media and Cultural Studies, Tata Institute of Social Sciences
A film that captures a girl who plays football in the slums of Geeta Nagar in Mumbai with boys ,takes you to her inside life - family, dog, work and hobbies and in the process speaks about difficulties she faces to play football with regards to gender and class. Watch Trailer
Kisan Hoon, Nidar Hoon, Par…
(05:21 mins | Hindi with English subtitles | 2022 | Docu)
Dir. Arti Singh| Prod. Green Hub
Through the eyes of Saguni Devi, a farmer based in Rajasthan, this film looks at the challenges faced by a woman farmer.
From Rocks to Gold
(8 mins | Urdu with English subtitles | Pakistan | 2023 | Docu)
Dir. Zainab Younas
This film takes you deep into the heart of Balochistan's cultural revival, led by Deedar Mengal. It explores Balochistan through serene landscapes, while unfolding Deedar’s role in empowering women and preserving the province’s heritage. It’s a journey of resilience, cultural resurgence, and community-driven transformation. Watch Trailer
3.15 pm – 3:45 pm
Theme: चुप्पी तोड़ो | No More Violence
Sushma
(3:05 mins | Hindi with English subtitles | 2024 | Narrative/Fiction)
Through the eyes of Saguni Devi, a farmer based in Rajasthan, this film looks at the challenges faced by a woman farmer.
From Rocks to Gold
(8 mins | Urdu with English subtitles | Pakistan | 2023 | Docu)
Dir. Zainab Younas
This film takes you deep into the heart of Balochistan's cultural revival, led by Deedar Mengal. It explores Balochistan through serene landscapes, while unfolding Deedar’s role in empowering women and preserving the province’s heritage. It’s a journey of resilience, cultural resurgence, and community-driven transformation. Watch Trailer
3.15 pm – 3:45 pm
Theme: चुप्पी तोड़ो | No More Violence
Sushma
(3:05 mins | Hindi with English subtitles | 2024 | Narrative/Fiction)
Dir. Mandeep Sehrawat
A story about a woman who is married in a middle class household routine. Runs her life by crushing her dreams but still manages to find a chance of living it when her husband is not at home in a very subtle way.
My Mother's Daughter
(14 mins | Urdu with English subtitles | 2022 | Docu)
Dir. Ahmen Khawaja and Mariam Khan
This is the story of a teenage girl, who was abducted and forced into marriage a few years ago by a suspected paedophile. She managed to escape and now lives in hiding with her mother, sisters and her two year old daughter. The film explores the triangle relationship between grand-mother, mother and daughter while waiting for their case to go to court.
4.00 pm - 5.30 pm
Theme: हम मिलकर नाचेंगे गाएंगे | Collective Voices
Pots, Pans and Politics
(41:50 mins | Hindi with English subtitles | 2024 | Docu)
A story about a woman who is married in a middle class household routine. Runs her life by crushing her dreams but still manages to find a chance of living it when her husband is not at home in a very subtle way.
My Mother's Daughter
(14 mins | Urdu with English subtitles | 2022 | Docu)
Dir. Ahmen Khawaja and Mariam Khan
This is the story of a teenage girl, who was abducted and forced into marriage a few years ago by a suspected paedophile. She managed to escape and now lives in hiding with her mother, sisters and her two year old daughter. The film explores the triangle relationship between grand-mother, mother and daughter while waiting for their case to go to court.
4.00 pm - 5.30 pm
Theme: हम मिलकर नाचेंगे गाएंगे | Collective Voices
Pots, Pans and Politics
(41:50 mins | Hindi with English subtitles | 2024 | Docu)
Dir. Anusree K
Based on ethnographic research conducted in District Kangra, Himachal Pradesh, this is a film on the Mahila Mandals of Shiv Nath Village Panchayat. Through narratives of village women it traces the role played by the collective for the social- economic mobility of the women here. Watch Trailer
The Kumbaya Story
(28 mins | English | 2024 | Docu)
Dir. Nivedita Banerji & Kumbaya
Thirty years ago, Kumbaya started with 12 tribal women who wanted to learn sewing. They began with a box full of scrap and three borrowed sewing machines in a mud house in Neemkheda village. Today, they are ethical business, a social enterprise breaking barriers of patriarchy and poverty in a small rural area of Central India. Watch Trailer
6:00 pm – 7:00 pm
Theme: कलम की जुबानी | We Create
Tesu Ke Phool | Flame of the forest
(30 mins | Hindi, English with English subtitles | 2024 | Docu)
Dir. Amrita & Akshit | Prod. Akshit
A girl child loves making colours from Tesu flowers. Then she grows up and forgets the art. No, she doesn’t. It’s the social dogma that makes her forget her true being, her Tesu flower, her colour. Life is also a battle between memory and forgetfulness and as the grown-up women attain childhood, they become Tesu, they become flowers – they become Tesu flowers. They become Forest. They become FLAME. Watch Trailer
Nayyar - An Art Story
(20:24 mins | English, Urdu with English subtitles | 2023 | Docu)
Dir. Ayessha Quraishi and Shalalae Jamil
This film traces the artistic career of Nayyar Jamil, who began her journey as a painter and continued on to become a teacher, shaping and guiding innumerable students over multiple decades. Reflections by students and family create a portrait of her studio and practice, both quiet anchors in the Pakistani Art world.
7:15 pm – 8:30 pm
Theme: तुम्हारा साथ मिलने से | Memories of Belonging
Mai
(16 mins | Konkani with English subtitles | 2023 | Docu Drama)
Dir. Saujas Shetye
As the months pass through her, Mai gives us a glimpse into old age that explores between being abandoned and being belonged, passing the time and living the time. Watch Trailer
Beyond What You See
(19:45 mins | Malayalam with English subtitles | 2024 | Docu)
Dir. Theertha Prakash | Prod. National Institute of Design, Ahmedabad
This documentary examines the lives of the filmmakers’ mother and grandmother, highlighting their unique challenges as women from different generations. Despite facing distinct obstacles, both experienced a similar sense of unfulfilled potential. Watch Trailer
29th November 2024 (Friday)
Based on ethnographic research conducted in District Kangra, Himachal Pradesh, this is a film on the Mahila Mandals of Shiv Nath Village Panchayat. Through narratives of village women it traces the role played by the collective for the social- economic mobility of the women here. Watch Trailer
The Kumbaya Story
(28 mins | English | 2024 | Docu)
Dir. Nivedita Banerji & Kumbaya
Thirty years ago, Kumbaya started with 12 tribal women who wanted to learn sewing. They began with a box full of scrap and three borrowed sewing machines in a mud house in Neemkheda village. Today, they are ethical business, a social enterprise breaking barriers of patriarchy and poverty in a small rural area of Central India. Watch Trailer
6:00 pm – 7:00 pm
Theme: कलम की जुबानी | We Create
Tesu Ke Phool | Flame of the forest
(30 mins | Hindi, English with English subtitles | 2024 | Docu)
Dir. Amrita & Akshit | Prod. Akshit
A girl child loves making colours from Tesu flowers. Then she grows up and forgets the art. No, she doesn’t. It’s the social dogma that makes her forget her true being, her Tesu flower, her colour. Life is also a battle between memory and forgetfulness and as the grown-up women attain childhood, they become Tesu, they become flowers – they become Tesu flowers. They become Forest. They become FLAME. Watch Trailer
Nayyar - An Art Story
(20:24 mins | English, Urdu with English subtitles | 2023 | Docu)
Dir. Ayessha Quraishi and Shalalae Jamil
This film traces the artistic career of Nayyar Jamil, who began her journey as a painter and continued on to become a teacher, shaping and guiding innumerable students over multiple decades. Reflections by students and family create a portrait of her studio and practice, both quiet anchors in the Pakistani Art world.
7:15 pm – 8:30 pm
Theme: तुम्हारा साथ मिलने से | Memories of Belonging
Mai
(16 mins | Konkani with English subtitles | 2023 | Docu Drama)
Dir. Saujas Shetye
As the months pass through her, Mai gives us a glimpse into old age that explores between being abandoned and being belonged, passing the time and living the time. Watch Trailer
Beyond What You See
(19:45 mins | Malayalam with English subtitles | 2024 | Docu)
Dir. Theertha Prakash | Prod. National Institute of Design, Ahmedabad
This documentary examines the lives of the filmmakers’ mother and grandmother, highlighting their unique challenges as women from different generations. Despite facing distinct obstacles, both experienced a similar sense of unfulfilled potential. Watch Trailer
29th November 2024 (Friday)
10:30 am – 1:00 pm
Theme: संघर्ष का साथ | Struggles Continue
Ladaai Chodaab Naahi | Fight Shall Continue
(30 mins |Hindi, Santhali with English subtitles| 2024 | Docu)
Dir. Astha | Prod. reFrame institute of art and expression
With the expansion of mining activities in Jharkhand, indigenous populations are at massive risk in terms of displacement and loss of livelihood. Through this film, we witness that tribal women’s bodies are testimony of their respective labour. These bodies narrate history, anecdotes, and advice for the future. Watch Trailer
Jantar Mantar Choomantar
(13 mins | English, Hindi with English subtitles| 2023 | Docu)
Theme: संघर्ष का साथ | Struggles Continue
Ladaai Chodaab Naahi | Fight Shall Continue
(30 mins |Hindi, Santhali with English subtitles| 2024 | Docu)
Dir. Astha | Prod. reFrame institute of art and expression
With the expansion of mining activities in Jharkhand, indigenous populations are at massive risk in terms of displacement and loss of livelihood. Through this film, we witness that tribal women’s bodies are testimony of their respective labour. These bodies narrate history, anecdotes, and advice for the future. Watch Trailer
Jantar Mantar Choomantar
(13 mins | English, Hindi with English subtitles| 2023 | Docu)
Dir. Utkarsh Singh | Prod. DLC SUPVA
This film explores the idea of love and resistance through the beloved of a prisoner in this democratic nation. Watch Trailer
2:00 pm – 3:00 pm
Theme: मैं उड़ना चाहती हूं | My Freedom
Kesi Bauraanee | Such Madwomen!
(16:07 mins | Braj Bhasha (Hindi) with English subtitles | 2023 | Docu)
Dir. Payal Chauhan| Prod. National Institute of Design, Ahmedabad
This film depicts the lives of three women in a village in Uttar Pradesh. In a patriarchal society, it's uncommon for women to sit outside or take a leisurely walk. The film follows Geeta, Usha, and Lucy, who spend their days working and eagerly await the evening, when they can go out and escape in their imaginative world temporarily. Watch Trailer
Slow Wave
(09:22 mins | Marathi, English with English subtitles| 2023 | Experimental Docu)
Dir. Pooja Kadam
In the month of October 2021, parts of Pune witnessed flash floods. The filmmaker’ elderly parents were by themselves. The filmmaker lost most of her family photographs, cameras and keepsakes saved since childhood. She tried recreating the stream of consciousness, using whatever was left of the loss. Watch Trailer
Making Space
(13:12 mins | Hindi, English | 2024 | Live Action & Animation | Docu)
Dir. Nikita Parikh| Prod. Aastha Singh, Rough Edges
Alsana lives in a small but chaotic neighbourhood in Ahmedabad, which is cut off from the rest of the city by an 85 acre landfill on one side and a highway on the other. In a place like this, a room of one’s own is hard to come by but Alsana has been given a corner. Only her own rules apply here. This corner takes on different forms - each one is an expression of her inner life, which is at odds with the world outside. Watch Trailer
3:00 pm – 5:00 pm
Theme: अस्तित्व के लिए | Queer it is
This film explores the idea of love and resistance through the beloved of a prisoner in this democratic nation. Watch Trailer
2:00 pm – 3:00 pm
Theme: मैं उड़ना चाहती हूं | My Freedom
Kesi Bauraanee | Such Madwomen!
(16:07 mins | Braj Bhasha (Hindi) with English subtitles | 2023 | Docu)
Dir. Payal Chauhan| Prod. National Institute of Design, Ahmedabad
This film depicts the lives of three women in a village in Uttar Pradesh. In a patriarchal society, it's uncommon for women to sit outside or take a leisurely walk. The film follows Geeta, Usha, and Lucy, who spend their days working and eagerly await the evening, when they can go out and escape in their imaginative world temporarily. Watch Trailer
Slow Wave
(09:22 mins | Marathi, English with English subtitles| 2023 | Experimental Docu)
Dir. Pooja Kadam
In the month of October 2021, parts of Pune witnessed flash floods. The filmmaker’ elderly parents were by themselves. The filmmaker lost most of her family photographs, cameras and keepsakes saved since childhood. She tried recreating the stream of consciousness, using whatever was left of the loss. Watch Trailer
Making Space
(13:12 mins | Hindi, English | 2024 | Live Action & Animation | Docu)
Dir. Nikita Parikh| Prod. Aastha Singh, Rough Edges
Alsana lives in a small but chaotic neighbourhood in Ahmedabad, which is cut off from the rest of the city by an 85 acre landfill on one side and a highway on the other. In a place like this, a room of one’s own is hard to come by but Alsana has been given a corner. Only her own rules apply here. This corner takes on different forms - each one is an expression of her inner life, which is at odds with the world outside. Watch Trailer
3:00 pm – 5:00 pm
Theme: अस्तित्व के लिए | Queer it is
Pehli Date
(15 mins | Hindi, English with English subtitles | 2024 | Narrative/Fiction)
Dir. Sulagna Chatterjee| Prod. Kailasa Films, Shiva’s Creation Unit
A film about the beauty of discovering and rediscovering one’s sexuality. The story follows Aastha Goenka, a 45-year-old single mother as she navigates confusion, anxiety and excitement while going for her first date with Priya Malhotra, an out-and-proud young queer woman in her mid-30s. Watch Trailer
CHHESANG - The Untold Story
(12:21 mins | Nepali with English subtitles | 2024 | Docu)
Dir. Rajeela Shrestha, Pasang Dawa Sherpa
An empowering untold period story of Chhesang 21-year-old who is enduring gender dysphoria, and hoping for acceptance. Watch Trailer
Pari
(30 mins | Hindi with English subtitles | 2023 | Docu)
Dir. Priya Sen| Prod. Rough Edges
This film tries to describe an event in the days of Pari and Praveen, a violent rupture that was allowed in a life held by desire and not duty. The present is both fraught and romantic, the future is hopeful. Watch Trailer
Chupi Roh | Stay Quiet
(16 mins | Hindi, Pahari with English subtitles | 2023 | Fiction)
Dir. Disha Bhardwaj
A family of three, Leela, Raju and their son Abbu live in a small beautiful village deep in the lower Himalayas. Abbu struggles with his secret gender identity while Raju is stricken by loss and failure. Amidst these issues, Leela is trying to find a way to deal with everything in the best possible way she knows. Watch Trailer
5:15 pm – 5:45 pm
Theme: सच कहु तो रिश्ता अपना | Power of Love
(15 mins | Hindi, English with English subtitles | 2024 | Narrative/Fiction)
Dir. Sulagna Chatterjee| Prod. Kailasa Films, Shiva’s Creation Unit
A film about the beauty of discovering and rediscovering one’s sexuality. The story follows Aastha Goenka, a 45-year-old single mother as she navigates confusion, anxiety and excitement while going for her first date with Priya Malhotra, an out-and-proud young queer woman in her mid-30s. Watch Trailer
CHHESANG - The Untold Story
(12:21 mins | Nepali with English subtitles | 2024 | Docu)
Dir. Rajeela Shrestha, Pasang Dawa Sherpa
An empowering untold period story of Chhesang 21-year-old who is enduring gender dysphoria, and hoping for acceptance. Watch Trailer
Pari
(30 mins | Hindi with English subtitles | 2023 | Docu)
Dir. Priya Sen| Prod. Rough Edges
This film tries to describe an event in the days of Pari and Praveen, a violent rupture that was allowed in a life held by desire and not duty. The present is both fraught and romantic, the future is hopeful. Watch Trailer
Chupi Roh | Stay Quiet
(16 mins | Hindi, Pahari with English subtitles | 2023 | Fiction)
Dir. Disha Bhardwaj
A family of three, Leela, Raju and their son Abbu live in a small beautiful village deep in the lower Himalayas. Abbu struggles with his secret gender identity while Raju is stricken by loss and failure. Amidst these issues, Leela is trying to find a way to deal with everything in the best possible way she knows. Watch Trailer
5:15 pm – 5:45 pm
Theme: सच कहु तो रिश्ता अपना | Power of Love
A Lullaby for Yellow Roses
(18 mins | Hindi with English subtitles | 2023 | Fiction)
Dir. Rahul Roye (Kolkata) | Prod. Abdullah Al Kandari |
An estranged migrant working-class couple embarks on a deeply emotional journey to find friendship in one another as they grapple with the loss of their daughter to an ill-fated custom. Watch Trailer
6:00 pm – 8:30 pm
Theme: हम मिलकर नाचेंगे गाएंगे | Collective Voices
Marching in the Dark
(108 mins | Marathi with English subtitles | 2024 | Docu)
Dir. Kinshuk Surjan
Intent on providing a better life for herself and her children after her farmer-husband’s suicide, Sanjivani struggles against her culture’s traditional abandonment of widows – until she joins a discussion group with other farmer-suicide widows. Empowered by community, shared stories of resilience, and unexpected solidarity, Sanjivani forges a path forward. Watch Trailer
30th November 2024 (Saturday)
Celebrating South Asian Women’s Day in collaboration with Jagori
10:30 am – 11:45 am
Theme: इरादे कर बुलंद I Able Identities
Never Say Die
(09:37 mins | English | 2023 | Animated Docu)
Dir. Diya Gambhir
Using the medium of live-action, animation and stop-motion, this film recounts the story of the filmmakers’ aunt. She has multiple deformities from rheumatoid arthritis and is immobile. The chronically sick and disabled essentially lead reclusive lives, as friends and relations distance themselves over time. The film draws on her fond memories of parents, teachers, school, college, her dance and her love for poetry, her joys and sorrows and more. Watch Trailer
Behind The Ears
(44:27 mins | English, Hindi with English subtitles | 2024 | Docu)
Dir. Namya Chadha | Prod. NID Ford Foundation Grant
This is an intimate and conversational documentary exploring the lives of Janhavi and Lavannya, two individuals who are deaf and hard of hearing. Janhavi shares her journey of self- discovery through her work and connecting with others, while Lavannya offers a contrasting narrative of accepting her disability and redefining her identity. Watch Trailer
(44:27 mins | English, Hindi with English subtitles | 2024 | Docu)
Dir. Namya Chadha | Prod. NID Ford Foundation Grant
This is an intimate and conversational documentary exploring the lives of Janhavi and Lavannya, two individuals who are deaf and hard of hearing. Janhavi shares her journey of self- discovery through her work and connecting with others, while Lavannya offers a contrasting narrative of accepting her disability and redefining her identity. Watch Trailer
12:00 pm - 12:30 pm
Theme: हसबैंड कहता है | Men Engage
Roti koon Banasi?
(25 mins | Rajasthani with English subtitles| 2023 | Fiction)
Dir. Chandan Singh Shekhawat| Prod. National Institute of Design, Ahmedabad
This film is about Santosh, a husband to Roopa and an elder son to Ranjeet. Stuck in a dilemma between supporting his wife for her job exam or proving his worth to his father at a family event. The film explores the ideas of patriarchy and how it propagates from one generation to another through father to son relationship. Watch Trailer
Theme: हसबैंड कहता है | Men Engage
Roti koon Banasi?
(25 mins | Rajasthani with English subtitles| 2023 | Fiction)
Dir. Chandan Singh Shekhawat| Prod. National Institute of Design, Ahmedabad
This film is about Santosh, a husband to Roopa and an elder son to Ranjeet. Stuck in a dilemma between supporting his wife for her job exam or proving his worth to his father at a family event. The film explores the ideas of patriarchy and how it propagates from one generation to another through father to son relationship. Watch Trailer
12:30 pm - 1:15 pm
Theme: तोड़-तोड़ के बंधनो को | Break the Silence
Dear Daughter
(12:29 mins | Burmese with English subtitles | 2023 | Docu)
Dir. Hsu Pan Naing, Soe Arkar Htun
About the film: A young Burmese woman who was trafficked to China and sold into marriage tells her story. Based on the real-life protagonist’s own words and beautifully rendered in pen-and-ink, this animation portrays a woman torn between her love for the child she was forced to bear and her longing for the country to which she may never be able to return. Watch Trailer
Boi Thaka
(15 mins | Assamese with English subtitles | 2024 | Docu)
Dir. Pranami Koch
Unveiling poignant tales of accused witches in remote villages in the Northeast of India, this film unfolds as a filmmaker embarks on a journey triggered by a discovered journal. The film weaves together the filmmaker's introspections with survivors' collective memories. It" attempts to express the resilience and strength emerging against patriarchal systems that continue to perpetuate practices such as witch hunting.
Theme: तोड़-तोड़ के बंधनो को | Break the Silence
Dear Daughter
(12:29 mins | Burmese with English subtitles | 2023 | Docu)
Dir. Hsu Pan Naing, Soe Arkar Htun
About the film: A young Burmese woman who was trafficked to China and sold into marriage tells her story. Based on the real-life protagonist’s own words and beautifully rendered in pen-and-ink, this animation portrays a woman torn between her love for the child she was forced to bear and her longing for the country to which she may never be able to return. Watch Trailer
Boi Thaka
(15 mins | Assamese with English subtitles | 2024 | Docu)
Dir. Pranami Koch
Unveiling poignant tales of accused witches in remote villages in the Northeast of India, this film unfolds as a filmmaker embarks on a journey triggered by a discovered journal. The film weaves together the filmmaker's introspections with survivors' collective memories. It" attempts to express the resilience and strength emerging against patriarchal systems that continue to perpetuate practices such as witch hunting.
Watch Trailer
2:15 pm - 3:30 pm
Theme: मौसम बदल रहा है | Climate Voices
Gopi
(14 mins | Kannada with English subtitles | 2022 | Docu)
Dir. Nishanth Gurumurthy
Gopi Siddi is a middle-aged storyteller who identifies herself with the Siddi community (African Diaspora in South India). Inspired by the oral form of storytelling, Gopi desires to get her stories self published; however, she must first face her battles with alienation, social standing, and environmental catastrophe. Watch Trailer
Shifting Sands
(14:31 mins | Burmese with English subtitles | 2021 | Docu)
Dir. May Thy Kyi, Lindsey Merrison
Every year, thousands of young people flock to Yangon from Myanmar’s rural dry zone to work in the factories that have sprung up on the outskirts of the country’s former capital. Climate change has made life there difficult, but fighting for workers’ rights in Yangon is no less daunting. Watch Trailer
Lullaby of Waves
Theme: मौसम बदल रहा है | Climate Voices
Gopi
(14 mins | Kannada with English subtitles | 2022 | Docu)
Dir. Nishanth Gurumurthy
Gopi Siddi is a middle-aged storyteller who identifies herself with the Siddi community (African Diaspora in South India). Inspired by the oral form of storytelling, Gopi desires to get her stories self published; however, she must first face her battles with alienation, social standing, and environmental catastrophe. Watch Trailer
Shifting Sands
(14:31 mins | Burmese with English subtitles | 2021 | Docu)
Dir. May Thy Kyi, Lindsey Merrison
Every year, thousands of young people flock to Yangon from Myanmar’s rural dry zone to work in the factories that have sprung up on the outskirts of the country’s former capital. Climate change has made life there difficult, but fighting for workers’ rights in Yangon is no less daunting. Watch Trailer
Lullaby of Waves
(15:20 mins | Assamese with English subtitles | 2023 | Fiction)
Dir. Ayon Pratim Saikia
A 53-year-old woman reflects on her 26 years of marriage and 25 years of motherhood. The film unfolds as a poignant exploration of the filmmakers' journey towards understanding and accepting the profound sense of belonging tied to space and time. Delving into the search for identity through the mother's voice and her profound connection to the river, the narrative unfolds the events that have shaped and will continue to shape the future. Watch Trailer
3:45 pm – 4:45 pm
Theme: हमें जीने से प्यार हैं | My Body, My Choice
This Is TMI
(6 mins | Bengali, English, Hindi, Nepali with English subtitles | 2023 | Animation | Docu)
Dir. Subarna Dash
Big boobs vs. small boobs, who has it worse? A group of women, over a drink, discusses in what ways being a part of a conservative society affects how we feel about our own breasts, which at the end of the day are just lumps of fat. Watch Trailer
Moti, Dubli, Kali, Gori: Nepali women reclaim their bodies
(12 mins | Nepali, English with English subtitles| 2023 | Docu)
Dir. Nirvana Bhandary | Prod. Shanta Nepali Productions
This film delves into the complex societal pressures confronting young Nepali women regarding body image and beauty standards. Through intimate and revealing interviews, it explores the diverse experiences of three remarkable women who have faced bullying and discrimination based on their ethnicity, skin colour, and body weight.
Cheepatakadump
(24 mins | Hindi, Urdu, English with English subtitles | 2022 | Narrative/Fiction)
Dir. Devashish Makhija
Three small town friends, their reunion, a gorilla, a bull, the full moon, the kundalini, a tomato, and patriarchy-smashing mischief! Watch Trailer
5:00 pm - 6:00 pm
Theme: तू खुद को बदल | Smash Patriarchy
The Imam
(39 mins | Hindi with English subtitles | 2023 | Narrative Fiction)
Dir. Saba Mumtaz
The story of the six year old daughter of a village cleric who wants to become an Imam like her father and how a patriarchal society reacts to her wish. Watch Trailer
6:00 pm - 6:30 pm – South Asian Women’s Day Felicitations
6:30 pm - 8:30 pm
Theme: तुम्हारा साथ मिलने से | Women are Power
And, Towards Happy Alleys | Be Kucheye Khoshbakht
(75 mins | Persian, English with English subtitles | 2023 | Docu)
Dir. Sreemoyee Singh
Fascinated by Iran’s film culture and the poetic works of the feminist poet Forough Farrokhzad, the filmmaker sets out in search of the protagonists of Iranian cinema. The film is a passionate declaration of love for the cinema and poetry of Iran which also provides a frank view of daily life, and bears witness to a fearless generation raising its voice and implacably demanding its civil liberties. Watch Trailer
Dir. Ayon Pratim Saikia
A 53-year-old woman reflects on her 26 years of marriage and 25 years of motherhood. The film unfolds as a poignant exploration of the filmmakers' journey towards understanding and accepting the profound sense of belonging tied to space and time. Delving into the search for identity through the mother's voice and her profound connection to the river, the narrative unfolds the events that have shaped and will continue to shape the future. Watch Trailer
3:45 pm – 4:45 pm
Theme: हमें जीने से प्यार हैं | My Body, My Choice
This Is TMI
(6 mins | Bengali, English, Hindi, Nepali with English subtitles | 2023 | Animation | Docu)
Dir. Subarna Dash
Big boobs vs. small boobs, who has it worse? A group of women, over a drink, discusses in what ways being a part of a conservative society affects how we feel about our own breasts, which at the end of the day are just lumps of fat. Watch Trailer
Moti, Dubli, Kali, Gori: Nepali women reclaim their bodies
(12 mins | Nepali, English with English subtitles| 2023 | Docu)
Dir. Nirvana Bhandary | Prod. Shanta Nepali Productions
This film delves into the complex societal pressures confronting young Nepali women regarding body image and beauty standards. Through intimate and revealing interviews, it explores the diverse experiences of three remarkable women who have faced bullying and discrimination based on their ethnicity, skin colour, and body weight.
Cheepatakadump
(24 mins | Hindi, Urdu, English with English subtitles | 2022 | Narrative/Fiction)
Dir. Devashish Makhija
Three small town friends, their reunion, a gorilla, a bull, the full moon, the kundalini, a tomato, and patriarchy-smashing mischief! Watch Trailer
5:00 pm - 6:00 pm
Theme: तू खुद को बदल | Smash Patriarchy
The Imam
(39 mins | Hindi with English subtitles | 2023 | Narrative Fiction)
Dir. Saba Mumtaz
The story of the six year old daughter of a village cleric who wants to become an Imam like her father and how a patriarchal society reacts to her wish. Watch Trailer
6:00 pm - 6:30 pm – South Asian Women’s Day Felicitations
6:30 pm - 8:30 pm
Theme: तुम्हारा साथ मिलने से | Women are Power
And, Towards Happy Alleys | Be Kucheye Khoshbakht
(75 mins | Persian, English with English subtitles | 2023 | Docu)
Dir. Sreemoyee Singh
Fascinated by Iran’s film culture and the poetic works of the feminist poet Forough Farrokhzad, the filmmaker sets out in search of the protagonists of Iranian cinema. The film is a passionate declaration of love for the cinema and poetry of Iran which also provides a frank view of daily life, and bears witness to a fearless generation raising its voice and implacably demanding its civil liberties. Watch Trailer
Queries: space.kriti@gmail.com | 9810666692
Crowdfund the festival today:
https://milaap.org/fundraisers/support-beyond-borders-feminist-film-festival-2024
Social Media: Facebook Insta Youtube Linktree
https://milaap.org/fundraisers/support-beyond-borders-feminist-film-festival-2024
Social Media: Facebook Insta Youtube Linktree
Second segment of the festival from 4 - 9 December 2024 at India Habitat Centre, New Delhi - https://krititeam.blogspot.com/p/festival-schedule-bbfff-2024-4-9.html?m=1
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