January 4, 2023
Travelling Film Southasia (TFSA) as well as the Hri Institute of Southasian Research and Exchange (Hri) traveled last week to Surkhet and Dhangadi in Nepal to showcase 14 travelling documentary films, 6 Film Southasia (FSA_ produced films on sexual violence in Southasia, as well as the Create, Collaborate, Calatyze: Reflections on Sexual Violence in Southasia exhibition. These screenings and exhibitions are a part of a larger project on changing the narrative around how sexual violence survivors are portrayed in social movements, in media, and in film.
In Surkhet, FSA and Hri partnered with Aawaj* a local non-profit organisation that works with survivors of domestic abuse and gender violence while also serving as a safe house for women wanting to leave difficult and abusive domestic circumstances. On January 23 and 24, we screened 9 films (including films that we had produced) to an audience comprising of school students, local advocates and activists, the local police as well as local filmmakers. Two Nepali films that FSA produced on themes of sexual violence Before You Were My Mother, directed by Prasuna Dongol, and Flames of a Continuous Field of Time, directed by Barkha Mukhia, were also screened to local audiences. Furthermore, the exhibition was housed in the screening hall within Aawaj’s premises, giving all attendees as well as members of Aawaj a chance to engage with the works of the filmmaking fellows and research fellows.
This time, we were also able to exhibit the works of 12 Nepali artists – these images and illustrations were created by the 12 artists as an avenue through which to push back on the problematic imagery that often accompanies media coverage of sexual abuse and violence against women. Artists tapped into themes of solidarity, community, and healing to counter the often problematic depictions of sexual violence that victimises survivors through invisible perpetrators. These images are part of a stock image bank that the Hri Institute is currently curating and will be available free to use by media houses across Southasia. Both days saw a turnout of 60-70 people each day.
After Surkhet, the FSA and Hri team moved further west to Dhangadi to screen and exhibit at the Kailali Multiple Campus. On January 26 and 27, we screened 13 films including the FSA produced films. Informal discussions on documentary making and the art surrounding sexual violence were also conducted with students and participants – while most of the screenings were attended by college students, local businessmen and residents were also in attendance. Students and guests alike emphasised on the importance of hosting more cultural and art related programs in remote areas and away from central Kathmandu. In total, the 2-day event attracted a total of 80 participants.
FSA and Hri will be travelling to each of the 7 provinces in Nepal as well as various other venues in Southasia in the coming year with 14 travelling films, 6 FSA produced films and our Create, Collaborate, Catalyze exhibition in the coming year.
* Aawaj also works with the local government to ensure that women in Birendranagar and its surrounding areas have all the tools necessary to seek help if/when needed by organising community programmes as well as maintaining a 24/7 hotline for women. Their number is +977-83-522383.
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