India Student Hub presents
Women's Film Festival 2020
Washington D.C. | New Jersey
February 28th - March 1st
In celebration of International Women's Day and commemorating milestones of women empowerment, India Student Hub organized a 2-day Women's Film Festival in Washington D.C. and New Jersey (Feb 2020). "Fempowered Films" was created in partnership with Ambassadorial First Lady Mrs. Hemal Shringla and to advance a feminine voice in shaping a #NewIndia. The 2020 theme was "Insights of Women of Bombay."
NEW JERSEY EDITION: 28 FEB
WASHINGTON D.C.: 28 FEB - 1 MAR
The Theme: Insights of Women of 'Bombay'
Despite genuine engagement and contributions in government, business, arts, science, etc, there is still a sense that women are competing in a patriarchal structure on rules made by and for men. The Film Festival strives to unlock different perspectives that enable the feminine divine energy in all of us to be seen, heard, and accounted for in defining societal progress and personal success. The theme for India Student Hub Women’s Film Festival is Insights from Women of Bombay. The women of Bombay have a unique perspective for three reasons:
As a melting pot of cultures and the home of Bollywood, Bombay serves as an extraordinary platform that allows fusion of traditions and world ideas.
Some say that as a city/civilization, Bombay has already peaked and therefore has a lot of lessons from which it can share perspective.
Although not without setbacks, women in Bombay have relatively greater freedom than counterparts in other places to craft a different way of being.
Registration
Admission for Opening Night: (Washington D.C.) Exclusive event by invitation only. Request an invitation at: https://forms.gle/ABkWh8kdW6dzBsQt7
Admission for Film Festival: Free and Open to all - https://forms.gle/tLXtWuARuGmZaNwD7
Admission for NJIT Events: https://forms.gle/3VREDUSkZ7Lb5FD48
Washington D.C. Area Films
Saturday 29th February 2020
George Mason University
The Hub: Rooms 4+5
SESSION #1: 1pm - 4pm EST
Zubeidaa (2:33)
Based on the real life of Zubeidaa Begum, a free bird who kept getting caged in societal norms. From forsaking her love for dance, to being abandoned by her husband; she falls for the charming ways of a Maharaja. Do ways of the royalty liberate her or suffocate her? How does she finally break free? As Zubeidaa struggles to live life on her own terms- this is a fascinating story of a truly unique character. Director: Shyam Benegal
SESSION #2: 5pm - 8pm EST
My Home India (45 mins)
Little is known about ‘Little Poland’ in India. Archival and following the life of Kira Banasinska, the lady who was instrumental for thousands of Poles finding passage and home in India during WW – II, this film documents her struggles and determination along the way. Director: Anjali Bhushan
Lijjat Sisterhood (29 mins)
Can sisterhood be a business-model? A story of good-will, empowerment, entrepreneurship; and of course, true feminism this simple women’s co-op that started on a terrace in one of the many quaint gullies of Bombay has many lessons to teach. Director: Kadhambari Chintamani, Ajit Oommen
Transqueen India (11 mins):
Who do we identify as women? A peek into the first of its kind beauty + talent pageants in India for trans-women. Director: Naman Saraiya
Sunday 1st March 2020
Georgetown University
Copley Formal Lounge
SESSION #1: 1pm - 4pm EST
Bombay Rose (1:33)
The story of a flower-girl in the day & a bar dancer by night; her strong and sensitive little sister; her English teacher - the old and jaded Ms. D’Souza; and the men in their respective lives. A nostalgic caricature set against the backdrop of an almost bygone Bombay era. Director: Gitanjali Rao
Nayantara’s Necklace (20 mins)
One half of the world doesn’t know how the other exists. If they did, would life be the same for them? Where one woman’s life is coming to a standstill is where another’s dreams are vicariously fulfilled. A short-lived tryst of friendship between two happiness seeking women. Director: Jaydeep Sarkar
Made for Each other (5 mins)
The short film depicts the relationship between Mumbaikars and local trains. We are introduced to the story of a teacher who juggles the trials and tribulations that come with being a working woman, caretaker and mother in Mumbai- with assistance from the trusted local trains. Director: Akshay Ambadas Temkar
SESSION #2: 5pm - 8pm EST
Love Sonia (2h)
Hard-hitting and gut-wrenching are the ways of a brothel. A peek into the lives of women of Kamathipura through the story of a minor girl trafficked under the pretext of uniting her with her sister who too has been trafficked into the red-light world in Mumbai. Director: Tabrez Noorani
Can’t Hide me (26 mins)
What does it take to make a mark in a man’s world? Three women, their struggles and their inspiring stories of resilience! This film follows the narratives of a national-level rugby player, a Yakshagana performer and a documentary photographer. Director: Madhuri Mohindar
New Jersey Films
Friday, February 28th, 2020
11:30 AM - 2:30 PM
My Home India (45 minutes)
Little is known about ‘Little Poland’ in India. Archival and following the life of Kira Banasinska, the lady who was instrumental for thousands of Poles finding passage and home in India during WW – II, this film documents her struggles and determination along the way.
Lijjat Sisterhood (29 mins)
Can sisterhood be a business-model? A story of good-will, empowerment, entrepreneurship; and of course, true feminism this simple women’s co-op that started on a terrace in one of the many quaint gullies of Bombay has many lessons to teach.
Can’t Hide Me (26 mins)
What does it take to make a mark in a man’s world? Three women, their struggles and their inspiring stories of resilience! This film follows the narratives of a national-level rugby player, a Yakshagana performer and a documentary photographer.
Locations
The HUB Location (GMU): https://www.google.com/maps/place/The+Hub/@38.8308162,-77.305361,15z/data=!4m5!3m4!1s0x0:0xa9da81ccd4db7abf!8m2!3d38.8308162!4d-77.305361
Copley Formal Lounge (GT): https://www.google.com/maps/place/Copley+Formal+Lounge/@38.9084668,-77.0751098,17z/data=!3m1!4b1!4m5!3m4!1s0x89b7b6472526731b:0xac3e99cb9263778d!8m2!3d38.9084668!4d-77.0729211
Screening Rights
Thank you for all your help & support for screening permissions
Public Service Broadcasting Trust
Directorate of Film Festivals- Ministry of Information & Broadcasting- Government of India
Exceed Entertainment
Vice
Film Company
Nin Sippy Films
Pernod Ricard
Pocket Films
Apricot Sky
Film Polska
Press Kit and Official Posters
Click here: Official Posters | Press Kit
Film Festival 2021
India Student Hub is also introducing the 2021 Women’s Film Festival theme and encourages filmmakers to submit proposals for the 2021 Women’s Film Festival screening. In honor of the 2020 Olympics and the fact that all the 2020 Padma Vibhushan award nominees are talented Indian women sports leaders, the 2021 Women’s Film Festival will focus on Determination and Grit: Indian Women in Sports.
Corporate Sponsors:
Official Contributors:
Screening Permissions by:
Special Recognition
Mrs. Hemal Shringla: Film Enthusiast, Festival Collaborator
Ms. Anjali Bhushan: Film Director (My Home India) (Instagram: anjaimago17, Facebook: anjalibhushannugyal)
Ms. Priya Samant Parulekar: Founder of EarthFrendz, Impact Advisor, Social Entrepreneur (Facebook: Priya Samant Parulekar, Instagram: priyasp_1234)
Mr. Tabrez Noorani: Producer (Love Sonia)
Ms. Tulika Srivastva: Executive Producer and Director- Open Frame, P.S.B.T. https://psbt.org/
Mr. Jaydeep Sarkar: Screenwriter (Nayantara’s Necklace)
Ms. Barbara Hawthorne: President, Barbara Hawthorne Interiors www.barbarahawthorninteriors.com
Ms. Jan Du Plain: Embassy Liaison, Cultural Tourism D.C. https://www.culturaltourismdc.org/portal/