In association with the Sajda Festival, Nehru Centre in London will play host to a special ode to documentary cinema on August 19. The women filmmakers in the spotlight are Indian-origin artists are Uma Magal and Rup Ghosh Roy. The screenings will be followed by a Q&A with the filmmakers behind these thought-provoking films to delve deeper into some profound subject matter.
‘Other Kohinoors, the Rocks of Hyderabad’ is a 48-minute documentary that explores the deep-seated relationship between the city of Hyderabad and its unique rock formations. The film portrays these rocks as the bedrock of the city’s cultural and ecological identity, influencing its art, crafts, literature, and daily life. This reverence for the rocks is evident in the city's architecture, poetry, and collective memory.
However, the documentary also highlights the alarming destruction of these ancient formations in recent decades, leading to a significant ecological and cultural loss. Through this lens, Uma Magal emphasises the urgent need to preserve Hyderabad’s natural heritage, underscoring the intrinsic connection between the landscape and the city’s soul.
Meanwhile, ‘Monalisa with a Smile’ is a 40-minute documentary directed by Rup Ghosh Roy that examines the lives of 12 South Asian women living in the UK. The film sheds light on the challenges they face, including bullying, racism, and cultural identity struggles.
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By featuring diverse stories — from a beauty queen to an online chef and a doctor who is also an animal rights activist — the documentary aims to raise awareness and foster solidarity among women and young girls in similar situations. Self-funded and shot in a documentary format, the film received critical acclaim at film festivals, winning the Audience Choice Award and First Time Filmmaker 2023, showcasing Roy's bold and impactful entry into the world of cinema.
*Info: Nehru Centre, London