Sensitising youth on gender through films

The Netflix series Adolescence sparked a debate on toxic masculinity, demonstrating the power of online platforms, TV and film in shaping society.

- Lalita Panicker

A film festival is similarly triggering debate across India — six editions of the Travelling International Film Festival, called SamaBhav — organised by Men Against Abuse and Violence (MAVA) — have been held in 52 cities and 22 rural districts, reaching 18,000+ youth through educational institutions and civil society organisations.

The festival comprises selected national and international films that cover a wide gamut of gender and human rights issues, including various forms of gender-based discrimination/violence, patriarchy, misogyny, sexism, homophobia, transphobia, and redefining masculinity.

The post-screening discussions enable young audiences to debate and reflect on their biases, societal prejudices and regressive attitudes around gender, advocating for a pluralistic, inclusive society.

The festival has also gone to Bangladesh, Nepal, Indonesia and Bhutan.

"Seven years ago, as an experiment, I planned and organised a two-day film festival at SNDT Women's University, Mumbai. Hundreds of students actively participated and the venue was full.