Try GOLD - Free
Sensitising youth on gender through films
Hindustan Times Noida
|May 18, 2025
The Netflix series Adolescence sparked a debate on toxic masculinity, demonstrating the power of online platforms, TV and film in shaping society.
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.
This story is from the May 18, 2025 edition of Hindustan Times Noida.
Subscribe to Magzter GOLD to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 10,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber? Sign In
MORE STORIES FROM Hindustan Times Noida
Hindustan Times Noida
‘Handling pressure of being hosts key to India’s ambitions in WC’
Few names in women’s cricket carry as much weight as Belinda Clark's. A pioneer, record-holder and administrator, Clark has been a trailblazer but also witnessed the evolution of the game.
3 mins
October 03, 2025
Hindustan Times Noida
Karan hits back at ex, Anusha, later deletes his Insta post
Actor Karan Kundrra has hit back at allegations made by his former girlfriend, actor-host Anusha Dandekar, who recently suggested he had been unfaithful during their three-and-a-half-year relationship.
1 min
October 03, 2025

Hindustan Times Noida
Doyen of classical music who transcended genres and enriched India’s cultural legacy
{ PANDIT CHHANNULAL MISHRA } 1936-2025
1 min
October 03, 2025
Hindustan Times Noida
Hexaware faces $500 million patent lawsuit
American information technology (IT) services firm Natsoft Corp. sued Hexaware Technologies Ltd for breach of contract and patent infringement, seeking $500 million in damages from the latter, in one of the biggest patent cases against an Indian IT firm.
2 mins
October 03, 2025
Hindustan Times Noida
At UNHRC, India slams Pak for 'hypocrisy' over human rights
India slammed Pakistan at the 60th session of the United Nations Human Rights Council (UNHRC) in Geneva, for its “hypocrisy” on human rights and highlighting the persecution of minorities within Pakistan.
1 mins
October 03, 2025
Hindustan Times Noida
DU keeps you grounded: Miss Universe India Manika
This 22-year-old student of Delhi University (DU) is no ordinary girl next door.
1 mins
October 03, 2025
Hindustan Times Noida
A colonial era prison lost to time
The Old Central Jail, once a Mughal 'serai' and later a colonial prison, exists today in fragments amid weed and a fading memory
3 mins
October 03, 2025
Hindustan Times Noida
{ DR GG PARIKH } 1924-2025 Veteran Gandhian leader, freedom fighter Parikh dies at 101
It was befitting that the last of the legendary Gandhians should die on Gandhi Jayanti. Dr GG Parikh who passed away on Thursday morning was one of those rare figures whose death at the age of 101 will be mourned not just by the grey eminences talking about a ‘second’ freedom movement, but also by hundreds of young grassroots workers for whom he was an inspiration, and as evidenced by many of them breaking down at his funeral in Mumbai.
2 mins
October 03, 2025
Hindustan Times Noida
Messi to visit India for 4-city tour in December
Lionel Messi on Thursday confirmed his participation in the much-anticipated GOAT Tour of India, calling itan “honour” to revisit the “passionate football nation” where he last played 14 years ago.
1 min
October 03, 2025

Hindustan Times Noida
First day, first show: Pace makes Windies crumble
India are only 41 runs away from taking a first innings lead with eight wickets in hand
3 mins
October 03, 2025
Listen
Translate
Change font size