Non-fiction cinema at the crossroads

From retaining creative freedom to getting financial support the many challenges faced by documentary makers 

- Udita Jhunjhunwala

In the last two years, Indian documentary films have enjoyed international acclaim, making waves at prestigious film festivals and even earning Oscar nominations and wins. However, the industry's triumphs, exemplified by films like A Night Of Knowing Nothing and All That Breathes, have not completely dispelled the scepticism among film-makers. While recognition has poured in, the challenges persist, prompting a closer examination of the future prospects for documentary film-making in India.

This year, Film Bazaar, hosted by the National Film Development Corporation (NFDC) in November in Goa, dedicated special segments to documentary films. These films, with a strong emphasis on sports, gender, and LGBTQ+ issues, offered a diverse array of narratives.

Films like Lasya, directed by Shweta Bajaj, explore questions of gender identity, tracing the emotional journey of a 21-year-old undergoing sex reassignment surgery. Who Am I? by Sasi Kumar follows India's first transgender postwoman, Parvathy, portraying themes of acceptance and breaking societal barriers. The selection also included powerful stories such as Iron Women Of Manipur, Ladakh 470, and The Village Girl Who Ran, shedding light on sports, endurance, and societal challenges. Haobam Paban Kumar's Iron Women Of Manipur pays tribute to inspiring weightlifters Kunjarani Devi, Anita Chanu and Mirabi Chanu, while Supriyo Sen's Waste Side Story captures the journey of a band creating music from waste materials in Kolkata. These films showcase the rich tapestry of narratives emerging from the Indian documentary scene.