SHUBHANGI SHIFA
Ranchi, May 13: The Ranchi University (RU) on Friday inaugurated a two-day international film-festival, named ‘Samabhav’ under the joint aegis of Women’s Studies Centre and Men Against Violence and Abuse (MAVA). The topic for the festival was ‘Gender, Masculinity, Sexuality and Diversity’.
Talking to lagatar24.com correspondent, MAVA co-founder Harish Sadani said, “My goal behind organising such film festivals is creating a safe space for both men and women and starting a conversation about taboo issues like menstruation and sexuality; and making the viewers aware of the steps that we can take as a society towards gender equality.”
“There are several women and LGBTQ+ centric film festivals, however the roots of stigma and discrimination are heterosexual and cis men that are still untouched. I created this platform to talk about all genders and intersectionality. We also need to understand the effects of toxic masculinity not only on women, but also on men; homophobia and transphobia; and gender based discrimination and violence against both men and women,” Sadani added.
MAVA is the first organization of men that work towards stopping abuse against women, not just by empowering women, but also changing the outlook and mentality of toxic masculinity among men as well. “We work mostly with adolescent boys and young men and mentor them through workshops, theatre, training, etc to help them work for both men and women and convey the message of gender equality,” the MAVA co-founder further said.
A first ever travelling film festival to be organised in Ranchi, ‘Samabhav’ aims to engage youth through dialogue with experts on contemporary gender issues and intersectionality, and to advocate for a healthy and gender-equality society. The festival aims to provide a safe platform to address differences and celebrate diversity across genders.
Award winning and notable films such as The Great Indian Kitchen, The Little Godess, Natkhat, Hriday Bosot, Yahan Bhi Adalat Chala Hai, Maida, Bhap, Black Roses and Red Dresses, Pehichan, Tuloni Biya, Abbu are among the films to be screened at the two-day event.
Notably, the festival is free and open to all university and college students, young filmmakers, film enthusiasts and representatives of social organizations of the region and is being held on May 13 and 14 at Central Library, RU from 10 am to 5:30 pm.
In-depth discussions after the screening of films, and question answer rounds from both organisers and audience were an important part of the programme. Gender rights activists Dr. Purva Bhardwaj, Harish Sadani, Mamta Kumari, Praveen Thote, film producer Meghnath were among the keynote speakers who interacted with the participants present on the occasion.
