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This is an archive article published on March 6, 2009

It’s Her Scene

“I suddenly realised that I command the space to raise a dissenting voice. But if I don’t do it,it’s as political an act as doing it...

“I suddenly realised that I command the space to raise a dissenting voice. But if I don’t do it,it’s as political an act as doing it. To stay quiet is as political an act as speaking out,” says writer-activist Arundhati Roy,whose controversial imprisonment and constant campaigns against the Narmada dam is the subject of Aradhana Seth’s 50-minute film Dam/Age. The woman’s voice comes under the spotlight this weekend as the Asian Women’s Film Festival enters its fifth year at the India International Centre.

The theme for the two-day festival is “Dialogues in Diversity”,and features “films,both old and new,that explore the aesthetic and politics of filmmaking from the woman’s perspective,” says Jai Chandiram of IAWRT,which is organising the festival. On the platter,apart from struggles and crusades against stereotypes,are subjects like art (Defiant Art),music (The Shillong Chamber Choir and the Little Home School) and a story of Mumbai that unfolds through food and land (Cosmopolis: Two Tales of a City).

The world of short films and documentaries is crowded with women,so it is fitting that the festival will premiere US-based Alexis Krasilovsky’s 2007 documentary Women Behind the Camera which explores the trials and survival stories of camera-women in a male-dominated profession in India,Afghanistan,Iran,China,Japan and the US. The other film to be premiered at the festival is Understanding Trafficking in which director Ananya Chakraborti turns the camera towards the borders of India,Nepal and Bangladesh.

Delhi-based filmmaker Gargi Sen,whose collaborative work with Priyanka Mukherjee called Rehana will be staged on Sunday,is upbeat that “viewership and awareness for non-commercial films is rising”. Rehana talks about a mother of six who becomes a crusader for social change. Also part of the festival are two animation films — Say No to Plastic and Mukand and Riaz,about two friends separated during Partition.

The festival will be held on March 7 and 8. Contact: 9811277004

Dipanita Nath is a Senior Assistant Editor at The Indian Express, based in Pune. She is a versatile journalist with a deep interest in the intersection of culture, sustainability, and urban life. Professional Background Experience: Before joining The Indian Express, she worked with other major news organizations including Hindustan Times, The Times of India, and Mint. Core Specializations: She is widely recognized for her coverage of the climate crisis, theatre and performing arts, heritage conservation, and the startup ecosystem (often through her "Pune Inc" series). Storytelling Focus: Her work often unearths "hidden stories" of Pune—focusing on historical institutes, local traditions, and the personal journeys of social innovators. Recent Notable Articles (December 2025) Her recent reporting highlights Pune’s cultural pulse and the environmental challenges facing the city during the winter season: 1. Climate & Environment "Pune shivers on coldest morning of the season; minimum temperature plunges to 6.9°C" (Dec 20, 2025): Reporting on the record-breaking cold wave in Pune and the IMD's forecast for the week. "How a heritage tree-mapping event at Ganeshkhind Garden highlights rising interest in Pune’s green legacy" (Dec 20, 2025): Covering a citizen-led initiative where Gen Z and millennials gathered to document and protect ancient trees at a Biodiversity Heritage Site. "Right to breathe: Landmark NGT order directs PMC to frame norms for pollution from construction sites" (Dec 8, 2025): Reporting on a significant legal victory for residents fighting dust and air pollution in urban neighborhoods like Baner. 2. "Hidden Stories" & Heritage "Inside Pune library that’s nourished minds of entrepreneurs for 17 years" (Dec 21, 2025): A feature on the Venture Center Library, detailing how a collection of 3,500 specialized books helps tech startups navigate the product life cycle. "Before he died, Ram Sutar gave Pune a lasting gift" (Dec 18, 2025): A tribute to the legendary sculptor Ram Sutar (creator of the Statue of Unity), focusing on his local works like the Chhatrapati Shivaji statue at Pune airport. "The Pune institute where MA Jinnah was once chief guest" (Dec 6, 2025): An archival exploration of the College of Agriculture, established in 1907, and its historical role in India's freedom struggle. 3. Arts, Theatre & "Pune Inc" "Satyajit Ray, Ritwik Ghatak were not rivals but close friends, says veteran filmmaker" (Dec 17, 2025): A deep-dive interview ahead of the Pune International Film Festival (PIFF) exploring the camaraderie between legends of Indian cinema. "Meet the Pune entrepreneur helping women build and scale businesses" (Dec 16, 2025): Part of her "Pune Inc" series, profiling Nikita Vora’s efforts to empower female-led startups. "How women drone pilots in rural Maharashtra are cultivating a green habit" (Dec 12, 2025): Exploring how technology is being used by women in agriculture to reduce chemical use and labor. Signature Style Dipanita Nath is known for intellectual curiosity and a narrative-driven approach. Whether she is writing about a 110-year-old eatery or the intricacies of the climate crisis, she focuses on the human element and the historical context. Her columns are often a blend of reportage and cultural commentary, making them a staple for readers interested in the "soul" of Pune. X (Twitter): @dipanitanath ... Read More

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