On Women's Equality Day, as we are deluged with a relentless news cycle about horrific gender crimes, meaningful cinema offers some respite with empowering messages. These films reflect on the ongoing fight for gender equality, challenge patriarchy and question the oppressive systems that hold women back. Headlined by strong female characters, these films kindle hope and inspire us to change society for the better.
Lipstick Under My Burkha Alankrita Shrivastava is fast becoming a disruptor in the largely male-centric space of Hindi cinema with her bold, fearless articulation of female desire. 'Lipstick Under My Burkha' won the Spirit of Asia Prize and the Oxfam Award for Best Film on Gender Equality and tells the story of four women struggling to free themselves of barriers that society and their own families have imposed upon them. A widow in her fifties, a tailor's daughter who is expected to suppress her dreams of becoming a rock star, a housewife married to a sexually abusive man and an ambitious beautician then find a way to defy their circumstances.
As they take a stand for themselves and each other, they inspire us to do the same. 'Lipstick Under My Burkha' stars Ratna Pathak Shah, Konkona Sen Sharma, Aahana Kumra and Plabita Borthakur. Produced by Prakash Jha, Shobha Kapoor and Ekta Kapoor, the film can be watched on Amazon Prime Video.
Fakt Mahilao Maate (Gujarati) This Anand Pandit production struck gold in 2022 for its heartwarming message advocating for harmony be.