'Writing With Fire': The Blaze of Brave Women in Media
Fire spreads and grows and relentlessly burns everything in its path. But, at the same time it illuminates everything it touches. The documentary Writing With Fire, directed by Rintu Thomas and Sushmit Ghosh, does just that and more. It follows a group of women belonging to Khabar Lahariya, the only all-female news organization in India, and their journey to challenge the social constructs and expose the ignored stories of India. This group of women are faced with a ruthless caste system, relentless discrimination, and fear around every corner. Yet, they do not falter. In this film, the women are the heroines, not the victims. They refuse to fold under the overbearing men they encounter. They refuse to let their caste define their actions. Their experiences have strengthened them, and they refuse to play into the role that society has created for them.
The stories these women tell are like fire. They report on everything, regardless of the danger, and are dedicated to reporting on anything and everything that India tries to ignore. The illegal mining mafia-related deaths and violence, the lack of toilets despite it being guaranteed by the government, the rape and abuse many women face that is ignore by police, and many more. And they are successful. They have received over a hundred million views on Youtube, and they continue to grow in listeners and in influence everyday.
The documentary delves into the difficulties the reporters had adapting to a technological platform in order to survive as a company. The trepidation that accompanied the women of the organization receiving phones for the first time emphasizes the differences between their life and my own. However, I still felt connected to them. As an adolescent woman, I have felt their fear in a male-dominated society. But, I also feel safety in my everyday life and in my ability to work comfortably. While living everyday in comfort and safety, it can be easy to forget or ignore the things that we must change. Writing With Fire is a stark reminder of what must be changed. It forces the audience to think about what needs to be done to make a change within their own society. And it forces this realization that the world is far, far, from perfect, and there is much work left.
Accompanied by gorgeous cinematography displaying the beauties of Indian culture and religions and a beautifully woven story, this empowering film is a must-watch. It casts light upon the importance of media, and the importance of breaking the barriers formed to keep us in place. Armed with smartphones and journalism, these women made a change. Writing With Fire illuminates what is possible with just bravery and dedication, even when the whole world seems against you.
Written by Eleanor Stevens
