Something Like A War
A film by Deepa Dhanraj
51 minutes, 45 seconds | 16 mm | Colour | Hindi/Marwari | 1991
Produced by D&N Productions, India & Equal Media Pvt.Ltd., London for Channel 4 Television, U.K.
Watch the film online on the BIC website from Sept 25th – Oct 1st, 2020
Swati Dandekar will be in conversation with the director on September 29th, 7:00 pm IST.
Viewing is free and open to all.
Synopsis
SOMETHING LIKE A WAR is a chilling examination of India’s family planning program from the point of view of the women who are its primary targets. It traces the history of the family planning program and exposes the cynicism, corruption and brutality which characterizes its implementation. As the women themselves discuss their status, sexuality, fertility control and health, it is clear that their perceptions are in conflict with those of the program.
Credits
Camera, Navroze Contractor
Sound: Dilip Subramaniam
Editor: Haida Paul
Film Festivals and Awards
1992 Bombay International Film Festival for Short Films and Documentaries.
1992 Festival International Du Film Documentaire - Nyon, Switzerland.
Won the Swiss Television Award.
1992 International Short Film Festival -Leipzeg, Germany.
1992 Festival of South-Asian Women Directors - Sakhi, New York, U.S.A.
1993 Tampere Film Festival - Finland.
1993 Desh Pradesh Film Festival - Toronto, Canada.
1993 Films De Femmes - Creteil, France.
Won award for Best Long Documentary.
1993 Human Rights Convention, Geneva.
2008 IDFA
SOMETHING LIKE A WAR is a chilling examination of India’s family planning program from the point of view of the women who are its primary targets. It traces the history of the family planning program and exposes the cynicism, corruption and brutality which characterizes its implementation. As the women themselves discuss their status, sexuality, fertility control and health, it is clear that their perceptions are in conflict with those of the program.
Credits
Camera, Navroze Contractor
Sound: Dilip Subramaniam
Editor: Haida Paul
Film Festivals and Awards
1992 Bombay International Film Festival for Short Films and Documentaries.
1992 Festival International Du Film Documentaire - Nyon, Switzerland.
Won the Swiss Television Award.
1992 International Short Film Festival -Leipzeg, Germany.
1992 Festival of South-Asian Women Directors - Sakhi, New York, U.S.A.
1993 Tampere Film Festival - Finland.
1993 Desh Pradesh Film Festival - Toronto, Canada.
1993 Films De Femmes - Creteil, France.
Won award for Best Long Documentary.
1993 Human Rights Convention, Geneva.
2008 IDFA
THE DIRECTOR
Deepa Dhanraj is an award winning filmmaker who has been actively involved with the women's movement since 1980s. Over the last few years, she has participated in workshops, seminars and discussion groups on various issues related to women's status - political participation, health and education. She has taught video to women activists and has given numerous lectures in various forums; including colleges all over the country. Deepa has an extensive filmography spanning nearly three decades that include many series of films on education and health as well as award winning documentaries. Enough of this Silence (2008) , The Advocate' (2007), "Nari Adalat" (2000), 'Itta Hejje Mundakka Thegiya Bediri Hindakka', a series of 12 films for elected women in Gram Panchayats (1995), 'The Legacy of Malthus' (1994), 'Something like a War' (1991), 'Kya Hua Iss Shehar Ko' (1986) and 'Sudesha'(1983), are a few of her films. Her films have traveled to numerous film festivals world wide.
