A powerful and uplifting documentary about the fearless journalists behind Khabar Lahariya, India’s only newspaper run by Dalit (“untouchable”) women, as they fight for truth and justice in the face of hostile patriarchy and the rise of the right.
This amazing, powerful, and inspiring documentary shows that even the most downtrodden and powerless can move mountains with determination and courage. Khabar Lahariya (“News Wave”) is India’s only all-woman news outlet, founded in 2002 in the northern state of Uttar Pradesh by Dalit women (once called, and still often treated as, “untouchables”). Widely predicted to fail immediately, it has instead flourished and, as the film begins, is undertaking the challenging but necessary switch from print to digital media. All the reporters are given smartphones—some of whom have never touched the family phone for fear of breaking it—and patiently encouraged. Wife-and-husband directing team Rintu Thomas and Sushmit Ghosh focus on three main characters: trailblazing head reporter Meera, new but promising recruit Shyamkali, and dedicated youngster Suneeta. The women are also shown at home, with husbands or fathers who are bemused or hostile to their careers. They investigate stories of unprosecuted rapes and murders, the corruption of illegal mining operations, the rise of Hindu nationalism, and much more. Facing entrenched gender bias, overwhelming obstacles, and threats, they continue to fight for truth and justice with surprising success. Winner of both the Audience and Special Jury documentary prizes at this year’s Sundance Film Festival.
— Ruth Hayler
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