Gulabi Gang, a feature-length documentary, will be released in theatres across India on February 21, 2014. The film is being presented by actor/producer Sohum Shah, who cinemagoers will remember from last year’s breakthrough feature, Ship of Theseus. It follows Sampat Paland the feisty women of her Gulabi Gang as they combat gender violence, caste oppression and widespread corruption in the badlands of Bundelkand in central India.
Gulabi Gang marks Shah’s foray into distribution. “The film has a great story, and is highly entertaining,” he reasoned. Speaking about the film’s relevance in Indian society he added, “I’ve always believed that cinema is a great medium for education. A film like this can help spread awareness on the current state of gender inequality in India.” Shah chose to release the film as he is, “Working towards changing the way Indian audiences look at documentaries. Just as so many people came forward to support us when we released Ship of Theseus, I feel like it’s my turn to lend my support to a film that I feel needs to be seen.”
Directed by Nishita Jain (who also co-produced the film through her Raintree Films banner), the film is supported by Norway-based Piraya Films and Final Cut For Real from Denmark, among other international participants. It has won five international awards, including Best Film at the Dubai International Film Festival and Best Documentary, awarded by the International Association of Women In Radio and Television (AIWRT). It also enjoys the distinction of being the first Indian documentary to have a theatrical release abroad, having released in Norway last year.
The release of Gulabi Gang sees Recyclewala Labs, the media production house helmed by Sohum Shah and Ship of Theseus Writer/Director Anand Gandhi, hold true to their pledge to, “Facilitate an evolving platform for local and international filmmakers to create contemporary, engaging and awe-inspiring experiences, using motion picture to initiate dialogue and examine belief systems.“ With several projects in the pipeline, expect some exciting revelations from the studio in the near future.
In Bundelkhand, India, a revolution is in the making among the poorest of the poor, as Sampat Pal and the fiery women of her Gulabi Gang empower themselves and take up the fight against gender violence, caste oppression and widespread corruption.
Check out these pictures from the recent launch
