Cinema has an unparalleled ability to mirror reality, to provoke thought, and to quietly ignite revolutions in the minds of its audience. The Other Side of Camera is not merely a project; it is an inquiry into the silences that permeate our society. Inspired by the powerful storytelling in films like The Great Indian Kitchen, this initiative seeks to peel back the layers of invisibility shrouding the labor, struggles, and systemic injustices faced by marginalized communities—be they women, caste minorities, or tribal populations.
This project takes a two-pronged approach:
Film Screenings: We will screen a curated selection of films, both regional and international, that grapple with themes of gender, caste, and tribal communities. By showcasing stories in languages such as Marathi, Malayalam, and others, we aim to bridge cultural divides and encourage inclusivity.
Post-Screening Discussions: These discussions will serve as spaces of reflection and dialogue, where students can express themselves freely in any language. The objective is to facilitate conversations on topics that are often ignored—intersectionality, invisible labor, prejudice, and systemic inequality—while nurturing diverse perspectives that reflect the plurality of our campus.
Digital Repository: To document and amplify these voices, we plan to host interviews with filmmakers—directors, producers, writers, and actors—who will share their creative processes, motivations, and lived experiences. These interviews will be archived digitally, creating a repository of stories that inspire learning and unlearning beyond the confines of the project.
Ultimately, The Other Side of Camera is an attempt to use the unassuming medium of cinema to compel its audience to confront the uncomfortable truths of societal inequalities and to foster empathy through dialogue and reflection.