The reel life of women

Speed Sisters by Amber Fares details the story of the Middle East’s first all-women racing team

In 14 years of being part of the advertising world, hairstylist and filmmaker Sapna Moti Bhavnani has worked with just four women filmmakers, a statistic she terms "offensive". Is there, then, a shortage of women directors? No, she claims. Citing an example of the time she encountered a panel of four male filmmakers known for movies on women empowerment, she shares, "When I asked them why were there no women directors on their ‘manel', they asked, ‘Where are the female directors?' It's not that there are no women filmmakers; it's just that they are not represented." Realising the urgent need to create a platform that puts the spotlight on women directors, she launched her own venture, Wench Films, and this Women's History Month, they are hosting the Wench Film Festival, partnered by mid-day.
Dating back to the 13th century, the term wench refers to a girl child, but over time acquired derogatory and sexual connotations. Bhavnani says the idea is to reclaim the term. "My own ‘wench-ure' sounded right and the aim is to shift the gaze, and show how an innocent word changed due to patriarchy."

A still from Sindhustan by Sapna Moti Bhavnani

The online festival will showcase over 40 reels including narrative and documentary features, shorts and children's films by women directors. Kolkata-based film critic Rwita Dutta, who's curated a few films, tells us that its appeal lies in its motto: shifting perspectives by shifting the gaze. "I always wonder why there are so few women technicians and filmmakers in Bengali cinema. Even if there are, they mostly stick to the same old patriarchal gaze. Similarly, the way the LGBTQIA+ community is portrayed is sad. So, when Sapna approached me, I was happy," she says, adding that some of the curated films are helmed by women from regional film industries who've projected women differently.

A still from Maadathy by Leena Manimekalai

Brooklyn-based director Amber Fares, whose film Speed Sisters is part of Wench, too, points out that we're accustomed to seeing stories through a lens which is mostly male and white. "Festivals like Wench are important as they hold up filmmakers who people wouldn't otherwise be exposed to," she adds. Among other filmmakers part of the festival is Chennai-based Leena Manimekalai. Her Tamil film Maadathy, located in a folklore, reveals the story of a young girl from the Puthirai vannaar group - an "invisible Dalit community" from South India - and how caste becomes a ground for sexual violence. Manimekalai says festivals like Wench are important for independent directors like her. "It's not just about screenings films; it's also about networking, which couldn't happen for Maadathy due to the lockdown."

Leena Manimekalai, Amber Fares and Rwita Dutta

The fest will also comprise virtual panel discussions on themes and "burning topics", such as consent and intimacy on set, inclusion, hair and make-up, women in horror. "I'm surprised these issues aren't discussed, especially intimacy. We hope that this is educational, as I'm tired of hearing that people don't know the rules. Similarly, inclusivity is crucial; it's important to understand that if you're going to make a film about women, LGBTQIA+ issues or Dalits, you must have representation on your own crew," Bhavnani signs off.

Sapna Moti Bhavnani

The Guide's picks
>> Maadathy by Leena Manimekalai
>> Speed Sisters by Amber Fares
>> Teen Mahurat by Deyali Mukherjee
>> Stand Up by Vidhu Vincent
>> Hermione by Bella Merlino

On: March 6 to 14
Log on to: facebook.com/wenchfilmfestival or wenchfilmfestival.com